VehicleVerdict

2011 Chevrolet Captiva problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Captiva years?

Captiva NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted198 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 100 complaints2013: 143 complaints2014: 198 complaints2015: 23 complaints
Captiva NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Captiva years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Captiva problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1100%

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V591000SteeringDecember 19, 2011 · 3,150 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 21, 2011. DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN MANUAL MODE AND IN FIRST GEAR CAUSES THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING PUMP TO OPERATE AT HIGHER SPEED THAN IS TYPICAL. INCREASED PUMP SPEED GENERATES HEAT THAT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CAN RESULT IN POWER STEERING FLUID TEMPERATURES THAT APPROACH THE POWER STEERING PUMP RESERVOIR’S MELTING POINT.

Consequence

AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED FLUID TEMPERATURES, THE RESERVOIR MAY LEAK. LEAKING FLUID, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION, FREE OF CHARGE. AN ADVISORY LETTER TO CUSTOMERS, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS, WILL BE MAILED IN JANUARY 2012. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, GM WILL SEND ANOTHER LETTER ASKING CUSTOMER TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED. GM ANTICIPATES PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING ALONG SLOWLY AND VEHICLE FROZE UP AND REFUSED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE GARAGE BY TOW TRUCK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2012

2011 Chevrolet Captiva — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Captiva years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Captiva years to avoid are 2014. The cleanest record among Captiva years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.