2013 Chevrolet Captiva Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Captiva years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 13 of its 97 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Stalling, hesitation and reduced engine power (33 complaints, median 83,000 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012
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
- 97filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 83 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva most often describe excessive engine oil consumption, in many cases followed by engine damage after the oil level ran low without a warning light. Electrical complaints are the second large group, typically keys that stick in the ignition, intermittent no-start conditions and dashboard lights that flicker. Reports cluster in the middle-to-high mileage range, though some symptoms appear well under 60,000 miles.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption and low-oil engine damage
Mentioned in 17 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe having to add a quart or two of oil every week or two between changes, with no visible leak on the ground and sometimes no warning light. Many report the engine then stalled, seized, or was diagnosed as needing replacement after the oil ran low; mechanics have cited piston rings, a failed rear main seal or a clogged PCV system as the path to the loss. Several owners mention asking the dealer about a GM special coverage adjustment for this condition and being told their VIN was not included. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 120,000 miles, though some owners noticed oil loss well before 60,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition at every fill-up and ask for service records showing oil consumption tests or top-offs. A pre-purchase inspection should include a compression or leak-down check and a look at the PCV system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Oil just burns out of it. I would have to put oil in it every week to every other week. I got my regular oil changes and it didn't matter still needed oil constantly. Till my motor finally was blown with no oil even though I had just put some in. Wasn't leaking I had it looked at to see if was.”
NHTSA complaint #11298364, filed 2020-01, 140,000 miles“Last year it kept going dead, I had just had oil changed had it checked by mechanic it was out of oil, he replaced sensors because they went out because no oil, I failed complaint with company I used for oil change thinking they did not put oil back in it, they pd for repair. In june had oil changed 2 wks later it started making clattering sound, out of oil again and still had 3000 miles left before another change. …”
NHTSA complaint #11339766, filed 2020-07, 128,000 miles - Engine
Stalling, hesitation and reduced engine power
- 33 complaints (34%)
- median 83,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (29 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2023
Complaints describe the engine cutting out at stops or while driving at speed, hesitation when the accelerator is pressed, and messages such as 'reduced engine power' with the stability control light coming on. Dealers and independent shops have replaced throttle bodies, fuel injectors, crankshaft sensors and intake camshaft solenoids, and in some cases the stall was traced to a failed timing chain that bent valves. Spread from about 30,000 to 130,000 miles, with several reports in the 70,000-100,000 mile range.
What to check: Take a test drive that includes stops and light-throttle acceleration, and ask whether the throttle body or timing chain has been serviced. Have any stored engine codes read before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When stopped at red light or stop sign it cuts off. Also it hesitates when proceeding to go. It just started doing this when I put e85 gas in there. My manual says I can use this gas and my gas cap is yellow with e85. Help me please!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11076123, filed 2018-03, 52,000 miles“Engine sputtered, lurched forward, then almost died repeatedly at a stoplight. Drove car home as no warning lights came on and made an appointment with my mechanic. Mechanic advised to drive car to the shop. When I started the car to drive there, several engine lights came on stating 'reduced engine power' and a stabilitrack warning. The car then died and would not start again. Towed the car to the shop and was told my timing chain snapped and destroyed the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11119285, filed 2018-08, 86,000 miles - Electrical system
Key sticks in ignition or vehicle will not start
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 65,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2023
Owners report the key becoming stuck in the ignition switch, sometimes in the ACC position so the vehicle could not be shut off without disconnecting the battery, and other times refusing to turn so the engine would not start. Some had the ignition switch replaced and the problem returned; others were told by the dealer the failure could not be duplicated. A few describe tapping the fuse panel or reconnecting the battery to get going again. Reported from about 15,000 to 110,000 miles, with several cases in the 40,000-90,000 mile range.
What to check: Try the ignition through several on/off cycles, including the ACC position, and confirm the key releases freely and the engine restarts. Ask whether the ignition switch or battery cables have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 11/9/2015 my SUV engine cut off and I lost all power to operate it. The key would not come out of the ignition. I was attempting to come to a stop on two occasions on the same day and could not continue normal vehicle operations. I am taking the vehicle back to the dealer 11/10/2015.”
NHTSA complaint #10789451, filed 2015-11, 31,000 miles“Key gets stuck in the ignition and the battery dies completely. I cannot lock or unlock my car. Hazards won't turn on. Only happens occasionally, but it's been more frequent and lasts longer. I used to be able just to turn the car back on to get the key out, but now it doesn't even try to turn. It's like the battery is dead, but I got it checked and it's fine. It happens as I turn the car off or on. It is always in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11105037, filed 2018-07, 40,000 miles - Electrical system
Dashboard lights flicker and intermittent electrical faults
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 80,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2022
Owners describe interior and exterior lights dimming or flickering, the radio switching on and off, warning chimes and multiple dash lights appearing at random, and occasional total loss of power that requires a jump or battery disconnect. Some complaints note battery cable or connector issues, while others say the dealer found no stored codes. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 110,000 miles, often as an intermittent condition that comes and goes.
What to check: Inspect battery cables and terminals for corrosion or looseness and check that all interior and exterior lights work steadily. Ask whether any electrical repairs or harness work have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving my Captiva from work to home (approx. 26 miles) the warning lights on the dash light up and it indicates service traction control. It will do this at least three times on the way home however when take it to weseloh chevy in carlsbad they state no codes. On at least four times when I shut the car off there is no power, no lights, no nothing its like the battery is dead when its not. It happened at the dealership when they asked me to pick it up after finding no issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096765, filed 2018-05, 76,000 miles“While driving, the dash board lights will come on from time to time. The signal light inside the car may show, but not indicated outside. Once in a while the cabin light flutter, dim and then return to full brightness. The radio may stop working and ting, ting sound may come on with the dash board panel lights illuminated momentarily. This car was recently serviced by the dealer and I have reported on this problem before. Since it occurs very often, I have indicated the date of the last occurrence. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10787116, filed 2015-10, 40,450 miles - Brakes
Parking brake and traction control warnings
- 12 complaints (12%)
- median 69,006 mi at 5.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2022
Complaints describe the parking brake and traction control indicators lighting up while driving, and in one case the metal bracket holding the parking brake cable broke away from the frame so the brake would not hold the vehicle. Owners report the dealer could not duplicate the warning lights or advised that the bracket needed welding. Reported between about 55,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: Engage the parking brake on a slope and confirm it holds, and inspect the cable bracket where it attaches to the frame. Have the traction control system scanned for stored codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Bracket that hold the e-brake cable to the frame and also creates tension that enables the e-brake to engage broke off the frame where it was originally welded. The e-brake does not engage causing the vehicle to roll. The dealer located the bracket but said that they do not weld. The dealer says that the bracket needs to be welded back on to the frame. The dealer does not do welding. This is a manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11203306, filed 2019-04, 77,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle came to a screeching hault and failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (pinegar Chevrolet buick gmc of branson, 163 adair road, branson, missouri 65616) where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. The contact also stated that the check traction control immediately/see dealer message appeared on the display screen. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11111969, filed 2018-07, 60,000 miles
Buying note. A 2013 Captiva is worth having inspected closely for oil consumption and ignition switch behavior before purchase, since those two themes account for most of what owners describe. Service records showing consistent oil level checks and any ignition or engine repairs are the most useful thing to ask for.
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 97 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. 83 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,336 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 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine48 49%
- Electrical system31 32%
- Other or unknown17 18%
- Brakes5 5.1%
- Steering5 5.1%
- Fuel system4 4.1%
- Body and structure4 4.1%
Also reported: Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Starting about 6 months ago, my check engine light started coming on and that it would start shaking when I was sitting idel. I took my Captiva to a mechanic. I was told that he believed it dealt with oil consumption. I drive only short distances to my work, so I should not be using very much oil. Every time I have had the light come on, I take it in and they basically have to replace the majority of my oil. The vehicle is burning it much faster than it should be.”
NHTSA complaint #11290765, filed 2019-12, 71,000 milesElectrical system: “While I was driving to work on the highway my car caught on fire through the left passenger door speaker. I pulled over and got stuck in the flaming car because the seat belts would not release. After a while I was able to get out, and call the fire station they came and out the fire; they said the wire that connects to the speaker was the main causes of the fire. I took the car to the dealership and they claimed nothing was wrong with it, it just happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11000962, filed 2017-06, 99,800 milesOther or unknown: “I have had the 2013 chevy Captiva sport for almost 6 months. After I have been driving for about 30 minutes and stop at a red light/stop sign. It either shuts off or begins to shake forward and backward. It does not matter if I am in a little town, highway, interstate, etc., it does the same thing. My wiper warning light and sound along with my battery light, and random indicator lights and sounds go off randomly. The only accurate lights are the seatbelt and door ajar indicator lights. When the heater or AC is on the vehicle shakes more. …”
NHTSA complaint #11160670, filed 2018-12, 10 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “This past year 2017; oil changes; low a quart or two; one time, told it was out of oil. No leaks found. Drove 360 miles in the winter and back. Car stalled, blue smoke, said check stability traction and shut car off! (out of oil just 3 days after filled with oil) I change oil every 2k miles. I was informed a lot of vehicles with this same engine did this exact problem. This is a danger issue. My car stranded me -12 degree weather!!!! I was informed that the rear seal blew because I drove a long trip in the cold and it froze and broke. …”
NHTSA complaint #11071608, filed 2018-02, 89,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
23% of the 83 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,500 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 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 2013 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 · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Captiva FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Captiva FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 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 2013 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. 1,336 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 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.
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 2013 Chevrolet Captiva?
Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva most often describe excessive engine oil consumption, in many cases followed by engine damage after the oil level ran low without a warning light. The issues reported most often: Excessive oil consumption and low-oil engine damage; Stalling, hesitation and reduced engine power; Key sticks in ignition or vehicle will not start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva have?
NHTSA recorded 97 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 48 complaints (49% of the total), followed by electrical system with 31.
Has the 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Captiva get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva (Captiva FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel) 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 2013 Chevrolet Captiva reported?
Among the 83 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 53,500 and 100,000 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.