2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Ball joint dust cover7.3× usual
  Chevrolet Trax

  15.3% All 2013 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 0.9% 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.

• Engine oil leaks3.7× usual
  Chevrolet Trax

  17.1% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, 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.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Trax

  11.4% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Trax

  7.9% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.2% 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes6.8× usual
  Chevrolet Trax

  3.4% All 2013 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, 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.

Common 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  41% 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
  31% 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
  23% 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
  18% 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
  16% 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
  12% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Trax petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?