Hbx 16889a pro

[The Lords Hand]

I own both. Performance wise nearly identical. And the 2996a is lighter so actually gets more air than the mini turd. Traxxas should be ashamed of themselves for calling it a mini "maxx" and not giving it the same treatment the mini xrt got. Its one of the most underwhelming rc purchases I have ever made and wouldn't recommend it at the price point its at to anyone.

 

[Jack Jones]

That’s definitely not normal. The stock servo on those is a known weak spot, so I’m not surprised it stripped, but the front axle going that fast especially with light use and small jumps in grass sounds more like bad luck or a faulty part.
I’d check that nothing’s binding in the drivetrain or steering just in case, but you really shouldn’t be breaking parts that quickly out of the box.
If it were me, I’d upgrade to a metal gear servo and try pushing the seller again on the axle . sometimes they’ll help if you press a bit. Otherwise it honestly sounds like you might’ve just gotten a dud.