The Chevrolet Trax is a bite-sized crossover that offers fuel efficiency and a low sticker price, while still being able to haul your family. But with so much competition in the SUV segment, is the Trax SUV worth the affordable price tag?

Here’s everything you need to know about the reliability of the Chevrolet Trax and its potential trouble spots, to help you determine whether it’s worth the money.

Is the Chevrolet Trax reliable?

Consumer Reports uses survey and research data, as well as its own knowledge to predict how reliable new vehicles will. As part of this prediction, Consumer Reports also uses past reliability verdicts.

Though the Chevrolet Trax has only been available since the 2015 model year, Consumer Reports has rated no model year with an overall reliability rating of more than three out of five, or “average.”

Both 2015 and 2016 Trax model years receive an astonishingly-low reliability rating of one (out of five), while the 2017 model year received a rating of two and the 2018 Trax received a rating of three. Though reliability ratings seem to be getting better, Consumer Reports still only gives the latest 2020 Chevrolet Trax a predicted reliability rating of three out of five.

What’s worse is the 2020 Chevrolet Trax’ predicted overall owner satisfaction rating, which stands at the lowest possible score of one out of five. Consumer Reports predicts that less than half of all new buyers will be satisfied with their purchase, based on current Trax-owner data. So what problems make the Chevrolet Trax one of the worst-rated subcompact SUVs in reliability on the market?

Potential trouble spots with the Trax

Based on its scores in reliability, it’s easy to see that owners aren’t completely satisfied with their Chevrolet Trax. Consumer Reports finds that since the 2015 model year, the Chevrolet Trax is more reliable in some areas than others.

The Trax has a history of good reliability in areas such as body hardware, major transmission and minor engine problems, drive system, exhaust system, and in-car electronics. Areas that ranked lower in reliability and are more likely to give Trax owners problems include major engine issues, minor transmission problems, the fuel system, electric system, suspension, brakes, and power equipment.

CarComplaints.com also finds that the relatively new Chevrolet Trax has had some problems, with nearly 100 owner-reported problems across all model years.

Though the 2016 Trax has the most complaints of any model year, the most commonly reported problem regardless of the model year is with the A/C and heating system.

At an average of 24,000 miles, owners report their A/C or heating systems not working properly. But other owners also report problems with their Trax’ interior accessories, electrical system, and engine.

What the experts have to say about the Chevrolet Trax

U.S. News Cars ranks the 2020 Chevrolet Trax 11th out of 14 new subcompact SUVs, with an unimpressive overall score of 6.7 (out of 10). Dissatisfied with its “lackluster engine” and “stiff ride,” the 2020 Chevrolet Trax receives a low score of 5.9 in performance, as well as from the critics. It scores a 9.1 in safety, nearly making up for the 6.5 it received for its interior and the only average rating it received from J.D. Power.

MotorTrend doesn’t feel much better about the 2020 Chevrolet Trax, only giving it an overall rating of 1.5 (out of five). According to MotorTrend, the Trax is “not as spacious and its driving dynamics are well behind” its competitors. When taken out on the road, MotorTrend experts also found its acceleration to be lacking, as well as its personality.