Owners have filed 135 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
44.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1820.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1617.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2831.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2224.4%
150,000+ miles
22.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2013peak 10Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,379 milesPensacola, FLFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated that while his engine was off, the vehicle had caught fire and burned out on its own. The contact discovered the failure upon the entrance of the vehicle and saw smoke within the cabin. The vehicle would not start and was towed to the dealer. The contact was then informed that the climate control module had caused a fire within the vehicle and the module was replaced. After the repair, the check engine light would intermittently illuminate on the dashboard. The contact took the vehicle to Bob Tyler Toyota(7201 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505) where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 125,379
NHTSA complaint #11436627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMagnolia, ARFire
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE CALIPER LOCKED UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE CAUSING THE CAR TO BURN TO THE CAR TO BURN TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #11407924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesShakopee, MNCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11353515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING, THE VEHICLE AT THE STORE. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY LOOSES ALL POWER AND WILL NOT START AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS. KEYS WILL LOCK IN THE IGNITION, REMOTE START DEPROGRAMS, THE CAR HAS NO POWER. POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS EXTREMELY HOT AND SECOND-DEGREE BURNS ARE ON HAND WHEN TOUCHED. REPLACED BATTERY, POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, AND 1 WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. NO PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR. NO LOOSE WIRES AND THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE FROM A JUMP. NO POWER TO THE CAR AND YOU ARE STRANDED FOR HOURS WAITING FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TO COOL DOWN. AFTER HOURS OF WAITING THE CAR STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT WILL DO THE SAME THING AGAIN WHEN TURNED OFF. NOTHING IS LEFT ON TO DRAIN THE POWER FROM THE CAR. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY AFTER DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11326400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX3 injured
ENGINE
AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING, THE VEHICLE AT THE STORE. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY LOOSES ALL POWER AND WILL NOT START AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS. KEYS WILL LOCK IN THE IGNITION, REMOTE START DEPROGRAMS, THE CAR HAS NO POWER. POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS EXTREMELY HOT AND SECOND-DEGREE BURNS ARE ON HAND WHEN TOUCHED. REPLACED BATTERY, POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, AND 1 WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. NO PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR. NO LOOSE WIRES AND THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE FROM A JUMP. NO POWER TO THE CAR AND YOU ARE STRANDED FOR HOURS WAITING FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TO COOL DOWN. AFTER HOURS OF WAITING THE CAR STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT WILL DO THE SAME THING AGAIN WHEN TURNED OFF. NOTHING IS LEFT ON TO DRAIN THE POWER FROM THE CAR. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY AFTER DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11326400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX3 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING, THE VEHICLE AT THE STORE. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY LOOSES ALL POWER AND WILL NOT START AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS. KEYS WILL LOCK IN THE IGNITION, REMOTE START DEPROGRAMS, THE CAR HAS NO POWER. POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS EXTREMELY HOT AND SECOND-DEGREE BURNS ARE ON HAND WHEN TOUCHED. REPLACED BATTERY, POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, AND 1 WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. NO PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR. NO LOOSE WIRES AND THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE FROM A JUMP. NO POWER TO THE CAR AND YOU ARE STRANDED FOR HOURS WAITING FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TO COOL DOWN. AFTER HOURS OF WAITING THE CAR STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT WILL DO THE SAME THING AGAIN WHEN TURNED OFF. NOTHING IS LEFT ON TO DRAIN THE POWER FROM THE CAR. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY AFTER DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11326400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Reno, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my car used a year ago. I had this same issue about 8 months ago for a short time but now it keeps happening everything I turn my ignition key off. My key won't come out it gets stuck on the ACC, I think that's what it's called, its been about 7 or 8 weeks now but its getting worse. And when I was trying to turn my car off and get my key out my car started roll backwards, this has happened 2 times in the last 10 days. I have 2012 chevrolet captiva. Has there been any recalls regarding this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11750182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
STEERING
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 regarding this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11728052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 regarding this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11728052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car will stall and shut off, the radio quits working and the key will get stuck in the ignition.
NHTSA complaint #11591705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
The car will stall and shut off, the radio quits working and the key will get stuck in the ignition.
NHTSA complaint #11591705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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”
NHTSA complaint #11572562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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”
NHTSA complaint #11572562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corcoran, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
On my 2012 CHEVEROLET captiva LT .I HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AN I WENT TO OPEN MY GATES THE CAR JUMPS OUT OF THE PARKING BRAKES IF THE ENGINE IDLES GO UP JUST A LITTLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING COMES ON .OR IF YOU ARE IN DRIVE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKES UP AND JUST REVS THE ENGINE THE BRAKES JUMPS OUT REALLY EASY. NO SAFETY TO THIS EMERGENCY BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11553129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #11546278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11546278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11546278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emporia, VA
POWER TRAIN
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 presumed to be defective, and subject to a recall!
NHTSA complaint #11526330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emporia, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 presumed to be defective, and subject to a recall!
NHTSA complaint #11526330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gresham, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The battery cables are faulty and overheat causing the car to shut off and lock key in the ignition with complete loss of power this is happening to nearly every Chevy captiva and is a wide spread issue this is also a serious fire hazard as the cables over heating is enough to boil water car shuts off and locks key in ignition without warning
NHTSA complaint #11517133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gresham, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The battery cables are faulty and overheat causing the car to shut off and lock key in the ignition with complete loss of power this is happening to nearly every Chevy captiva and is a wide spread issue this is also a serious fire hazard as the cables over heating is enough to boil water car shuts off and locks key in ignition without warning
NHTSA complaint #11517133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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!
NHTSA complaint #11461301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11461301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #11461301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 a mechanic. Unable to do so as it was 9pm and not was mechanic shop was available I looked online. I ended up pulling the fuel relay switch and waited several minutes for it to finally die then I undid the negative battery cable. Tried again the next day and same thing happened. It is available for inspection as I have no clue as to if and when it can be fixed. My safety was at risk due to the vehicle not shutting off and a fire/explosion could happen. The safety feature or requirement of the hazard lights (good thing I wasn't on the freeway) the parking/emergency break no need to explained this. Unable to call for emergency with onstar equipped vehicle and who know what else could be wrong. Unknown if anyone else has a verified claim but it seems to be a problem with this vehicle and no it has not been inspected but will be taking to a shop Monday morning! No lights/lamps/warnings were on or appeared prior to the engine light turning on with all this at the same time.
NHTSA complaint #11459472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
ENGINE
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 a mechanic. Unable to do so as it was 9pm and not was mechanic shop was available I looked online. I ended up pulling the fuel relay switch and waited several minutes for it to finally die then I undid the negative battery cable. Tried again the next day and same thing happened. It is available for inspection as I have no clue as to if and when it can be fixed. My safety was at risk due to the vehicle not shutting off and a fire/explosion could happen. The safety feature or requirement of the hazard lights (good thing I wasn't on the freeway) the parking/emergency break no need to explained this. Unable to call for emergency with onstar equipped vehicle and who know what else could be wrong. Unknown if anyone else has a verified claim but it seems to be a problem with this vehicle and no it has not been inspected but will be taking to a shop Monday morning! No lights/lamps/warnings were on or appeared prior to the engine light turning on with all this at the same time.
NHTSA complaint #11459472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colville, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 a mechanic. Unable to do so as it was 9pm and not was mechanic shop was available I looked online. I ended up pulling the fuel relay switch and waited several minutes for it to finally die then I undid the negative battery cable. Tried again the next day and same thing happened. It is available for inspection as I have no clue as to if and when it can be fixed. My safety was at risk due to the vehicle not shutting off and a fire/explosion could happen. The safety feature or requirement of the hazard lights (good thing I wasn't on the freeway) the parking/emergency break no need to explained this. Unable to call for emergency with onstar equipped vehicle and who know what else could be wrong. Unknown if anyone else has a verified claim but it seems to be a problem with this vehicle and no it has not been inspected but will be taking to a shop Monday morning! No lights/lamps/warnings were on or appeared prior to the engine light turning on with all this at the same time.
NHTSA complaint #11459472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reedsburg, WI
ENGINE
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 lucky to get home because it had started to leak oil just before my driveway so you could see it on the road. I lost the rest of the oil in my driveway! Got to doing some calling & research & found out they have issues with freezing up a tube on the top of the engine & now I have a blow rear main seal! Had we been informed of this issue we would have been able to prevent a real problem. Now I have a 2012 Chevy Captive (manufactured 02/24/12) that has 87,000 miles on it an needs a major repair! From our understanding some vehicles were issued a notification that this was an issue & offered a engine repair. Our vin number unfortunately doesn't come up under this issue. So now we are sitting a a major repair issue & no help with covering the cost of this known issue! The car is in good shape and we are unable to drive it till we get it fixed. Wish we would have known about this issue. Not too happy to find out this problem has been known about but yet many have not been notified of this issue. Glad my car died in my driveway & not out on some highway in the middle of now where. Could have caused a major accident when the car just died in the roadway! Would like to know what is offered for this issue & why car owners are not notified of this issue. Just frustrating!
NHTSA complaint #11451164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,379 milesPensacola, FLFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated that while his engine was off, the vehicle had caught fire and burned out on its own. The contact discovered the failure upon the entrance of the vehicle and saw smoke within the cabin. The vehicle would not start and was towed to the dealer. The contact was then informed that the climate control module had caused a fire within the vehicle and the module was replaced. After the repair, the check engine light would intermittently illuminate on the dashboard. The contact took the vehicle to Bob Tyler Toyota(7201 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505) where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 125,379
NHTSA complaint #11436627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 electrical failure to some time start or failing while driving down the highway. It certainly seems that there have been sufficient issues by any number Captiva owners to warrant a recall and have dealers correct the electrical problems before one is seriously injured.
NHTSA complaint #11430982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 electrical failure to some time start or failing while driving down the highway. It certainly seems that there have been sufficient issues by any number Captiva owners to warrant a recall and have dealers correct the electrical problems before one is seriously injured.
NHTSA complaint #11430982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.