2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva sits mid-pack among Captiva years: 100 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 100, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 51% of all reports (51 of 100), far ahead of engine at 16.
100
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2012 compare to other Captiva years?
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 51 | 51% | new |
| Engine | 16 | 16% | new |
| Other | 8 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | new |
| Airbags | 3 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO AND THE HEATING SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION AS TEMPERATURE BELOW 40 WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO…”
“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…”
“I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TOWARD HARRISBURG AR AND I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE AND NOTICED IT COMING FROM VENTS. AFTER I GOT OUT OF MY CAR , FLAMES ENGULFED AND TOTALED MY CAR COMPLETELY.”
“THIS CAR IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. DRIVING STEADY BETWEEN 30-45MPH THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK LIKE THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS HAVING PROBLEMS. DURING SLOW SPEED DRIVING SUCH AS A TRAFFIC JAM < 20MPH THE CAR WILL JERK INTO GEARS. DURING SLOW SPEEDS OF ABOUT 10MPH IF I STEP ON THE GAS THE CAR…”
“AT RUSH HOUR , THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR STOPS DEAD. NO POWER AT ALL. WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD, BUT IT WAS DARK AND WITH NO ELECTRICAL WORKING, COULD NOT USE THE FLASHERS. WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES BY UNCARING DRIVERS. EVEN YELLED AT. NO POWER TO THE CAR AT ALL.”
2012 Chevrolet Captiva — common questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?
It is close to typical for the Captiva: 100 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2012 Captiva problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (51 complaints), engine (16 complaints), other (8 complaints).
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva.
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.