Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The Chevy Captiva I have has been in multiple shops and NOBODY knows why it randomly has electrical problems and all the locks go on and off while driving and the RPM speeds up and slows down all by itself. The engine and transmission has been replaced among other things in the vehicle. This is a hazard to myself and anybody on the road. It has been to multiple mechanics in my city and not one person can figure out why the car does this. The engine misfires while driving and I've almost been in multiple wrecks because the car genuinely has a mind of its own! How many more times does this need to happen before a serious accident. This vehicle needs to be recalled before a serious accident happens at only the fault of a vehicle that should have been recalled years ago!
My car was functioning normally. But on or about Jan 7, I was simply moving the car to another parking area in my driveway. The car stopped and would not restart. It was towed to a local dealer. I was told the problem was a drive chain, resulting in a repair that could cost thousands. Now the car rests in my yard with a future as a flower pot. There had been no warning of trouble, no smell, no sound etc. It the car had been at speed on a highway this could have been catastrophic to me and other motorists. I spent thousands to buy this car and now it is gone. My insurance refused a claim, citing the engine failure. What options do I have? I am 77 years old.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva. The contact stated that occasionally while his wife was stopped for either a traffic sign or traffic light, the engine would make a grinding noise. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a lot of engine oil, requiring constant refilling every week. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain replaced. The contact spoke with a dealer and asked if the VIN was under recall. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Key gets stuck in ignition and takes many tries to get it out, even from day one of buying it. Was informed that was a "safety" feature provided by Chevy themselves. When shutting off the vehicle, everything dies out like the battery went completely dead and car won't start again. Have to play with battery wires and fuse box before I hear the car make any noise again. Was informed by more than one mechanic that there are GM recalls for the thermal cable, battery protective cable, and starter motors, but nothing for my VIN has popped up. Have found almost 100 other complaints on multiple sites and more than a dozen reported accidents due to this issue. Car sits at almost 98,000 miles now and it will not turn over for me. …
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.
My Captiva did not want to start. The key was locked in the ignition. All the lights were off and there was no lights on the instrument panel. I disconnected the negative battery cable for a minute and then plugged it back on to the battery. When I went to open the door the horn started honking and all the lights came on. I deactivated the alarm with the remote on the key but accidently hit the lock button. I stated the vehicle and went to close the hood. But when I went to open the door the doors had locked and my vehicle was running. I had to break the window because my year old baby was in the car. My wife complained that the radio will some times turn off and the instrument lights will come on. One is the traction control need to be serviced and engine light will come on. Also the service light will turn on. Also the lights inside the vehicle will dim at times. …
On 1/2/19, I left work and traveled approximately 2 miles when I began hearing engine noise. Upon pulling into convenience store, I checked dipstick and found no oil showing. Since oil was changed about 400 prior and no leaks were found, I proceeded to add oil to engine. Found oil leaking out as fast as putting in. After being towed back to where I work (independent repair shop) and next day found rear crankshaft seal on engine dislodged from engine. Further investigation and taking it to Chevrolet dealership verified the occurrence of a known problem with the pcv causing this failure to happen.. Apparently as I drove up that busy highway from work, my vehicle was dispersing a very fiine spray of oil on the vehicles following me, the road, and the roadside vegetation, approximately 5 quarts worth. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Captiva years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (48), 2014 (30) and 2012 (16) model years. Engine complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Captiva engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Captiva model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Captiva engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
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.