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2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is electrical system, typically around 58,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Captiva model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
65
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
1,026
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18-23mpg

The worst 2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    43
  • Engine
    16
  • Driver assistance
    8
  • Transmission
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva

Check engine light 8Stalling 8Won't start 6Loss of power 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 1,026

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,026 bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva

2012 Chevrolet Captiva fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD202823
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172419
3.0L 6‑cylAWD162218

What 2012 Chevrolet Captiva owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 5, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 150,000 miles · OK

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2019 · 85,000 miles · ID

The vehicle is lightweight to the point where high winds push the car to the side while it is in motion. You can feel the wind moving it and feel the car move a lot when other vehicles are driving at high speeds next to it.

Filed Jun 18, 2019 · Electrical · 47,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that she was unable to eject the key from the ignition. The contact had to restart the vehicle and manuever the steering wheel in order for the key to be removed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 84,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition switch and the turn signal lights failed to make a clicking noise when activated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start occasionally and the service vehicle and brake warning indicators were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 84,000. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 94,258 miles · OK

The e-brake comes on by its self while driving down road. Checked againest VIN and stated not on recall list but others have been recalled for same thing.

Filed Apr 9, 2019 · Engine · 92,000 miles · IA

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. Is this normal for this vehicle and is it under some kind of warranty. Have only 104200 miles on this vehicle.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and three quarts of oil were added. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil and it needed to be changed before every 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact called healey chevrolet buick (located at 5216 ny-17m, new hampton, ny 10958, (845) 360-9821) and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · Electrical · MO

One day my heat and air module just quit working and the dash board reads -40 for the outside temp. So now there is no heat no defrost or air.

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Engine · 94,570 miles · CO

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. Further investigation and taking it to chevrolet dealership verified the occurrence of a known problem with the pcv causing this failure to happen.. Apparently as I drove up that busy highway from work, my vehicle was dispersing a very fiine spray of oil on the vehicles following me, the road, and the roadside vegetation, approximately 5 quarts worth. This created a very unsafe condition for the vehicle following me and raised some serious environmental issues. In spite of gm having issued a special policy on certain vehicles which would have covered this repair, I was told my vehicle was not on the list. I have had the repair performed, but if it is a known faulty design, gm should stand behind correcting the issue and if I am not on their list, they should expand the list. I hate having been the vehicle behind creating an unsafe situation for other drivers and for contaminating the road and roadside with petroleum waste. The special policy that did not have me on the list was 14882 - special coverage adjustment

Filed Nov 27, 2018 · Engine · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva. The contact stated that the vehicle kept shutting off while driving and when cold started from a parked position. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed, but no failure could be found. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, all of the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Compare the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva

Other model years

20112012201320142015

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva, close to a typical Captiva model year.

What is the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva year score?

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Captiva: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?

Electrical system, with 43 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles. Next is engine (16).

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Chevrolet Captiva have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Captiva model years with the most electrical complaints are 2014 (60 complaints), 2012 (43 complaints) and 2013 (31 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva range from 18 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 28 highway.

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