Chevrolet

Captiva (2012)

2012 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine Avoid (1.4)
144 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
4 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

LEA - Flex Fuel (Gas/Alc), Aluminum, High Output

2.4L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.4)
55 complaints 55.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
28
engine
22
fuel system
5
steering
4
other
4

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (28 complaints)
Engine Issues (22 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (5 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET Captiva (2012-2012)CHEVROLET Captiva (2015-2015)CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Caprice (2011-2017)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Captiva (2014-2014)CHEVROLET Captiva (2013-2013) +1 more

LFW - VVT. E85 Max. Aluminum.

3.0L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
77 complaints 77.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
56
engine
15
other
7
steering
5
brakes
5

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (56 complaints)
Engine Issues (15 complaints)
Steering Issues (5 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Captiva (2012-2012)CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Captiva regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (84 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (37 complaints)
engine serious
Steering Issues (5 complaints)
steering cosmetic
Fuel System Issues (5 complaints)
fuel_system cosmetic

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems?

The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva has accumulated 144 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Captiva engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva a good used car?

The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 144 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva have?

The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva has 144 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2012 Chevrolet Captiva vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Captiva?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Captiva, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 144 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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