Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2012 Chevrolet CaptivaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 145 owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva. Most complaints involve electrical system (89) and engine (38). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–23mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
145
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
145 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2013 – Jul 2026
- Electrical system89
- Engine38
- Electronic stability control (esc)20
- Steering12
- Power train9
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Air bags8
- Service brakes7
- Vehicle speed control7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
89 reports1 fire
“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””
Engine
38 reports1 fire
“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!”
Electronic stability control (esc)
20 reports1 crash
“WHILE DRIVING - OR EVEN SITTING STILL - RADIO AND CLOCK WILL SHUT OFF, "SERVICE STABILITRACK LIGHT" ILLUMINATES ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE SHOWING ON THE MESSAGE CENTER DASH DISPLAY. AFTER 5 SECONDS OR SO, IT DISAPPEARS; HOWEVER OCCURS OFTEN BUT NO CONSISTENT (SOMETIMES NONE AT ALL, SOME TIMES 4 OR SO TIMES IN A 20MI DRIVE). BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE BRAND NEW (ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 12 MONTHS). VEHICLE IS OWNED OUTRIGHT AND HAS 142,000+ MILES.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captiva FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Captiva FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Captiva AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as of Nov 10, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 Captiva questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Captiva problems?
Owners filed 145 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (89), engine (38), electronic stability control (esc) (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026