2012 Chevrolet Captiva Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Captiva years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
4/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Captiva year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 1 of its 65 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Car dies or loses all power while driving (27 complaints, median 57,497 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 65filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 53 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems rather than mechanical ones: the car goes dead or loses power, warning lights flash, and the key stays stuck in the ignition. Many complaints mention dealers unable to duplicate the fault or pointing to the battery, while a smaller group reports engine oil consumption, timing chain wear and rough transmission behavior at higher mileage.
- Electrical system
Car dies or loses all power while driving
- 27 complaints (42%)
- median 57,497 mi at 5.5 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2018
Owners report the car gradually losing power and stalling in traffic or at speed, with dashboard lights flashing, radio and climate fan cutting out, and sometimes no electrical function at all afterward. Some say it restarted after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery or after a jump, others needed a tow. Complaints describe dealers replacing batteries, a fuse box, a body control module, battery cables or the PCM, and in several cases the fault could not be duplicated. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask for any history of battery, cable, fuse box or body control module replacement, and check that electrical accessories and warning lights behave normally during a test drive. A service bulletin covers battery testing after long storage or cold weather, which is relevant if the car has sat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car will not start, key is stuck in the ignition. We have jumped it numerous times and for no reason the car will not start again. The battery was good, had it checked. 4th time since the start of 2016. Right now there is no, power , I can't even get the indoor lights on. It is going back to the mechanic. The car was stationary, (in my car port).”
NHTSA complaint #10885919, filed 2016-07, 45,000 miles“I have read several complaints about chevy captivas online today as I was searching for an answer for why my car died on me twice while driving home this evening. Once was on a hill turning onto the road before my home and the second time was pulling into my apartment complex. If I was on the highway or there was a car coming over the hill I could have been injured in an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11015255, filed 2017-08, 60,000 miles - Electrical system
Key stuck in ignition / ignition will not turn
- 19 complaints (29%)
- median 62,500 mi at 5.7 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2019
Owners describe the key refusing to turn to the off position or failing to come out of the ignition after the car is parked, sometimes along with a locked shifter or steering column. Several say restarting the engine and moving the steering wheel or shifting through the gears sometimes frees the key, but that the problem returns and can become constant. Complaints mention dealers reporting no matching recall or declining coverage for the ignition switch, and in some cases no fault was reproduced during diagnostics. Reported from roughly 28,000 to 150,000 miles, with many under 70,000 miles, and often occurring after the vehicle is parked.
What to check: With the car in park, turn it off and try removing the key several times; ask whether the ignition switch or lock cylinder has been replaced. A service bulletin describes diagnostic steps for intermittent no-crank or no-start conditions with a security light, so a scan for related codes is worth requesting.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My most recent problem with my 2012 chevy Captiva is the key was getting jammed in ignition and would not release immediately. This went on for approximately two weeks or more. I took vehicle in for replacement of brakes on 2/17/15. On 2/18/15, later in the night, the key would not release from ignition at all. I have vehicle at dealer as of 2/20/15 to diagnose the problem and awaiting the results. …”
NHTSA complaint #10689576, filed 2015-02, 58,900 miles“Vehicle is put in park and I try to turn the key to off position but the key will not turn to off position so key can be removed. Furthermore, GM knows about the problem and has failed to place my model on the recall list according to inquires that I have made. I also have an extended warranty, protective asset that was purchased from purchase dealer, but they will not cover just the ignition switch. I need GM to issue a recall on my model, chevy Captiva.”
NHTSA complaint #11022387, filed 2017-09, 63,000 miles - Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 90,980 mi at 7.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2019
Owners describe the engine using a large amount of oil well before the next scheduled change, sometimes needing oil added within 1,000 miles of a change. Some complaints mention low oil found on the dipstick, a dislodged rear crankshaft seal, and dealers running an oil consumption test. A few owners say the dealer acknowledged this as a known condition but that warranty coverage did not apply to their vehicle. Typically reported between about 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, ask whether an oil consumption test has been done, and request service records showing how often oil has been added between changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11170730, filed 2019-01, 94,570 miles“Noticed the vehicle was burning oil at a high rate. Took it into the dealership and they stated this is a known problem with chevy Captiva's, that the oil burning will melt the pistons into the parts but the extended warranty did not cover it. Located bulletin 13-06-01-003f-excessive engine oil consumption under the GM website but they state it doesn't cover my VIN#. If this is a known problem by GM how can it select which vehicles to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11039748, filed 2017-10 - Engine
Timing chain wear and check engine light
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the check engine light returning after camshaft and crankshaft sensor replacement, with mechanics pointing to the timing chain as the underlying cause. Complaints describe the engine stalling while driving and, in some cases, a broken timing chain leading to valve damage and repeat repairs. Some owners say they were told this is a known condition on the model. Mostly reported from about 85,000 miles upward.
What to check: Ask whether the timing chain has been replaced and listen for rattle on a cold start; have the car scanned for pending camshaft or crankshaft correlation codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120712, filed 2018-08, 102,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11195291, filed 2019-04, 92,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or delayed transmission shifting
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 50,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe jerking or harsh shifts at steady speeds between about 30 and 45 mph, lurching at low speed in traffic, and a hesitation followed by a hard take-off from a near stop. One complaint notes revving and delayed engagement above 20 mph along with warning lights. Dealers in the sample did not consistently identify a cause. Reported from roughly 49,000 to 126,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at low speed and at steady 30-45 mph to feel for jerking, and ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced. A bulletin notes that some delay in throttle response when the pedal is pressed quickly is considered normal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11096979, filed 2018-05, 126,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11287216, filed 2019-12, 150,000 miles
Buying note. Electrical faults — going dead, warning-light flicker and a key that will not release — account for most of what owners describe on this model year, so check those functions carefully and ask for repair receipts. On higher-mileage cars, budget for an oil consumption check and a timing chain inspection before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. 53 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,026 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Chevrolet Captiva model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 4 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system43 66%
- Engine16 25%
- Other or unknown8 12%
- Fuel system4 6.2%
- Air bags3 4.6%
- Brakes3 4.6%
- Exterior lighting3 4.6%
- Steering3 4.6%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Tires (1).
Example complaints
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!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11093524, filed 2018-05, 66,000 milesEngine: “My Captiva did not want to start. The key was locked in the ignition. All the lights were off and there was no lights on the instrument panel. I disconnected the negative battery cable for a minute and then plugged it back on to the battery. When I went to open the door the horn started honking and all the lights came on. I deactivated the alarm with the remote on the key but accidently hit the lock button. I stated the vehicle and went to close the hood. But when I went to open the door the doors had locked and my vehicle was running. …”
NHTSA complaint #10870717, filed 2016-05, 64,000 milesElectronic stability control: “I purchased the Captiva after my van was totaled, in feb 2017, problems started in april, car would die, everywhere, drs office, grocery store, driveways, library, restaurants, rain, snow, day or night. Could not take key out, gear froze in park, no electrical working at all, at 1st car would start after a while, then it would not, called aaa, no 1 could figure out what the problem was, I have spent $453.00 with no results, used up my free calls from aaa plus. Every mechanic had a different reason for the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11076202, filed 2018-03, 73,000 milesOther or unknown: “I got into my car and closed the door. I don't recall if I had put the key into the ignition yet, when I heard a loud boom sound like that of a explosion. I turned around and looked at my rear window there was about a 1 foot whole and the remainder of the window is shattered waiting to cave in. I got out and looked, the force blew the molding off on the left side of the window and it and multiple pieces of shattered glass were on the ground. My neighbors and I just stood there and looked because we had never seen anything like that before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10717255, filed 2015-05, 42,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
26% of the 53 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,900 and 84,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captiva · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Captiva · SUV FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Chevrolet Captiva version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captiva AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Captiva FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Captiva FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,026 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This 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…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Captiva
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14 | 60,000 | 0 | 3 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 138 | 62,600 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 97 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 23 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 65 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 23 | 4 · Fewer | Stable |
All Chevrolet Captiva model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems rather than mechanical ones: the car goes dead or loses power, warning lights flash, and the key stays stuck in the ignition. The issues reported most often: Car dies or loses all power while driving; Key stuck in ignition / ignition will not turn; Excessive engine oil consumption.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva have?
NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 43 complaints (66% of the total), followed by engine with 16.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (Captiva FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva reported?
Among the 53 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 49,900 and 84,000 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.