Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
30–25K
1325–50K
1150–75K
1575–100K
12100–150K
2150K+
56 reports with mileage · 24 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
While driving on an interstate, the voltage suddenly began to decrease. Within a few minutes, the car died on the highway. we were able to get it to the shoulder. No electrical equipment worked, including the emergency lights. After taking it to a garage, the mechanic said the alternator was working fine, but the battery was …
Read full complaint
While driving on an interstate, the voltage suddenly began to decrease. Within a few minutes, the car died on the highway. we were able to get it to the shoulder. No electrical equipment worked, including the emergency lights. After taking it to a garage, the mechanic said the alternator was working fine, but the battery was drained. He was able to start and run the car, but the computer indicated that a long-term memory issue with the computer, itself, was indicated. Also, previous to this, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Maybe DumDum should declare that all Americans made vehicles are presumed to be defective, and subject to a recall!
NHTSA ODI #11526330
80,000 miles · Apr 24, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED THE KEY FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND ACTIVATED THE P…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED THE KEY FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND ACTIVATED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOWSER CHEVROLET OF MONROEVILLE (1600 GOLDEN MILE HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11322113
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
GM HAS A CAMPAIGN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT REFUSED MINE.BASICALLY OIL IS BYPASSED IN LARGE VOLUME TO THE ENGINE INTAKE BECAUSE THE PASSAGES ARE UNDERSIZED FOR PCV SYSTEM. THIS IS SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT 14882 BY GM. PCV VALVE REPLACED AND PASSAGES ENLARGED
NHTSA ODI #11171193
89,000 miles · Jan 25, 2018
Power Train
APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO THE FRONT MAIN SEALS ON THE CAR WENT BAD DURING COLD WEATHER. ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE HAD NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES THAT THIS TIME MADE THE REAR MAIN SEALS GO BAD IN THIS CAR. THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY RUNS OUT 1/29/2018 I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 1/29/2013 ME BEING THE SECOND OWNER THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO ME. I PUR…
Read full complaint
APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO THE FRONT MAIN SEALS ON THE CAR WENT BAD DURING COLD WEATHER. ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE HAD NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES THAT THIS TIME MADE THE REAR MAIN SEALS GO BAD IN THIS CAR. THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY RUNS OUT 1/29/2018 I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 1/29/2013 ME BEING THE SECOND OWNER THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO ME. I PURCHASED WHAT WAS TO BE AN EXTENDED MECHANICAL WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, AND TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT THE DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A GAP WARRANTY WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY USELESS TO ME THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED. THIS PROBLEM BEING COLD WEATHER RELATED YOUR HAVE RECALLED SEVERAL IN THE COLDER NORTHERN STATES. I AM ASKING THAT YOU PLEASE CONSIDER THIS TO BE RECALLED IN MY STATE AS WELL. -15 AND -8 IS A VERY WET COLD FOR THIS ARE CAUSING CONDENSATION ON THE SEALS CAUSING THEM TO GO BAD SHOULD NOT BE MY FAULT BUT A MANUFACTURE FAULT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ALL CONSIDERATION FOR THIS. FOR THIS TO BE DONE IS A $1,439.00 DOLLAR VALUE, FOR A SINGLE MOTHER WITH NO OTHER INCOME IS VERY DIFFICULT AND A HARDSHIP TO MANAGE.SO I'M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.
GENERAL MOTORS LLC (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 26, 2012, THROUGH MAY 17, 2012. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PARK BRAKE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE PARK BRAKE CABLE MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED IN ITS CONNECTOR AND MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PARK BRAKE WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE PARK BRAKE CABLES ARE CONNECTED AND SECURE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546.
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year