MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Chevrolet Trax Safety

NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Trax model year we cover.

Across the 7 model years of the Chevrolet Trax we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 84. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV that has carved out a spot in one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Aimed squarely at budget-conscious urban buyers and first-time SUV shoppers, the Trax competes on value and practicality. Its compact footprint and accessible price point make it a popular choice for younger drivers and city dwellers who want SUV versatility without a premium commitment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trax achieved a strong overall safety performance, earning a NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100. This places it firmly in our Strong band for that model year. The Trax secured 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, an impressive showing in these critical categories. Its rollover protection rating was 4 out of 5 stars. This result is particularly relevant for a subcompact SUV, a vehicle class where geometry can present challenges to rollover resistance. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Trax has accumulated 3 recalls, a comparatively low number over this seven-year period. Owner complaints, however, are more extensive, totaling 478. Among these complaints, 36 alleged crashes, 14 alleged fires, and 44 reported injuries are on file with NHTSA. While these are unverified allegations, the number of fire-related complaints warrants specific attention from potential owners. On the whole, the Trax demonstrates strong crash protection, but buyers should ensure any open recalls for their chosen model year have been addressed.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Chevrolet Trax as a practical and unpretentious entry in the subcompact SUV segment, praising its maneuverability and ease of use in urban environments. Most professional assessments position it as a sensible choice for budget-focused buyers while acknowledging that it does not lead the segment in any single dimension. Its recent redesign has drawn more favorable attention than earlier iterations.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2022 Trax earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index score in our covered range at 88 out of 100, making it the benchmark model year for safety-focused shoppers within this generation.
  • Frontal and side crash protection both reached 5 out of 5 NHTSA stars in the best-performing year, but rollover protection sits at 4 out of 5 stars, a reminder that the Trax shares the geometric limitations common to tall, narrow subcompact SUVs.
  • Only 3 recalls were issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years, which is a low count for a seven-year span. Shoppers should still run their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm no open actions remain on their vehicle.
  • The 478 owner complaints on file include 14 alleged fire-related incidents. These are unverified allegations, but prospective buyers should review the specific complaint descriptions on NHTSA's website relevant to their target model year before finalizing a purchase.

Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Chevrolet Trax with 2 recalls.

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