Holden Trax Common Problems

The Holden Trax (TJ, 2013 to 2020) is a small front-wheel-drive SUV built by GM Korea, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Trax and the TM Barina. At launch it had a 1.8-litre petrol four with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A 1.4-litre turbo petrol, paired with the six-speed auto, joined the range from around 2015. A 2017 facelift brought a new nose and an updated interior. It scored five stars in 2013 ANCAP testing. The Trax is practical and cheap to buy, but owner reviews rate its reliability as average at best, with the cooling system behind many of the complaints.

Coolant leaks and overheating (1.8 and 1.4 turbo, 2013 to 2020)

Cooling system faults are among the most common owner complaints. Water pumps, thermostats, plastic thermostat housings, coolant reservoirs and hoses all fail, and some owners have had the same parts replaced more than once. A degrading plastic housing can also jam the thermostat shut. Watch for a falling coolant level, a sweet smell, dried coolant crust on the engine and a rising temperature gauge. A thermostat or housing job is usually a few hundred dollars, but repairs after an overheat can run into the thousands.

Oil cooler leaks and turbo faults (1.4 turbo, 2015 to 2020)

On the 1.4 turbo, owners report oil leaking near the oil cooler and, in some cases, oil getting into the coolant. A failed head gasket gives similar signs, so a workshop should pressure test the system and test the coolant for combustion gases. There are also a few owner reports of turbo failures. An oil cooler gasket job should be in the hundreds of dollars, while a turbo or head gasket repair can run into the thousands.

Vacuum leaks and lean running codes (1.8 and 1.4 turbo, 2013 to 2020)

Some owners get a check-engine light with code P0171, which means the engine is running lean, often because of a vacuum leak. The common culprits are the PCV valve, perished vacuum hoses and a poorly sealing dipstick or oil filler cap. A dirty or faulty airflow sensor can do the same. Expect rough idle, hesitation and higher fuel use. Once the leak is found, the fix is usually a modest one.

Automatic gearbox faults (6-speed automatic, 2013 to 2020)

A smaller number of owners report hesitant take-off, stalling at lights and delayed shifts. Ask whether the gearbox fluid has ever been changed, and treat any flare or slip on the test drive as a warning. A reconditioned automatic can cost several thousand dollars fitted, which is a large share of an older Trax's value.

MyLink freezing and GPS faults (all models, 2013 to 2020)

The MyLink system can freeze, lose Bluetooth or give poor GPS guidance, and some screens are hard to read in sunlight. Navigation map updates carry a fee. Test every function on the drive, because owners say the faults can be intermittent and hard to get fixed under warranty.

Recalls and safety

In 2014 Holden recalled manual Trax and Barina models because the car could hop forward if left in gear with the engine off and the key in the ignition. The fix was done free. Other campaigns may apply to specific build dates, so have a Holden or GM service centre check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Holden Trax? What to check

• Coolant level: With the engine cold, check the reservoir is at the mark with clean coolant and no oil film.
• Cooling repairs: Ask for invoices for water pump, thermostat or housing work, and look for wet patches or crust around them.
• Temperature gauge: On a 20-minute drive, make sure the temperature settles and stays steady.
• Oil leaks: On a 1.4 turbo, look around the oil cooler and turbo for fresh oil, and check the dipstick for milky oil.
• Warning lights: Make sure the check-engine light goes out after start-up, and ask a workshop to read stored codes.
• Automatic: Check for smooth take-off from a standstill and clean shifts, with no flare or delay.
• Timing belt: The 1.8 uses a rubber belt, due at around 150,000 km or 10 years, so ask for proof it has been done. On a 1.4 turbo, check the service book for any timing belt work due.
• MyLink: Pair a phone, play audio and test navigation if fitted.
• Paint: Look for bubbling or peeling on the tailgate and bonnet.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off records, then go through our Holden Trax buying checklist before you buy.

The verdict

The better Trax is a 2017 to 2020 facelift with a full service history and proof of cooling system work. It has the nicer cabin and the newer MyLink. The 1.4 turbo is the stronger, more economical engine but needs 95 octane fuel and careful checks for oil and coolant leaks. The 1.8 is simpler but slower, and needs its timing belt done on time. Avoid any Trax with a falling coolant level, oil in the coolant or overheating history.