2013 Chevrolet Trax

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax marked the first year of the subcompact SUV in the North American market. It was generally praised for its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking in urban environments. However, it was often criticized for its underpowered engine, basic interior, and somewhat cramped rear seats. The sole engine option for the 2013 Trax in North America was a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LUJ/A14NET)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive oil consumption, whistling noises from the turbocharger, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Water Outlet)
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the water outlet housing, which is made of plastic and prone to cracking. Overheating, low coolant level warning, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the water outlet housing with an updated design, preferably one made of metal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling, check engine light, oil leaks, whistling noises from the engine, vacuum leaks. Sometimes caused by a diaphragm in the valve cover failing.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve, valve cover (if the PCV is integrated), or intake manifold (if applicable).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T40)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts, transmission slipping between gears, especially noticeable between 2nd and 3rd gear. Check engine light might illuminate with transmission-related codes.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) might alleviate the issue. More severe cases may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at highway speeds, especially when the torque converter locks up. Poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during cornering, unusual noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed, vibration in the steering wheel.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500 per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, even after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Could be a faulty module, aftermarket accessory, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Oxygen, MAF, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio Display Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent display, flickering, or complete failure of the radio/infotainment screen.
  • Solution: Software update or radio/infotainment system replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 (Software Update); $300 - $1000+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels/Lower Body
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the rocker panels, door bottoms, and other lower body panels, especially in areas with high road salt usage.
  • Solution: Repair and repaint the affected areas to prevent further rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues (Compressor Failure)
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning blowing warm air, no cold air, unusual noises from the AC compressor.
  • Solution: Replace the AC compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax, while a decent entry-level SUV, suffers from a variety of issues ranging in severity and cost. Engine problems, particularly related to the turbocharger and coolant leaks, are relatively common and can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, especially with harsh shifting and torque converter failure, also represent a significant concern. Electrical problems, such as battery drain and sensor failures, can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. The rust issues are also a significant problem that many owners encounter. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision, or have a pre-purchase inspection completed.