NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Trax Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, positioning it in the Strong safety band. This score is supported by the absence of recalls, a notable factor in its favor. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology score is comparatively low, impacting its overall assessment. Despite this, the crash test results contribute to a robust safety profile for this model year.
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax ranks 60 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 | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax earns a Safety Index of 84/100, placing it within the Strong band, though it marks a three-point decrease from the 2020 model's 87/100. This year's Trax demonstrates clear strength in crash protection, achieving 66 out of a possible 70 points. This performance is largely driven by its NHTSA NCAP overall 5-star rating, supported by matching 5-star results in both frontal and side impact tests. The Trax's rollover assessment aligns with expectations for an SUV in its class, receiving 4 out of 5 stars with a 20 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic result. However, the vehicle loses significant ground in avoidance technology, scoring only 2 out of 10 in this category. This low score reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, with only electronic stability control confirmed as standard. The defect record contributes 16.25 out of 20 points, bolstered by the absence of any NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. The combination of robust crash-test performance and a clean recall history positions the 2021 Trax as a competitive safety option in the used market. The primary consideration for potential buyers remains its limited suite of avoidance technologies.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Trax perform in crash tests?
The 2021 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 crash protection. The agency's rollover assessment, however, yielded a 4 out of 5-star rating, with a 20 percent rollover risk measured, though the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15153
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall databases are updated continuously and new campaigns can be filed at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has received 22 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Trax. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 8 reports, the Engine and Service Brakes each with 6 reports, and the Power Train with 3 reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2021 Trax has no recalls on record with NHTSA. While this indicates no outstanding safety campaigns are active, prospective owners should still confirm a vehicle's recall status via its VIN on the NHTSA website, as new campaigns can emerge.
- The 2021 Chevrolet Trax is the only model year in the immediate range to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, giving it a clean defect-record contribution of 16.25 out of 20 in this year's Index.
- The Safety Index fell three points from the 2020 model year's 87 to this year's 84, a movement driven primarily by the avoidance-technology score of 2 out of 10, which reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave the 2021 Trax a 5-star overall rating with perfect frontal and side scores, but the rollover category came in at 4 stars with a 20 percent rollover risk - the single area where this year's crash-test performance falls short of a sweep.
- The 22 unverified owner complaints on file skew heavily toward the Electrical System and Engine, with 8 and 6 reports respectively - patterns a used buyer should note when reviewing a vehicle's service history, keeping in mind these are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Trax places
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Trax safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Trax crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Trax crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15153), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Trax 2021.
- 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 60 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.