2013 Chevrolet Captiva Reliability Score: 6.0 out of 10

106 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

4 Fire Reports

2 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

6.0 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 58 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 39.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall58 complaints against about 39 for similar vehicles

6.0

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

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

2.4L 4-cyl

65 complaints 40.0 per year Gasoline

2 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

electrical

transmission

steering

safety systems

Same engine used in

CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Caprice (2011-2017)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Traverse (2009-2017)

Chevrolet Captiva Unidentified Engine

41 complaints 41.0 per year

2 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

electrical

other

fuel system

exterior

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Captiva, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Engine: 55 owner complaints

Electrical System: 37 owner complaints

Transmission: 10 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2013 Chevrolet Captiva

On a used 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (55), the electrical system (37) and the transmission and drivetrain (10). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints on the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva about the engine.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 37 owner complaints on the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva about the electrical system.
Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva about the transmission and drivetrain.
Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva about the fuel system.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated

Frontal Crash

—

Side Crash

—

Rollover

4/5 (18.5% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Overall Not Rated

Frontal Crash

—

Side Crash

—

Rollover

4/5 (15.9% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

All Generations

20122012 20132013 20142014

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

2 engines / 1,030 complaints

3 engines / 16 complaints

Lexus

2014-2025

9.5/10

5 engines / 177 complaints

4 engines / 109 complaints

1 engine / 285 complaints

3 engines / 36 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva complaints?

Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the transmission.

Is the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva have?

NHTSA has 106 owner complaints on file for the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Captiva.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Captiva?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Captiva?

The 2013 Chevrolet Captiva received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 106 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.