2012 Chevrolet Captiva
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Captiva › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
65 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Going down road at 70mph and vehicle slows down to 40mph on its own and I almost was rear ended by the car behind me. this happened on a major highway.
- Unknown or other
The vehicle IS lightweight to the point where high winds push the car to the side while it IS in motion. You can feel the wind moving it and feel the car move a lot when other vehicles are driving at high speeds next to it.
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that she was unable to eject the key from the ignition. The contact had to restart the vehicle and manuever the steering wheel in order for the key to be removed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000. *Js
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting › Turn signal
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition switch and the turn signal lights failed to make a clicking noise when activated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start occasionally and the service vehicle and brake warning…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition switch and the turn signal lights failed to make a clicking noise when activated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start occasionally and the service vehicle and brake warning indicators were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 84,000. The vin was unknown.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
The e-brake comes on by its self while driving down road. checked againest vin and stated not on recall list but others have been recalled for same thing.
- Engine
Check engine light continues to come on. had it tested and I needed to replace the camshaft and the crankshaft sensors. did that drove it for a week or two and the light came back on tested it again and got the same reading concerning bank 1 camshaft and crankshaft sensor. was told it could be…
Check engine light continues to come on. had it tested and I needed to replace the camshaft and the crankshaft sensors. did that drove it for a week or two and the light came back on tested it again and got the same reading concerning bank 1 camshaft and crankshaft sensor. was told it could be the timing chain causing this problem and that this vehicle IS known for the timing chain issue. was told that there may be more than one camshaft but the reading still comes up the same in bank 1. IS this normal for this vehicle and IS it under some kind of warranty. have only 104200 miles on this vehicle.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and three quarts of oil were added. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and three quarts of oil were added. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil and it needed to be changed before every 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact called healey chevrolet buick (located at 5216 ny-17m, new hampton, ny 10958, (845) 360-9821) and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
One day my heat and air module just quit working and the dash board reads -40 for the outside temp. so now there IS no heat no defrost or air.
- Engine
On 1/2/19, I left work and traveled approximately 2 miles when I began hearing engine noise. upon pulling into convenience store, I checked dipstick and found no oil showing. since oil was changed about 400 prior and no leaks were found, I proceeded to add oil to engine. found oil leaking out as…
On 1/2/19, I left work and traveled approximately 2 miles when I began hearing engine noise. upon pulling into convenience store, I checked dipstick and found no oil showing. since oil was changed about 400 prior and no leaks were found, I proceeded to add oil to engine. found oil leaking out as fast as putting in. after being towed back to where I work (independent repair shop) and next day found rear crankshaft seal on engine dislodged from engine. further investigation and taking it to chevrolet dealership verified the occurrence of a known problem with the pcv causing this failure to happen.. apparently as I drove up that busy highway from work, my vehicle was dispersing a very fiine spray of oil on the vehicles following me, the road, and the roadside vegetation, approximately 5 quarts worth. this created a very unsafe condition for the vehicle following me and raised some serious environmental issues. in spite of gm having issued a special policy on certain vehicles which would have covered this repair, I was told my vehicle was not on the list. I have had the repair performed, but if it IS a known faulty design, gm should stand behind correcting the issue and if I am not on their list, they should expand the list. I hate having been the vehicle behind creating an unsafe situation for other drivers and for contaminating the road and roadside with petroleum waste. The special policy that did not have me on the list was 14882 - special coverage adjustment
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that the vehicle kept shutting off while driving and when cold started from a parked position. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed, but no failure could be found. When the contact attempted to…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that the vehicle kept shutting off while driving and when cold started from a parked position. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed, but no failure could be found. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, all of the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Steering
Quite often, when I drive through a puddle, I loose my power steering for several seconds. This makes turning very difficult and sometimes scary. This has happened to me many times, today being the most recent.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
This car has so many electrical codes when tested. I have had numerous problems and haven't even had the car a year. Why hadn't gm did a recall on these cars. Please help all of us who have this car. I have 3 kids and would like a answer to why there isnt a recall with so many of the same complaints!
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. the contact stated that the ignition switch failed. The contact was unable to release the key from the ignition switch. The contact had to wiggle the key to remove it from the ignition switch. The contact also wanted to advise that when the key did…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. the contact stated that the ignition switch failed. The contact was unable to release the key from the ignition switch. The contact had to wiggle the key to remove it from the ignition switch. The contact also wanted to advise that when the key did not release from the ignition, the contact had to disconnect the battery to be able to turn the vehicle off. the vehicle was taken to caribbean auto mart (4523 charlotte amalie street saint thomas, va 00802, (340)777-7600) where a diagnostic testing found a failure code at the shifter assembly connections. However, the dealer was not certain that the diagnostic test located the correct failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,359.
- Tires
Firestone champion fuel fighter tire 235/60r17 tread separating from body of tire
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a large amount of oil within 1,000 miles well below the 3,000 mile normal checkup period. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in a 20,000 mile extension of the manufacturer's 100,000…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a large amount of oil within 1,000 miles well below the 3,000 mile normal checkup period. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in a 20,000 mile extension of the manufacturer's 100,000 mile warranty. The manufacturer stated that the reason for the exclusion had to do with where the engine parts were supplied from, even though the engine in the captiva was the same as the other vehicles included in the warranty extension. The dealer (chapman chevrolet, 1717 e baseline rd, tempe, az 85283, (480) 838-1234) stated that there was no recall for the oil consumption failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Engine
I purchased this vehicle on march 2, 2018. Within 3 months of owning this vehicle, it has had a catalytic converter replaced (within the first 2 weeks). on june 11, 2018, the vehicle cut off and would not restart. I had it towed to a repair shop where it was diagnosed with a broken timing chain.…
I purchased this vehicle on march 2, 2018. Within 3 months of owning this vehicle, it has had a catalytic converter replaced (within the first 2 weeks). on june 11, 2018, the vehicle cut off and would not restart. I had it towed to a repair shop where it was diagnosed with a broken timing chain. The vehicle had about 95,000 miles on at the time. I purchased it with 92,500 on it. a week and a half later I had to return the vehicle for another repair with the valves dealing with the timing belt. The vehicle IS now back in the shop and has been diagnosed with an engine camshaft/exhaust problem due to it cutting off while driving. The vehicle cut off at least 9 times while driving in traffic.
- Electrical system
While driving on interstate highway 40 in ok at 70 mph the vehicle starting doing strange things. At first every time you enabled the turn signal it would disengage the cruise control. Approximately 45 minutes later the brake light came on and then a message appeared stating a fault with the…
While driving on interstate highway 40 in ok at 70 mph the vehicle starting doing strange things. At first every time you enabled the turn signal it would disengage the cruise control. Approximately 45 minutes later the brake light came on and then a message appeared stating a fault with the traction control and then within a few more minutes the engine fault light came on, then the radio went off and the clock display went away. We pulled off the highway at a mcdonald's and when I turned the vehicle off I could not remove the key from the ignition. Everything electrical would not operate and the vehicle would not start. At this point we decided to have breakfast before calling a tow service. When we finished with breakfast we returned to the vehicle and it started. The engine fault light was still on for a few miles and then went out and every think worked properly for the remaining 1000 miles of the trip to pa.. The next day I searched the internet to find some info on this problem. There were many 2012 captive owners complaining about the same problem. It appears to be something with the battery cabling. The only thing that appeared to resolve the problem was changing out the cabling to the battery or adding an additional ground cable from the battery to the engine.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
While driving down the freeway in rush hour traffic, vehicle lost power stranding me in the middle of the freeway.
- Electrical system
While driving the car, the radio will shut off & all lights on radio will go out. After some time approx. 3 to 15 minutes the radio will come back on by itself. The air conditioner fan would be blowing on high and suddenly drop to a low setting and then come back on in a few about about 20 sec.…
While driving the car, the radio will shut off & all lights on radio will go out. After some time approx. 3 to 15 minutes the radio will come back on by itself. The air conditioner fan would be blowing on high and suddenly drop to a low setting and then come back on in a few about about 20 sec. These problems became simultaneous along with the emergency brake indicator light coming on, both the red & amber emergency indicator light. The dealership called me and said there were bulletins written on this problem. They told me the fix IS a new alternator and all new battery cables all the way around, would fix the problem. The cost would be $990. I have just finished paying $776 for an air conditioning tensioner belt installation because the engine was shaking significantly and making loud noises. the entire front of the engine needed to be disassembled for access. My car has 45,306 miles on it and it also required a transmission at 30,000 miles, which gm installed free. I am convinced the electrical sub system in this car IS of poor design.
- Electrical system
Bought less than a month ago. Put key in, acts like a dead battery. Cannot take key out of ignition. Took battery to be checked battery IS fine. Had to jump start it twice. No reason why it's been so random both times car was parked less than an hour.
- Unknown or other
After starting the captiva the key will not come out of the ignition. The captiva IS in park and stationary in the driveway. I have had this issue for quite some time. In the past I was able to get the key out when I restarted the captiva and shifted from park to reverse to neutral and back to park and the key released. But not this time, no matter how many times I repeated the above tactic.
- Electrical system
Key will not turn in when inserted into tumbler. steering wheel locked, shifter locked. key occasionally cannot be removed from ignition switch. vehicle stationary. problem happens intermittently; sometimes when vehicle has been driven; sometimes when vehicle has been parked for a short time…
Key will not turn in when inserted into tumbler. steering wheel locked, shifter locked. key occasionally cannot be removed from ignition switch. vehicle stationary. problem happens intermittently; sometimes when vehicle has been driven; sometimes when vehicle has been parked for a short time (5-10 minutes); sometimes when vehicle has been parked overnight. makes no difference if vehicle IS level or on a grade (up or down.) safety issue if keys cannot be removed. safety issue if vehicle cannot to started.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Stabilitrak service light came on yesterday. Then this morning, the parking brake service light. Anytime I applied the brake, my shifter would click loudly. Anytime I went over 20 mph, the care would rev like it was having a lot of trouble shifting. Twice it wouldn't go right away even if I was…
Stabilitrak service light came on yesterday. Then this morning, the parking brake service light. Anytime I applied the brake, my shifter would click loudly. Anytime I went over 20 mph, the care would rev like it was having a lot of trouble shifting. Twice it wouldn't go right away even if I was hard or easy on the gas and I almost got hit from behind in traffic. The d symbol on dash would even flicker. This car has had so many electrical problems, I do not understand why there isn't further recalls!
- Electrical system
Ignition locks up and will not allow you to start car. cannot remove key. cannot turn key. Cannot move shifter. car IS always in a lot when it happens. Called road service once. have since purchased a battery booster. the booster IS not needed to start car. just touch cables to battery posts and dash lights up and car will start wityh its own battery which IS new. now beginning to happen several times a day.
- Electrical system
Key won't come out of ignition, car in park, running lights on. This IS the 2ND occurance. Gm charged me $250 to fix it in september despite my protest that, as demonstrated by all the complaints, this IS a design flaw!!!
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006711This service bulletin provides diagnostic repair information for customer concerns of Engine Run-On, Rough Running, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
Every Chevrolet Captiva model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.