Chevrolet Captiva problems
The Chevrolet Captiva is a compact crossover SUV marketed by General Motors. The first generation was developed by GM Korea, based on the GM Theta platform and derived from the S3X concept car revealed in 2004. Released in 2006, it was sold internationally as Chevrolet Captiva, in Australia and New Zealand as Holden Captiva and in South Korea as Daewoo Winstorm until 2011, when the international name was adopted. The vehicle shares much its underpinnings with the similarly-styled Opel/Vauxhall Antara / second-generation Saturn Vue, with the Captiva offering optional third-row seating.
In 2018, Chevrolet ended production of the first-generation Captiva and began replacing it worldwide with the Equinox. The second-generation Captiva, which is a rebadged Baojun 530 produced in China by SAIC-GM-Wuling, was introduced in Colombia in November 2018 and Thailand in March 2019. The second-generation model is also offered in many Latin American markets, including Mexico since 2021.
First generation (C100, C140; 2006)
The Captiva is a front-wheel or all-wheel drive SUV; the engines were supplied by Holden in Australia, the Family II naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol or the Alloytec Holden V6 built in Australia, and later a 2.0-L turbo-diesel supplied by VM Motori in South Korea.
Designated C100 by Daewoo and CG in Holden's terminology, the Captiva was launched in 2006. Styling of the Captiva was inspired by the 2004 Chevrolet S3X concept car. The S3X concept was developed by GM Daewoo's design center in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon and is based on the GM Theta platform. It premiered at 2004 Paris Motor Show. Another concept car, by Daewoo, the Chevrolet T2X premiered at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show with its design was based on the S3X, using a shortened platform. The T2X is referred to as a sport utility coupe, accounting for its rear hinged doors, lack of conventional B-pillars, and shortened wheelbase—features that were first revealed on the "Daewoo Oto" (later renamed "Daewoo Scope") concept at the 2002 Seoul Motor Show. Production was slated for late 2006, but as of 2009 no further announcement has been made.
For the Captiva, the production version of the S3X, both five- or seven-seat configurations are available. Standard safety features include: antilock brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and driver and front-passenger airbags. Side-curtain airbags are standard on higher luxury-level variants in some markets. In crash safety tests conducted by Euro NCAP, the Captiva was given a four out of five stars crash rating. The results from the test were helped by the use of high-strength steel used in the body shell which was designed to spread crash forces over distinct load channels, therefore ensuring the safety of the occupants within the safety cell. The vehicle's optional active all-wheel drive system is fully incorporated with the ESC and antilock braking systems, consequently improving car handling and control. When the vehicle detects a loss of traction, the all-wheel drive mode is activated automatically. In ordinary driving situations, only the vehicle's front wheels are used.
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Chevrolet Captiva model years
Common Chevrolet Captiva problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Chevrolet Captiva cars, here is a list of common problems with detailed descriptions for each issue:
- Key Stuck in Ignition: A prevalent issue reported by owners, especially between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, is the key getting stuck in the ignition. This problem can be frustrating and requires attention to resolve.
- Battery Issues: Owners have complained about frequent battery failures, with instances of the battery getting too hot. Alternator failure around 60,000 miles and total transmission failure around 73,000 miles have also been reported.
- Engine Problems: Numerous engine-related complaints have been noted, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, rough engine running, and faulty camshaft actuator sensor. These issues can impact the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
- Transmission Concerns: Total transmission failure has been reported around 73,000 miles, indicating potential issues with the transmission system that may require professional attention.
- Electrical System Troubles: Complaints concerning the electrical system include instrument panel blackouts, drive train jerks, random Stabilitrak engagement, and power windows malfunctioning. These electrical issues can affect the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- Interior Accessories Malfunctions: Owners have reported problems with interior accessories such as the instrument panel, power windows, and drive train, highlighting potential issues that may arise with the vehicle's interior components.
- Loss of Power: Some owners have experienced a loss of power while driving forward, which can be a safety concern and may require immediate inspection and repair.
- Reverse Gear Problems: Issues with the reverse gear have been reported by some owners, indicating potential transmission or drivetrain issues that need to be addressed promptly.
- Engine Overheating: Instances of engine overheating post-service recalls have been noted, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the vehicle's temperature levels for optimal performance and safety.
- Start-Up Problems: Start-up issues have been reported by some owners, indicating potential concerns with the vehicle's ignition system or other related components that may require diagnostic evaluation.
These common problems with Chevrolet Captiva cars highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional inspections to ensure the vehicle's longevity and optimal performance. Owners should address these issues promptly to maintain the safety and reliability of their Chevrolet Captiva vehicles.
Are Chevy Captivas reliable?
Chevrolet Captiva Sport Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $585 which means it has average ownership costs.
How many miles will a Chevy Captiva last?
142,000mi
What is Chevrolet Captiva lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Chevrolet Captiva is 142,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
What is the recall on the Chevy Captiva engine?
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 21, 2011. DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN MANUAL MODE AND IN FIRST GEAR CAUSES THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING PUMP TO OPERATE AT HIGHER SPEED THAN IS TYPICAL.
What is the problem of the Chevrolet Captiva?
Engine problems are numerous for the Captiva. There are issues reported for excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, engine running rough, and a faulty camshaft actuator sensor. Another very common complaint that seems to happen primarily between 60,000 and 70,000 miles is the key getting stuck in the ignition.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Captiva years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Captiva cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Captiva model years:
- Chevrolet Captiva 2012
- Chevrolet Captiva 2014
- Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Chevrolet Captiva 2015
- Chevrolet Captiva 2011
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Captiva model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Captiva years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Captiva car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Captiva , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Captiva vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Captiva model years
A total of 13 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Captiva model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Captiva model years
There were a total of 22 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 404 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Captiva . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Captiva vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Captiva 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK0ES
- Components: STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I was sold this vehicle, and was not notified it was a salvaged car, or the fact that it had been in 2 accidents .
Chevrolet Captiva 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 3GNAL2EK3FS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The service airbag light came on.
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 3GNAL3EKXDS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This car is know for engine consumption issues it is the motor and it is know has has been recalled due to issues in prior years. My engine is consuming a half a quart every 40 miles.
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-12
- VIN: 3GNAL2EK2DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The engine light was on and i went to dealership to have it checked out. They told me that it was a computer glich and not to worry about it. Was driving on the highway when the engine exploded and the car stopped. I was able to glide to the side of the road. After talking to dealership again they said that this model had something wrong with a part in the engine that normally would cause the car to stop without warning when reaching around 125,000 miles on it. I made it to 150,00+.
Chevrolet Captiva 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-31
- VIN: 3GNFL4E53CS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The car will stall and shut off, the radio quits working and the key will get stuck in the ignition.
Chevrolet Captiva 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK8ES
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This car is a 2014 chevy captiva it has had multiple leaks that I have repaired on my own the engine gussles up gas like there's no tomorrow and then on hot days even though all liquids are filled will randomly have a check engine code and a reduced engine code amd service stabiltek system come on all at once. Now in this car I replaced the fuel pump, up and down 02 sensors the whole catalytic system front from to back and this issue still happens. Something is internally wrong with this car.and when the car decides to through these codes it makes a percolating sound like a pot of coffee is almost done brewing in the cabin of the car.
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-15
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK3DS
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Within 3 days my vehicle stopped working with no warnings (check engine or other warnings) the vehicle made a rattling noise and then would not turn on. Upon inspection mechanic informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. There were no oil leaks or issues that would have caused the engine to die. The vehicle did not give me any signs of warnings that there was a problem. This cost would be more than the total I purchased the vehicle for. The engine has 85,000 miles and vehicle was well cared for. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and unreliable and when researching this car thousands of other people have experienced this same issue. There is a recall on the 2011 and 2012 captivas and this same issue is occurring in the 2013 captivas.
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-07
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK3DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair shop, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the manufacturing of the vehicle was discontinued due to engine failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Chevrolet Captiva 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-17
- VIN: 3GNAL3E50CS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The component that has failed has been the transmission and the AC. My safety was at risk because the car wouldn’t drive forward whilst on the road. It has been confirmed by independent service. Yes the problem has been inspected by representatives. There was a warning that was said “Check transmission engine”
Chevrolet Captiva 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-24
- VIN: 3GNAL2EKXFS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Around July or August 2020 I started having problems with not being able to hear the turn signal when I used it. The lights for the radio display would randomly dim or randomly return to full strength depending on whether I hit a bump on the road. There was also a "frying eggs" sound after I turned off the ignition. When I took the 2015 Captiva to Yemm Auto Group in Galesburg, IL, they said they could not replicate the problem and could not locate any additional electrical issues. When I took it in to Billion Auto in Iowa City, IA, they also said they could not replicate the problem and could not locate any additional electrical issues. Since then I took it to an independent auto repair shop (Car Care Center, Macomb, IL). While they were able to replace the battery cables and the turn signal sound has not disappeared since then, I am still having issues with the random radio display dimming and "frying eggs" sound. I asked Yemm and Billion Auto if I needed to replace the car radio to solve the problem. They discouraged me from doing so because car radios for this vehicle are difficult to find and expensive. I was past the initial 5-year warranty for the vehicle, but I didn't understand why a replacement care radio should be so difficult to find. Anyway, this concerns me because it suggests 1) 2015 Captiva radios have been replaced frequently due to faulty manufacturing, and that's why I was being discouraged from seeking out a replacement and 2) with the turn signal sound coming out of the radio speaker, a driver is not going to know if s/he accidentally left a signal on for too long or not long enough while driving, increasing the possibility of vehicle accidents and/or fatalities. If a turn signal is going to come out of the radio speakers for a particular vehicle model, and a company should find consistent problems with radio speakers on a particular vehicle model, shouldn't the company recall the radios for safety? Sorry, don't have my service receipts any more.
Chevrolet Captiva 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-09
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK5ES
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle then lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. Upon inspection, there was white smoke coming from the engine, and there was no engine oil on the dipstick. The contact added oil to the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had an oil change; however, the engine consumed an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Chevrolet Captiva 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK3ES
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I got into a car accident someone pulled in front of me and I hit them and my air bags didn’t go off
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-28
- VIN: 3GNFL3EK9DS
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: When describing what happened, try to answer these questions as specifically as possible: What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? the engine, when I am at a traffic light or in line at school to pick up my daughter, the car starts to shake suddenly, what I have to do is put it in NEUTRAL so that the movement decreases. Also when I'm driving on the highway they change speeds unpredictably. The engine light comes on intermittently. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It puts my safety and that of my family at risk because if I don't put it in NEUTRAL it can accelerate and collide with the car behind or in front if the distance in the school line is tight. And on the road, having this unpredictable change in speed puts our lives in danger since many cars go at speeds of more than 75 miles per hour. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by an independent dealer or service center? The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there warning lights, messages or other symptoms of the problem before the failure and when did they first appear? When the engine light came on.
Chevrolet Captiva 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-02
- VIN: 3GNAL3E56CS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: On my 2012 CHEVEROLET captiva LT .I HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AN I WENT TO OPEN MY GATES THE CAR JUMPS OUT OF THE PARKING BRAKES IF THE ENGINE IDLES GO UP JUST A LITTLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING COMES ON .OR IF YOU ARE IN DRIVE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKES UP AND JUST REVS THE ENGINE THE BRAKES JUMPS OUT REALLY EASY. NO SAFETY TO THIS EMERGENCY BRAKES.
Chevrolet Captiva 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-26
- VIN: 3GNAL3EK8DS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: These vehicles are known to use an excess of oil in the engine, when the engine oil is low there is no warning light/system to notify operator of this, I have talked with many other owners and it is the same story. Mechanics report this engine uses oil burnt by the catalytic convertor, they say it can only be fixed if you have a major engine repair, then it will be normal in oil usage. This seems to fit under the lemon law. Chevy knows about this problem, both the usage of excessive oil and also no low warning when oil is low. This can lead to a major cost or damage to the engine. Again this is a known issue. Let me know if questions. [XXX] [XXX] thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Recalls Chevrolet Captiva
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Captiva.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Captiva 2011
- Report Received Date: 2011-12-19
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 21, 2011. DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN MANUAL MODE AND IN FIRST GEAR CAUSES THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING PUMP TO OPERATE AT HIGHER SPEED THAN IS TYPICAL. INCREASED PUMP SPEED GENERATES HEAT THAT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAN RESULT IN POWER STEERING FLUID TEMPERATURES THAT APPROACH THE POWER STEERING PUMP RESERVOIRS MELTING POINT.
- Consequence: AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED FLUID TEMPERATURES, THE RESERVOIR MAY LEAK. LEAKING FLUID, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION, FREE OF CHARGE. AN ADVISORY LETTER TO CUSTOMERS, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS, WILL BE MAILED IN JANUARY 2012. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, GM WILL SEND ANOTHER LETTER ASKING CUSTOMER TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED. GM ANTICIPATES PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Captiva?
