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2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 145owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 44%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Chevrolet Captiva year on file: 145 complaints, against an average of 88 for the other 3 model years.
Every Chevrolet Captiva model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
The components named most often in the 145 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Chevrolet Captiva owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 145 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva stall, lose power or shut off while driving?20 owners · 13.8%
- Why won't my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva start?17 owners · 11.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?13 owners · 9%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?9 owners · 6.2%
- Why is my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva burning or losing oil?6 owners · 4.1%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva engine?5 owners · 3.4%
- Why does my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva idle rough, misfire or hesitate?5 owners · 3.4%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?5 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAEngine may start inadvertently
Risk: Repeated key insertion could create intense wear condition on the trigger of the ignition cylinder internal component. As consequence Engine starter motor might self-crank and the vehicle moves involuntarily if the ignition key has been left in the ignition lock cylinder in the LOCK (OFF) position and a gear engaged. The concern only affects vehicles with manual transmission.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a modified ignition Key cylinder.
UK DVSAPossibility of fire
Risk: In order for proper regeneration of the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) system the vehicle in the active regeneration mode directs the driver by illuminating the DPF warning light to drive the vehicle at constant speed without interruption until the DPF warning light turns off. In the event that the driver ignores the DPF warning light and the corresponding direction the DPF system as well as exhaust pipe will be abnormally overheated. This may cause a fire at the Lower Engine Compartment Cover located near the DPF system and exhaust pipe.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and initially remove and discard the Lower Engine Compartment Cover. When parts are available the vehicles will be recalled to have the new Lower Engine Compartment Cover fitted.
UK DVSABraking efficiency may be affected
Risk: Incorrect type of brake fluid installed at production could cause internal corrosion of the ABS module. This corrosion can lead to a gel build up inside the module which may affect the closing motion of one of the valves. There will be no external loss of fluid or reduction in fluid level but it is possible the driver could feel excessive brake pedal travel. In some circumstances there may be reduced braking performance.
Fix: Inspection of the brake fluid using a scan tool. Drain and replace the fluid and replace the brake fluid reservoir cap (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Erase ''DOT 3'' text from the customers Owner's Manual (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Add information regarding the use of DOT 4 brake fluid.
EU Safety GateMalfunction of the diesel particulate filter could cause the lower engine compartment cover to overheat and catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe affected vehicles may in some instances experience spongy brakes, increased brake pedal travel and in some cases reduced brake…Years estimatedThe affected vehicles may in some instances experience spongy brakes, increased brake pedal travel and in some cases reduced brake performance, caused by a valve sticking within the ABS module. These conditions may cause an accident, resulting in injuries to the passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Chevrolet Captiva owners report?
12 of the 145 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My shifter doesn't recognize that its in park and won't let me remove my keys. It gets stuck on ACC and I can't turn my key/ignition to the off position. And for the 3rd time it's like popped outta gear. I bought it used. This started 2 months ago but for the 10 days its continually gotten worse. 8 outta 10 times I go to put it in park and I can't get key out. I haven't had it inspected or looked or anything else like that. I Googled it and i read up on how this is an issue for 2012 to 2014 Chevrolet Captiva. But no recall for 2012 year. I don't know what time do. There was no accidents…
The car will stall and shut off, the radio quits working and the key will get stuck in the ignition.
The component that has failed has been the transmission and the AC. My safety was at risk because the car wouldn’t drive forward whilst on the road. It has been confirmed by independent service. Yes the problem has been inspected by representatives. There was a warning that was said “Check transmission engine”
Unknown, car will shut off while driving and turn back on while flashing service traction control. In some cases it will completely turn off and I will have to put transmission in park and re crank it in the middle of traffic. Power steering goes out while driving aswell as other issues. Locks go in and out while driving. No known cause to this as battery and alternator is good and I've replaced BCM and reprogrammed it but still having the same issue
While driving on an interstate, the voltage suddenly began to decrease. Within a few minutes, the car died on the highway. we were able to get it to the shoulder. No electrical equipment worked, including the emergency lights. After taking it to a garage, the mechanic said the alternator was working fine, but the battery was drained. He was able to start and run the car, but the computer indicated that a long-term memory issue with the computer, itself, was indicated. Also, previous to this, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Maybe DumDum should declare that all Americans made vehicles are…
Engine light came on lost compressions. Engine wouldn't turn off. Steering was loose like we were on water. Traction control and stabilitrac were disabled and unable to turn bsvjninuiHas to press breaks to the floor. If I was going any faster I could have lost control. The repair shop replaced the fuse box and Bcm not even 3 miles engine light came back on and it misfires, pistons problems, compression. I called the dealership I bought it from and they state it's safe!
I am not sure what component could be one could be several. When I pulled into my driveway and put it in park. The engine light came on and the stereo went off. When checking the stereo would not turn back on and nothing on the instrument panel would work, heater/air conditioning, rear wipers, heated seats, hazard lights, the parking/emergency break literally nothing. So I turned the key in the ignition to the off position took the key out and the engine continued to run? I called onstar from the vehicle and realized that didn't work either so I had called from my cell. They advices me to call…
Vehicle has a know oil useage problem. Have to check to make sure it is not low between oil changes. In the past I had it start to cut out if I was sitting at a stop light & had to put my foot on the brake & the gas pedal to keep it from quitting. Only happened occasionally & never gave it more thought till about a month ago. Was sitting in my car while it was idling and it just quit. Started it back up & it did it again. Thank goodness I was sitting in a driveway not on a highway. It drove terrible on the way home. Sputtered at every stop sign. Got it home a mile away and parked it. I was…
Numerous complaints have been filed on the internet and to the NHTSA concerning the electrical system on this vehicle. Include engine not starting when turn key, car starts to have flashing instrument panel light and then dying, failure to be able to remove the key when turning off the ignition, most dangerous issue is the electrical system failing when on the highway, dealers seem to be aware of the problem but have not corrected problem which is probably related to positive and negative battery cables and "battery current sensor". This is a dangerous vehicle because of the uncertainty of the…
WHILE DRIVING - OR EVEN SITTING STILL - RADIO AND CLOCK WILL SHUT OFF, "SERVICE STABILITRACK LIGHT" ILLUMINATES ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE SHOWING ON THE MESSAGE CENTER DASH DISPLAY. AFTER 5 SECONDS OR SO, IT DISAPPEARS; HOWEVER OCCURS OFTEN BUT NO CONSISTENT (SOMETIMES NONE AT ALL, SOME TIMES 4 OR SO TIMES IN A 20MI DRIVE). BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE BRAND NEW (ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 12 MONTHS). VEHICLE IS OWNED OUTRIGHT AND HAS 142,000+ MILES.
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTIONS, HE HIT THE BREAKS AND CAME TO A QUICK STOP AND THE VEHICLE FROM BEHIND BUMPED HIM AT ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR. IT SET OFF THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT, BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CANISTER OR COIL FOR THE AIRBAG, AND A REAR SENSOR IN THE BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS RELATED TO THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. IT HAS NOT HAD A CAR ACCIDENT SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT IN 2017. I AM UNSURE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT WAS IN THE LAST YEAR.
INITIALLY THE ISSUE PRESENTED AS OCCASIONAL BRAKE LIGHT OUTAGE. SOON AFTER THIS BECAME PERMANENT. IT ALSO AFFECTS THE REVERSE LIGHTS MAKING IT SO THAT THEY'RE ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN THE CAR ISN'T RUNNING. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (DOORS AND OVERHEAD) ARE AFFECTED AND NO LONGER WORK. THE BACKUP CAMERA HAD TO BE REMOVED BECAUSE THE WIRING BURNT OUT. ALSO THE SUNROOF HAS STOPPED WORKING. FRONT RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALSO STOPPED WORKING. IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AROUND MID-MARCH 2019. I HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO A AUTO ELECTRIC SPECIALIST TWICE STARTING APRIL 2019. AFTER ALL THIS, IT WAS…
2012 Chevrolet Captiva: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva; the most common categories were electrical system (89, 61.4%), engine (38, 26.2%), electronic stability control (esc) (20, 13.8%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
Across 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (61.4% of complaints), engine (26.2% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (13.8% of complaints), steering (8.3% of complaints), power train (6.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
20 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (13.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Unknown, car will shut off while driving and turn back on while flashing service traction control. In some cases it will completely turn off and I will have to put transmission in park and re crank it in the middle of traffic." (NHTSA complaint 11546278, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva start?
17 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (11.7%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11217767, June 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
13 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Engine light came on lost compressions. Engine wouldn't turn off. Steering was loose like we were on water. Traction control and stabilitrac were disabled and unable to turn bsvjninuiHas to press breaks to the floor." (NHTSA complaint 11461301, April 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
9 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (6.2%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Stability control and break warning constantly..had breaks completely repaired twice within the 2 years of purchasing it..only has 160,000 miles. lighting wiring issue malfunction." (NHTSA complaint 11373072, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva burning or losing oil?
6 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (4.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11039748, October 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva engine?
5 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (3.4%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Many times this car has just died while driving. oil and battery are good. i have had to replace the timing chain. there now seems to be a problem with a fuel pump or sensor causing the car to die. i am taking it to a mechanic this week." (NHTSA complaint 11207145, May 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
5 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (3.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Engine light came on lost compressions. Engine wouldn't turn off. Steering was loose like we were on water. Traction control and stabilitrac were disabled and unable to turn bsvjninuiHas to press breaks to the floor." (NHTSA complaint 11461301, April 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?
5 of the 145 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (3.4%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet captiva sport. while driving 40 mph, the parking brake light continued to activate and the cruise control cut off when the blinker was activated, which disengaged the cruise control and slowed down the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 10816582, December 2015). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Captiva
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.