Chevrolet Captiva Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet Captiva model year from 2012–2015 using 314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2014 and 2013, which drew far more complaints than other Captiva years at the same age. The best years are 2015 and 2012.

4model years
314complaints
0recalls
2014, 2013worst years
2015, 2012best years

Complaints by model year

2012201320142015659713814
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Captiva. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201514−86%—ElectricalGood
20141382.1×—ElectricalAvoid
2013971.4×—EngineCaution
201265−29%—ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Captiva year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Chevrolet Captiva problems

  • 13944%
  • 9831%
  • Other / not specified
    5718%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2014
    3311%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2014
    279%
  • Steeringworst: 2014
    196%
  • Air bagsworst: 2014
    144%
  • Body & structureworst: 2014
    144%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2012
    124%
  • Brakesworst: 2013
    124%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2012
    103%
  • Lightsworst: 2014
    93%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2014
    83%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2013
    31%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2012
    21%
  • Seatsworst: 2013
    21%
  • Suspensionworst: 2014
    21%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2014
    10%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Captiva should you avoid?

2014 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Captiva years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2014.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Captiva?

2015 has the fewest complaints compared with other Captiva years at the same age, followed by 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Chevrolet Captiva problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (139), engine & cooling (98) and transmission & drivetrain (33). Electrical complaints peak in the 2014 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Captiva had?

0 recalls across 2012–2015.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.