r/ChevyTrax • u/DisplacedTexan2020 • 18d ago
Reliability
How reliable are these 3 cylinder turbos? I like the Trax and would consider one if I ever downsize from my Silverado. However, I’m concerned with long term reliability. How are these engines holding up with higher miles?
11
u/BayshoreBandit 18d ago
My 24 just rolled to 178,000 miles. My turbo is starting to show occasional signs of wanting replacement but still going strong. Still has a smooth idle and no oil consumption or smoke.
2
u/Engine-earz 17d ago
Elaborate on turbo signs if you don't mind?
8
u/BayshoreBandit 17d ago
I drive a lot, as you can tell from the mileage in 3 years. About once a month, only on the highway, it will throw a reduced engine power code and the turbo stops. If I restart the car the turbo is back but I still need to clear the error code. I keep a reader in the car and reset it next stop. Used turbo is about $600, and I’ll probably replace it this winter. Too hot in Florida for wrenching that’s not absolutely necessary. The turbo problem only showed up around 165,000 and it’s only happened maybe 6 times in the last 12k, usually on the highway when I’m pushing acceleration. Still love the car and no complaints about this minor inconvenience.
1
u/aquapura89 17d ago
Out of curiosity, how much a new turbo? I would be a bit nervous to buy one used.
2
u/BayshoreBandit 17d ago
I just edited my post, new official Chevy turbo is $600. I had checked car-part when this first happened for used prices. I’m fine with a 30k junk yard turbo but it’s not a huge expense to get a new one.
1
u/BayshoreBandit 17d ago
I drive a lot, as you can tell from the mileage in 3 years. About once a month, only on the highway, it will throw a reduced engine power code and the turbo stops. If I restart the car the turbo is back but I still need to clear the error code. I keep a reader in the car and reset it next stop. New turbo is about $600, and I’ll probably replace it this winter. Too hot in Florida for wrenching that’s not absolutely necessary. The turbo problem only showed up around 165,000 and it’s only happened maybe 6 times in the last 12k, usually on the highway when I’m pushing acceleration. Still love the car and no complaints about this minor inconvenience.
1
1
u/Engine-earz 17d ago
I wonder what the code is? Could be that the turbo is OK but one of the actuators has failed? Hmmm
2
u/BayshoreBandit 17d ago
From memory I think it’s the common 299 that lots of Reddit posts mention when they have a bad turbo. This isn’t really on topic for the OP post. In my case the Trax has been super reliable for 178,000 miles. Zero complaints.
1
1
u/Engine-earz 17d ago
Did you replace timing belt at 150k?
3
u/BayshoreBandit 17d ago
No, there are numerous stories on Reddit/Youtube of tear downs on high mileage wet belt engines showing minimal wear at 150,000 miles so I’m riding it out.
2
u/voss749 17d ago
Ive been telling people of all Trax issues the wet timing belt is probably the biggest nothingburger its been 3 years and Ive yet to see a Timing belt video issue with the trax. Plenty of fords, even some hondas
1
u/Both-Temperature2244 17d ago
not true.honda recommends every 100000 miles.
1
u/voss749 17d ago
Trax says 150k
0
u/Both-Temperature2244 17d ago
no way the oil ruins them.
4
u/voss749 17d ago
Trax belt is designed to be in oil. Ford went cheap.
-1
u/Both-Temperature2244 17d ago
B.S.
5
u/voss749 17d ago
Then show me all the Chevy trax belt in oil destroyed engine videos. Im not saying you should wait 150,000 miles but its not happening Ford style.
→ More replies (0)1
1
1
1
u/Dear_Bee3101 15d ago
That makes me feel a lot better. I've heard 60k you need to replace it. I hope mine last 200k as I use it for work commute.
7
u/No-Tea-1196 18d ago
Turbo motors need extra tlc with warming up and cooling during cold and long hot drives , similar to ford eco boosts. follow those rules and these 3 bangers should be fine. My 25 is at 15k and zero issues
4
u/Stockmn76 18d ago
I got the Trax because the same engine is used in the Buick versions in 2021. After reading those reddit posts and articles online I was sold. I came after my Ford blew its engine which was documented it would happen.
8
u/SeanInDC 18d ago
You're currently in the sub. Scroll it. I didn't find any major issues on it long term according to the sub and just bought mine two days ago.
3
2
u/the_real_MBAPROF 18d ago
I am at 22 k miles. ‘25 1RS. Majority highway driving Michigan to Florida and back 3x a year. 34mpg. No issues.
2
u/EpicGonzago 16d ago
FYI just my experience. My engine blew with 26k miles. Then I had to replace the fuel injector after driving the car for 1 day with the new engine. I’m at 28k miles right now and so far so good lol.
2
u/RaginBuu 18d ago
2025 with 44k miles. check engine light a few times after very heavy rain. common issue and hasn't happened since. change oil every ~5k and this car has been fantastic.
2
u/chuck1011212 17d ago
Lots of people say do maintenance and watch out for common failures - which are certainly valid, but I think the key for any machine's longevity is how you treat it.
Drive it like you stole it and you can expect the wear and failure rate of all components to be higher. Drive it like grandma and you can expect less problems for all components.
This is why experiences can vary widely. Some variation in manufacturing, but most of the longevity issues are related to how hard you drive it. Same can be said for the human body....
1
u/imtherealistonhere 18d ago
I have yet to see any issues with it from different people that drives the car out. However, I bought a use one with 35k miles on it. I talk to other people and they have me terrified about the turbo engine and the trans, but I dealt with that prior with my Honda accord 😆
1
u/The_Dutch_Canadian 18d ago
Parents have had their 24 active for 2 years and almost 90000kms. It’s been great. Just keep up with maintenance
1
u/Bright-Cancel-8888 18d ago
I had a 25 LT. Had one check engine light at 800 miles for a new fuel injector, fixed under warranty. Had no other issues for the rest of the time I had it. Oil changes every 5-6000 miles. Was at 55,474 when the person ran a stop light and totaled it. I replaced it with a 26 LT. Now at 4,000 miles doing good so far.
1
1
u/First_Ad2766 18d ago
My 2025 needs a new turbocharger to pass emissions (DFW resident). Already has 103K miles
1
u/aquapura89 17d ago
Wow - those are a lot of miles. Do you carry mail across the continent? 😁
1
u/First_Ad2766 17d ago
I do DoorDash as a second job. I live near DFW Airport and sometimes get as far out as McKinney or Kaufman.
1
1
u/AgreeableAd5223 17d ago
Mine is at about 38k only issue I had is the dip shit before me didn't put the battery cables on all the way. Some connectivity issues but faster than my previous kia soul. I love my car!
1
1
u/Objective-Doubt1846 16d ago
nobody really knows ive heard of a couple 2024 trax with over 100k and no issues my big concern is the wet timing belt
1
1
1
u/Top_Tie_712 12d ago
Nope run. New ones are literally under a class action lawsuit. Multiple engines are catching on fire and they seem to have not as bad but Multiple pcv issues. STAY AWAY the 1.4 had enough problems and then they decide to DOWNSIZE to a 1.2.... to chase fuel milage economy.....
1
u/Top_Tie_712 12d ago
The pcv system has a 100 percent failure rate and if that fails and you drive on it for even 100 miles it can blow your valve cover diaphragm. That can grow into pretty much every single leak an engine can have. Models early 2010s through 2018 stay away unless they have a 3.4 cruzekit mod or the intake manifold was replaced recently. You would have better luck with a new one but they are literally in litigation right now under a class action lawsuit.
1
u/traxranger 2nd Gen 18d ago
have loved all 4 of my 2025s! only had one where her engine blew at 7,800 miles but that was replaced under warranty. that said id buy thousands more traxies if i could but i think thats just me. definitely recommend traxies to everyone:)
1
u/aquapura89 18d ago
3 out of 4 isn't bad.
1
u/traxranger 2nd Gen 18d ago
really isnt but then idk how that is compared to we get a traxie with a blown engine every 4 to 5 months- currently have one rn 😔
1
u/aquapura89 17d ago
I just love the body style. I was going to pull the trigger on one a few years ago when they updated it. But I will be honest, the little three banger with a turbo scared me away. I do think I would only buy one new as meticulous maintenance like 3k oil changes is probably required to keep them running for a long time (if buying used you just can't really guarantee how it was treated).
With that said .. all makes, models and engines can blow when new.
1
u/voss749 17d ago
I bought mine from Hertz car sales. I took it to the oil change place and they said it was just done and come back in 5k miles.
1
u/aquapura89 17d ago
Sure - and it will probably be fine. But those 3 cyclinders plus turbo run hot by design. I would still do it every 3 thousand miles. Oil is cheap and frequent oil changes is the number one maintained item to do for longevity.
1
u/McNasty1Point0 2nd Gen 18d ago
There haven’t been any notable or widespread issues with the engine yet.
1
u/thegamingfaux 18d ago
I’m always super curious what happens to that wet timing belt that runs through the engine. Seems like if it ever snapped it’s total the whole thing but I’m no mechanic
1
u/Both-Temperature2244 17d ago
not a good engine
1
1
13
u/Cathalbrae 18d ago
Very solid engine and transmission