2013 Chevrolet Captiva problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2013 Chevrolet Captiva sits mid-pack among Captiva years: 143 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 100, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 48 reports (34% of the total).
143
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2013 compare to other Captiva years?
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Captiva problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 48 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 39 | 27% | — flat |
| Other | 16 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 3% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 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 2013 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED OIL SPILLING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE TAIL PIPE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IT FOR SEVERAL HOURS. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED DUE TO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OCCUPIED DURING THE FIRE AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE FIRE WAS ALREADY OUT WHEN…”
“DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2019 RADIO TURNING ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY - THOUGHT IT WAS ISSUE WITH RADIO STATION, BUT ON-LINE CHEVY FORUMS INDICATE IT IS A SIGN OF LARGER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. JUNE 1, 2019, ENTERING VEHICLE AFTER DINNER OUT, INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE FLICKERING; DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT…”
“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.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND PARKING BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HOLIDAY AUTOMOTIVE (321 N ROLLING MEADOWS DR., FOND DU LAC, WI), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”
2013 Chevrolet Captiva — common questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?
It is close to typical for the Captiva: 143 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2013 Captiva problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (48 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints), other (16 complaints).
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 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.