Common Holden Trax Problems (2013-2020) — Reliability & Fix Guide

Buying a used Holden Trax? Already own one? You need to know the common faults these vehicles face. In my 15 years as a mechanic, I’ve worked on dozens of Trax models. Some issues pop up again and again.

This guide covers the real problems I see in my shop. I’ll explain what breaks, why it happens, and how to spot trouble early. You’ll save money and avoid breakdowns.

Let’s get your Trax running right.

Quick Look at the Holden Trax

The Holden Trax hit Australian roads in 2013. It’s actually a Chevrolet Trax with a different badge. General Motors built these small SUVs until 2020.

People like the Trax because it’s compact and easy to park. It fits well in city traffic. The fuel economy is decent too.

But here’s the truth from my workshop: these vehicles have weak spots. The first generation (2013-2020) shares problems across multiple years. When I see a Trax roll into my bay, I already know what to check first.

Main Issues with the Holden Trax (2013-2020)

Gearbox Failures and Transmission Troubles

This is the big one. Transmission problems are the most expensive repairs I do on Trax vehicles.

The automatic transmission in these cars causes headaches. I’ve replaced several complete gearboxes in my career. The repair bill? Often $3,000 to $5,000.

From what I see under the hood, the problem starts small. Then it gets worse fast.

What You’ll Notice:

Hard clunking when shifting gears
Hesitation when you press the gas pedal
Gears that won’t engage properly
Strange whining sounds from under the car
Smell like burning rubber or oil
Warning lights flashing on your dash

What Causes This:

Low transmission fluid (check this monthly)
Bad solenoid valves inside the gearbox
Torque converter wearing out too early
Computer module going bad
Clutch packs burning up
Metal shavings in the fluid

In my shop, I use a fluid analysis kit to check transmission health. If I see metal particles, the damage is already done. Prevention is key here.

Battery Drains and Electrical Gremlins

Modern cars have complex wiring. The Trax is no exception. I diagnose electrical faults almost every week.

These problems frustrate owners the most. Your car works fine one day, then won’t start the next morning.

Signs of Electrical Problems:

Dead battery after sitting overnight
Radio and screen going black randomly
Lights dimming or flickering
Power windows moving slowly
Door locks acting up on their own
Multiple warning lights at once

Root Causes:

Battery losing capacity (replace every 4 years)
Corroded wire connections
Ignition coil failures
Body control module bugs
Faulty alternator not charging properly
Poor ground connections

I always start with a voltage drop test. My multimeter finds bad connections quickly. Sometimes it’s just a loose battery terminal. Other times, I’m tracing wires for hours.

Turbo System Breakdowns

The 1.4L turbocharged engine sounds great on paper. More power from a small engine. But turbos need care.

When a turbo fails in my shop, it’s usually from neglect. Oil changes matter more than people think.

Warning Signs:

Check engine light staying on
Blue or black smoke from the exhaust
Loud whistling or grinding noise
Losing power going uphill
Burning more fuel than normal

Why Turbos Fail:

Skipping oil changes (do them every 5,000 km)
Using cheap oil that breaks down
Dirty air filter choking the turbo
Oil supply lines getting clogged
Exhaust leaks damaging components
Shutting off the engine immediately after highway driving

Here’s a pro tip from my toolbox: let your engine idle for 30 seconds before turning it off. This cools the turbo down. It adds years to turbo life.

Fuel Pump and Injector Issues

The fuel system needs to be clean. Dirty fuel kills expensive parts.

I’ve pulled out clogged fuel filters filled with rust and debris. Australian fuel quality varies. Some service stations have old underground tanks.

Symptoms to Watch:

Engine cranks but won’t start
Sputtering and rough idle
Whining noise from the fuel tank
Wet spots under the car (fuel leaks)
Poor acceleration response

Common Culprits:

Fuel filter blocked (change every 40,000 km)
Fuel pump motor burning out
Injectors getting gummed up
Pressure regulator stuck open or closed
Contaminated fuel from bad petrol

In my experience, using premium fuel occasionally helps. It has detergents that clean injectors. I also recommend fuel system cleaner every 10,000 km.

Engine Stalling and Rough Running

The 1.4L and 1.8L engines in the Trax have their quirks. Some run rough when cold. Others stall at traffic lights.

I diagnose engine problems with a scan tool. It reads live data from sensors. This shows me what’s failing.

What Drivers Report:

Engine cutting out unexpectedly
Rough idle that shakes the car
Hesitation when accelerating
Knocking or pinging sounds
Loss of power under load

Typical Causes:

Carbon buildup on valves
Faulty mass airflow sensor
Bad spark plugs (change every 60,000 km)
Vacuum leaks in hoses
Throttle body needing cleaning
Timing chain stretching

Brake Noise and Reduced Stopping Power

Brakes are safety critical. Any brake problem needs immediate attention.

The Trax has decent brakes, but they wear unevenly sometimes. I’ve seen grooved rotors on cars with only 40,000 km.

Brake Warning Signs:

Squealing or grinding when braking
Brake pedal feeling soft or spongy
Car pulling to one side when stopping
Longer stopping distances
Brake fluid leaking (check under the car)
Dashboard warning light

What’s Breaking:

Brake pads worn down to metal
Warped or grooved brake rotors
Air in the brake lines
Faulty ABS module
Master cylinder losing pressure
Seized caliper pistons

From years under the hood, I recommend inspecting brakes every 10,000 km. A quick visual check takes five minutes. It could save your life.

Model Years with the Most Problems

Not all Trax models are equal. Some years have more complaints than others.

Based on warranty claims and my repair records, here are the worst years:

2015 Holden Trax

First year problems plague the 2015 model. GM was still working out bugs.

Major Issues: Transmission failures, engine stalling, dead batteries

My Take: Avoid unless heavily discounted and recently serviced

2016 Holden Trax

The problems continued into 2016. Transmission issues actually got worse.

Major Issues: Gearbox slipping, turbo failures, rough shifting

My Take: High repair risk, check service history carefully

2017 Holden Trax

GM made updates, but old problems remained. New issues appeared too.

Major Issues: Fuel system faults, suspension noise, brake problems

My Take: Better than 2015-2016 but still problematic

2018 Holden Trax

Electrical gremlins haunt this year. The turbo also causes trouble.

Major Issues: Battery drain, computer glitches, turbo breakdowns, AC failures

My Take: Common complaints about reliability

Best Years: If buying used, look at 2019-2020 models. GM fixed many issues by then.

Real Owner Feedback

When I service a car like this, I ask owners about their experience. Most are honest.

The Trax works well for singles or couples. Families find it cramped with kids in back seats. Cargo space is tight too.

Positive comments I hear:

Easy to drive in the city
Good fuel economy on highways
Comfortable front seats
Decent technology features

Complaints from my customers:

Transmission problems are expensive
Electrical issues are frustrating
Rear seat space is limited
Build quality feels cheap

Check YouTube reviews before buying. Search “Holden Trax long-term review” for real experiences.

How to Keep Your Trax Running Strong

Prevention beats expensive repairs. Here’s my workshop wisdom:

Regular Maintenance Schedule:

Oil changes every 5,000 km (use quality oil)
Transmission fluid every 60,000 km
Brake fluid every 2 years
Coolant flush every 100,000 km
Spark plugs every 60,000 km
Air filter every 20,000 km

Daily Habits:

Check fluid levels monthly
Listen for unusual noises
Watch the dashboard for warning lights
Keep the car clean (prevents rust)
Drive smoothly (no harsh acceleration)

Before Buying Used:

Get a pre-purchase inspection ($150 well spent)
Check service history records
Look for oil leaks under the engine
Test drive in city and highway conditions
Scan for fault codes with OBD2 reader

Final Thoughts from the Workshop

The Holden Trax is an okay small SUV. But it’s not the most reliable vehicle I work on.

The transmission issues worry me most. They’re expensive and common. If you already own a Trax, maintain it religiously. Change fluids on time. Fix small problems before they grow.

For buyers shopping used cars, consider alternatives. The Mazda CX-3 or Honda HR-V are more reliable in my experience.

If you love the Trax, buy a 2019 or 2020 model. Avoid 2015-2018 unless the price reflects the risk. Always get a mechanic’s inspection before handing over money.

Take care of your car. It’ll take care of you.

Common Questions About Holden Trax Problems

What breaks most often on a Holden Trax?

Transmission problems top the list. Gearbox issues, slipping gears, and hard shifting happen frequently. Electrical faults come second—battery drains, computer glitches, and sensor failures. The turbocharger also fails more than expected.

Which Trax years should I avoid buying?

Stay away from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 models. These years have the most complaints and highest repair costs. The 2019 and 2020 models are better options with fewer reported issues.

Has GM recalled any Holden Trax models?

Yes, several recalls exist for engine problems, electrical faults, and transmission issues. Check the recall website for your VIN number. Visit a GM dealer to get recall work done for free.

How do I prevent expensive Trax repairs?

Follow the maintenance schedule strictly. Change oil every 5,000 km. Replace transmission fluid every 60,000 km. Use quality parts, not cheap alternatives. Fix warning lights immediately. Drive gently and avoid harsh acceleration. Regular inspections catch problems early when they’re cheaper to fix.

Is the Holden Trax worth buying used?

It depends on your budget and needs. The Trax works for city driving and single owners. But reliability is below average compared to competitors. If buying used, choose 2019-2020 models. Get a pre-purchase inspection. Budget extra money for potential repairs. Consider more reliable alternatives like Mazda CX-3 or Honda HR-V.