2012 Chevrolet Captiva Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 25%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,390miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva, 25% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,390 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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“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“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
43 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology