Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2013 Chevrolet CaptivaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. Most complaints involve engine (55) and electrical system (31). 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
106
Top: engine
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 2013 Chevrolet Captiva as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
106 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2014 – Apr 2025
- Engine55
- Electrical system31
- Power train10
- Electronic stability control (esc)7
- Service brakes5
- Steering5
- Air bags4
- Structure4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
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 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
55 reports1 fire
“This car is know for engine consumption issues it is the motor and it is know has has been recalled due to issues in prior years. My engine is consuming a half a quart every 40 miles.”
Electrical system
31 reports3 fires
“Key will lock in ignition and vehicle will not start. Happens intermittently. Battery is fine, alternator is fine, dealership replaced ignition when purchased which helped for about a year, but the problem continues to become more frequent. Rattling the battery fixes the problem, but only temporarily.”
Power train
10 reports
“Within 3 days my vehicle stopped working with no warnings (check engine or other warnings) the vehicle made a rattling noise and then would not turn on. Upon inspection mechanic informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. There were no oil leaks or issues that would have caused the engine to die. The vehicle did not give me any signs of warnings that there was a problem. This cost would be more than the total I purchased the vehicle for. The engine has 85,000 miles and vehicle was well cared for. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and unreliable and when researching this car thousands of other people have experienced this same issue. There is a recall on the 2011 and 2012 captivas and this same issue is occurring in the 2013 captivas.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small 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 11, 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 | 389 |
| Captiva FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 463 |
| Captiva AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 487 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 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 2013 Chevrolet Captiva as of Nov 11, 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.
2013 Captiva questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Captiva problems?
Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (55), electrical system (31), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026