Chevrolet Trax MOT pass rate and common problems
69.2% of 2,150 Chevrolet Trax MOT tests pass.
The Trax passes its MOT 69.2% of the time — well above the average across all Chevrolet models, which sits at 63.4%.
The Chevrolet Trax passes 69.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Chevrolet Trax?
This is the average across every Chevrolet Trax in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Chevrolet’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate eases gradually with age, from 73.7% at 6–10 years to 68.4% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (4) | 4 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 73.7% | 293 | 70,759 miles |
| 10–15 years | 68.4% | 1,852 | 81,847 miles |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Chevrolet Trax
The most common reason the Chevrolet Trax fails its MOT is suspension — present in 63.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 63.2% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 29.5% | Projected beam image is obviously incorrect |
| Brakes | 22.7% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Steering | 19.0% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Tyres | 19.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 13.5% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.2% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 4.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.0% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.3% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Chevrolet Trax: what to check
These checks follow the Chevrolet Trax’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Chevrolet Trax comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 73.7% to 68.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 65.0% down to 51.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 63.2% of failed Chevrolet Trax MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 29.5% of failed Chevrolet Trax MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 22.7% of failed Chevrolet Trax MOTs. 8.8% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 3.4% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Steering
Recorded in 19.0% of failed Chevrolet Trax MOTs.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 19.0% of failed Chevrolet Trax MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Chevrolet service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Chevrolet models
- Chevrolet Cruze — 69.5% pass rate
- Chevrolet Orlando — 70.1% pass rate
- Chevrolet Kalos — 54.0% pass rate
- Chevrolet Lacetti — 54.7% pass rate
- Chevrolet Camaro — 92.8% pass rate
- Chevrolet Corvette — 91.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Chevrolet Trax?
- 69.2% of Chevrolet Trax MOT tests pass, based on 2,150 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Chevrolet Trax?
- The most common reason the Chevrolet Trax fails its MOT is suspension — present in 63.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt".
- What are the common problems with the Chevrolet Trax?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Chevrolet Trax are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Chevrolet Trax?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; steering; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Chevrolet Trax's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Chevrolet service history guide for how to check and keep one.