Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Captiva owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was informed to closely monitor the oil level. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled and was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed and bent the valves. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 103,416.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated that the cruise control intermittently failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 vehicle towed home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The vehicle has been consuming a lot of oil. So much that I need to set a reminder on my calendar to check every 2 weeks. It did not leak oil. On 12/19/2019 at 134K, I was driving and noticed the car's power weakened. It stalled, I started and went on the highway. Stability traction warning light came on as well as decreased engine power. I had my hazards on and coasted to a gas station off the highway. I check my oil. I nearly had any. Mind you on 12/9 I had to have my heat fixed and paid for a new blend door heat actuator. They also added 2 quarts of oil on 12/9. I hardly had any 10 days later. A fter adding 2 qts the vehicle sounded okay and off I went. Within 5 minutes, on the highway, all the warning lights came on again.the car was decreasing engine power. It was terrifying. I made it off the highway onto another highway and broke down in the breakdown lane during rush hour.. …
While driving my vehicle on the highway while it was raining I heard a noise and my passenger side wiper stopped working. This sounds like a problem that was involved on 2013 equinox (Captiva probably uses many of the same components). NHTSA campaign number 16V582000 - GM's recall number for this is 25302. Luckily the driver side wiper continued to operate properly. This is definitely a safety hazard and should be covered by GM and if the repair has already been made, should be reimbursed by GM. I am presently working on getting the problem fixed. I also experienced as many others have (lots of complaints online) about an oil problem with the Ecotec 2.4 engine. Like many others who experienced stalling problems, when I took my vehicle to my mechanic they found out I was out of oil. (09/21/2018) now I am constantly checking the oil level in my vehicle. …
Driving down the road doing 50. Car just dies out if no where. Pulled over and it would start. Waited 15 minutes and it would then start. Car engine sounded rough. Had the car towed to a mechanic. He told me the engine was blown. I contact Chevy. They tell me to get it looked at by Chevy dealer. Towed car to dealer. They have now informed me that the engine was locked and they believe no longer good. New engine will cost 8000. After doing some research, I see online this is a very common problem n with the engine in this model. And this engine is used in a few other models and experiencing the same problem. They tow truck driver and independent mechanic verified this was a common problem with this engine. Representative at Chevy also verified this was a common problem with the engine. His name is [redacted] with friendly Chevrolet in springfield illinois. …
I had my oil changed 3 days ago, started my car after the work was complete and parked it less than 2 minutes later after traveling 1/4 mile to the grocery store. I attempted to restart my car after my shopping was complete less than 10 minutes later and was unable to as the engine would not start. I have now been informed by my mechanic that I should have my entire engine replaced. Prior to that, I have had oil consumption issues and I have been informed by several other mechanics that this is a frequent problem with this model a car. Despite having had my vehicle regularly serviced as recommended, I am constantly having to add oil in between servicing. This vehicle has major oil consumption and engine failure issues that should be dealt with immediately. Had I known these problems would be in my future, I would never have purchased this vehicle and put my family at risk. …
Brought the vehicle into a Chevy dealer because it was consuming oil much quicker than normal. I was having to put roughly 2 quarts in every week. I do mostly small town driving so nothing too extensive. The dealer showed no external leaks and suggested doing a diagnostic to see if there was internal consumption. Came to find that the piston rings inside the engine are bad and need to be replaced. According to them, this is a common problem for Chevy suvs made during this time. To replace would mean to rebuild the entire engine and costs around $3,200 if you can find a shop willing to mess with it. Very disappointed. My sister had the same problem in an equinox. Her rings were recalled and Chevy replaced for free. Would love to have them look into this as it seems like most people are having the same problem...oil consumption and engine idling issues. …
I have had the 2013 Chevy Captiva sport for almost 6 months. After I have been driving for about 30 minutes and stop at a red light/stop sign. It either shuts off or begins to shake forward and backward. It does not matter if I am in a little town, highway, interstate, etc., it does the same thing. My wiper warning light and sound along with my battery light, and random indicator lights and sounds go off randomly. The only accurate lights are the seatbelt and door ajar indicator lights. When the heater or ac is on the vehicle shakes more. When my battery light is on, I cannot turn my high beams on. The eco system does not work at all. The key gets stuck when it wants too. No specific time of day or time traveled. The steering wheel gets stuck randomly when I make a sharp turn. The turning signal has its frequent moment when it will not turn off. …
Last year it kept going dead, I had just had oil changed had it checked by mechanic it was out of oil, he replaced sensors because they went out because no oil, I failed complaint with company I used for oil change thinking they did not put oil back in it, they pd for repair. In June had oil changed 2 wks later it started making clattering sound, out of oil again and still had 3000 miles left before another change. Took it to company he informed me 2.4 eco motor had a law suit last yr for oil usage thru engine pistons, I was never sent a notice of recall or anything. I believe this has been problem all along.now I'm stuck with a vehicle I'm worried will stop on me.and GM will not pay to have it looked at or nothing. I can not afford another car, and this one has been serviced and taken very good care of. Any suggestions . Car was in motion
Engine complaints in other Captiva years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, 49% of the model year's 97 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Captiva engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Captiva engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.