Used car guide

2013 Chevrolet Trax: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Chevrolet Traxs, from 945 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

945MOT tests in 2025
62%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
7,300typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Chevrolet Traxs than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Engine oil leaks3.1× usual
    Chevrolet Trax
    18.1% All 2013 cars
    5.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Ball joint dust cover5.6× usual
    Chevrolet Trax
    14.5% All 2013 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends2.8× usual
    Chevrolet Trax
    13.4% All 2013 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Steering swivel joints5.7× usual
    Chevrolet Trax
    4.6% All 2013 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Front strut mounts and bushes5.8× usual
    Chevrolet Trax
    3.5% All 2013 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

By area

The share of 2013 Chevrolet Trax MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    28% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    19% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Chevrolet Traxs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score