NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Trax Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 131 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. Its NHTSA crash-test performance represents a significant positive, though the assessment of its avoidance technology moderates the overall score. This standing reflects a respectable safety profile for a used SUV, based on federal data.
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax ranks 33 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 131 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax achieves a Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This score largely reflects the vehicle's excellent crash protection, with a sub-score of 66 out of 70, driven by near-perfect NHTSA star performance. However, its active-safety profile is notably thinner; the Trax scored only 6 out of 10 for avoidance technology. This is due to both forward collision warning and lane departure warning being optional features rather than standard equipment. Consumers who did not select these options at purchase are operating a vehicle without safety features now standard on many comparable models. The defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns: one addressing front lower-control arm ball joints and another concerning the air bag Sensing Diagnostic Module. While unverified, 131 owner complaints were filed, with a notable concentration in the Engine and Electrical System categories. These complaints should be considered by prospective buyers, even given the strong crash-test results. The 2019 Trax offers excellent passive protection, but its active-safety features were not a priority for all configurations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Trax perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact crash tests. The vehicle's rollover rating was 4 out of 5 stars, with an 18 percent rollover risk measured. Dynamic tip testing for the 2019 Trax concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13023
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Trax. The first targets the front suspension lower ball joint, where a joint in one or both front lower-control arms may have a defect, affecting 2017-2019 Trax models. The second addresses the Sensing Diagnostic Module in the air bag system, shared with the 2019 Buick Encore, Spark, and Traverse. Neither campaign carried a do-not-drive designation in the NHTSA record, but both warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT19V312000
Risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.
Reported 2019-04-18
AIR BAGS18V774000
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
Reported 2018-11-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has logged 131 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Trax. Alleged problem areas, reported by owners rather than established by investigation, are led by the Engine at 33 reports, followed by the Electrical System at 25, Unknown Or Other at 21, Suspension at 19, Steering at 15, and Service Brakes at 14. Nine alleged crashes and 8 alleged injuries are included in that total.
131 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
Two critical safety recalls, for the ball joint and the airbag Sensing Diagnostic Module, have been issued for the 2019 Trax. Prospective owners of a used 2019 Trax must confirm these recalls have been remedied by using the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool; open recalls transfer with ownership, and remedy is not guaranteed by a private sale.
- The 2019 Trax earned a perfect 5-star NHTSA overall score, but the rollover sub-rating steps down to 4 stars with an 18 percent rollover risk, a specific figure used-market buyers should note.
- Two active recall campaigns from this model year cover front lower-control arm ball joints and the air bag Sensing Diagnostic Module; VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential before purchase.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning many 2019 Trax units on the used market may lack both features entirely.
- NHTSA has received 131 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Engine and Electrical System as the top two alleged problem categories, accounting for 58 of those reports combined.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Trax places
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Trax safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Trax crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Trax crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Trax earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 131 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Trax years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13023), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Trax 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 33 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.