Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2019 Chevrolet Trax pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2019 Chevrolet Trax
Check another vehicle
2019 Chevrolet Trax
LS / LT / Premier (1st gen, 2015-2022)
Watchful

The Gamma II Trax is GM's entry-level subcompact SUV — smallest and least expensive. The 1.4T Ecotec shares the timing chain and oil consumption concern with the Encore. Limited interior space and power are the honest tradeoffs. Strong value for urban buyers who need something small, affordable, and easy to park.

Items to check
12
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
155
Top concern
1.4T timing chain / oil consumption / limited power

Powertrain

1.4T Ecotec timing chain and oil consumption

High Attention
Same 1.4T concerns as Encore — timing chain rattle on cold start, oil consumption above 80k on neglected service.
Cold-start rattle check + dipstick check.
Est. cost: $600–$1,400 timing chain / $4,500–$6,500 engine if severe Source: 1.4T Ecotec pattern

Turbo wastegate rattle

Monitor
High-frequency rattle at idle on warm engine = wastegate.
Warm engine idle listen.
Est. cost: $150–$400 wastegate repair Source: 1.4T turbo pattern

Electrical

IntelliLink infotainment

Low Risk
Known Bluetooth issues. Software updates help.
Test all functions.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: GM campaigns

Suspension

Front strut wear

Low Risk
Standard wear at 80k+ miles.
Bounce test.
Est. cost: $300–$600 per strut Source: Common wear

Body

Interior space awareness

Low Risk
Trax rear seat is tight for adults — verify before purchase.
Sit in the rear seat and check headroom/legroom.
Est. cost: N/A — preference Source: Consumer experience

Documentation

Oil service history + recall check

High Attention
Oil change history on 1.4T is the critical document. Three recalls possible.
Request all maintenance records. Run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Walk away from 1.4T without oil change history Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

More Chevrolet checklists

2014 Silverado 1500 · 2016 Malibu · 2017 Cruze · 2018 Colorado · 2018 Equinox · 2018 Suburban · 2018 Tahoe · 2018 Traverse · 2019 Blazer · 2020 Bolt EV · 2021 Suburban · 2021 Tahoe · 2021 Trailblazer · 2022 Silverado 1500 · 2023 Colorado · 2024 Trax
Want this exact car professionally vetted?
Independent pre-purchase inspection — we arrange it and walk you through the findings.

Send us the listing and we reply within 1 business day. Nothing due until we confirm a mechanic and a time. Piloting in Phoenix; other US metros by arrangement.

Get an inspection quote Get the full Vetting Report
The Vetting Report: this VIN’s full recall status, known-failure cost ranges, negotiation talking points, and inspection priorities — delivered within 24 hours.