Used Chevrolet Trax & Trailblazer: which years, and is CarBravo worth it?

CarBravo · Used Chevrolet

Used Chevrolet Trax & Trailblazer: which years, and is CarBravo worth it?

Two small Chevys that get cross-shopped constantly. Here is how they differ by generation, where AWD fits, and how CarBravo certification works at Swant Graber Motors.

The short answer

Answer

If you need AWD for Barron County winters, look at a 2021 or newer Trailblazer with AWD or a 2017–2022 Trax AWD; the 2024 and newer Trax is front-wheel drive only. The 2024+ Trax is the roomiest and newest design for the money. Any of them under GM's CarBravo age and mileage limits can be certified at Swant Graber Motors in Barron.

Generations at a glance

Which Trax or Trailblazer is which
Model and yearsEngineDriveBody / size
Trax, 1st gen (2017–2022 shown; US 2015–2022)1.4L turbo 4-cylinderFWD or AWDSmall, tall subcompact
Trax, 2nd gen (2024–2027)1.2L turbo 3-cylinderFWD onlyLonger, lower, roomier; no 2023 US model year
Trailblazer (2021–2027)1.2L turbo 3-cyl (FWD) or 1.3L turbo 3-cyl (AWD trims)FWD or AWDSmall SUV, sits between Trax and Equinox

Confirm the engine and drivetrain on the exact VIN at fueleconomy.gov; equipment varies by trim and year.

AWD and Wisconsin winters

Front-wheel drive with good winter tires handles most plowed roads around Barron, Rice Lake and Chetek. If you live on an unplowed town road or a steep driveway, filter for AWD: that means a Trailblazer AWD trim or a first-generation Trax AWD. See our winter tire guide and AWD and 4WD in winter.

Which one fits you?

  • First car or commuter: 2024+ Trax: newest design, most room per dollar, FWD.
  • Needs AWD: 2021+ Trailblazer AWD.
  • Lowest price: 2017–2022 Trax; check the VIN for open recalls.
  • Growing family: step up to a used Equinox.

CarBravo certification

Swant Graber Motors is a participating CarBravo dealer. A qualifying used Trax or Trailblazer gets GM's CarBravo inspection and a 12-month/12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, and we honor CarBravo's 10-day/500-mile Vehicle Exchange Program (exchange only, not a refund; GM's limitations apply). Details are on our CarBravo page and warranty page.

Recalls

Check any VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our year-by-year lists for the Trax and Trailblazer. Our service department completes open GM recalls at no charge.

Thinking new instead?

We sell new Chevrolets at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Compare a new Trax or Trailblazer against a certified used one; the gap is often smaller than people expect. Optional: the Swant Graber Appearance Package ($1,399).

Shop: New inventory · Used inventory · Certified used

At a glance

6recall campaigns, 2017–2025 model yearsNHTSA, Oct. 11, 2026
2017model year with the most (3)NHTSA
0park-it or park-outside campaignsNHTSA flags
1filed in 2026NHTSA report date

Recall campaigns by model year

NHTSA recalls API, Chevrolet Trax, queried Oct. 11, 2026. A campaign that covers several model years is counted in each of those years.
Model yearCampaignsComponents named most (campaigns)
20173Suspension (2), Air bags (1)
20182Suspension (2)
20192Suspension (1), Air bags (1)
20200None listed
20210None listed
20220None listed
20241Electrical (1)
20251Rear camera / backover (1)

The campaigns that cover the most model years

Consequence text quoted or shortened from NHTSA's recall record.
NHTSA campaignComponentModel years covered (2017–2025)What NHTSA says could happen
19V312000Suspension2017–2019A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
19V652000Suspension2017–2018A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
16V651000Air bags2017A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
18V774000Air bags2019If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
23V744000Electrical2024A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
26V539000Rear camera / backover2025A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Sources: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=TRAX&modelYe · https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://www.carbravo.com/ownership/benefits · https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=TRAX&modelYe · https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://www.carbravo.com/ownership/benefits

Recall campaigns by model year

NHTSA recalls API, Chevrolet Trailblazer, queried Oct. 11, 2026. A campaign that covers several model years is counted in each of those years.
Model yearCampaignsComponents named most (campaigns)
20214Seats (1), Tires (1), Service Brakes (1)
20221Equipment (1)
20230None listed
20241Rear camera / backover (1)
20251Rear camera / backover (1)

The campaigns that cover the most model years

Consequence text quoted or shortened from NHTSA's recall record.
NHTSA campaignComponentModel years covered (2021–2025)What NHTSA says could happen
21V440000Equipment2021–2022A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
26V539000Rear camera / backover2024–2025A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V295000Tires2021If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.
20V537000Seats2021If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
20V588000Service Brakes2021If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost.

Sources: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=TRAILBLAZER& · https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://www.carbravo.com/ownership/benefits · https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=TRAILBLAZER& · https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://www.carbravo.com/ownership/benefits

More questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Trax have?

For 2017–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2017 has the most (3). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.

Which used Trax year has the fewest recalls?

In NHTSA's data, 2020, 2021, 2022 have the fewest (0). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.

Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?

Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet.

Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?

Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

For 2021–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 5 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2021 has the most (4). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.

Which used Trailblazer year has the fewest recalls?

In NHTSA's data, 2023 has the fewest (0). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.

Used Chevrolet Trax recalls by model year, 2017–2025

NHTSA's recall database lists 6 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2025 Chevrolet Trax model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2017 has the most (3); the components named most often are Suspension, Air bags, Electrical and Rear camera / backover.

Used Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls by model year, 2021–2025

NHTSA's recall database lists 5 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2021–2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2021 has the most (4); the components named most often are Seats, Tires, Service Brakes and Equipment.

Questions

Is the 2024 Chevy Trax available with AWD?

No. The second-generation Trax (2024 and newer) is front-wheel drive only. For AWD, look at a Trailblazer AWD or a 2017–2022 Trax AWD.

Was there a 2023 Chevy Trax?

Not in the US; Chevrolet went from the 2022 Trax to the all-new 2024 Trax.

Can a used Trax or Trailblazer be CarBravo certified?

Yes, if it meets GM's CarBravo age, mileage and inspection requirements; it then gets a 12-month/12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty.

Trax or Trailblazer?

The 2024+ Trax is newer and roomier for the money; the Trailblazer offers AWD.

Visit Swant Graber in Barron

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-9500. Both stores sit across Highway 8 from each other, about 20 minutes from Rice Lake, Chetek and Cumberland.