Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2015 Chevrolet CaptivaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
14
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 2015 Chevrolet Captiva as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Jan 2026
- Electrical system5
- Engine4
- Power train2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Air bags2
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Structure1
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
5 reports
“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!”
Engine
4 reports
“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.”
Power train
2 reports
“CAPTIVA WILL STUTTER AND STALL UP CURVED HILLS AT 2000RPM IN DANGEROUS UNEXPECTED PLACES. WILL NOT THROW A CODE!!! IN ECO MODE AND AUTOMATIC DURING THE INCIDENTS. TOOK OUT OF ECO MODE AND RAISED TO 3000RPM TO PULL UP THE HILL. GAUGES FLAT LINED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE INCIDENTS.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-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 | 389 |
- 23mpg 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
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5Chevrolet Captiva SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 18.5%
Overall
3 / 5
Chevrolet Captiva SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.9%
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.
2015 Captiva questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Captiva problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), engine (4), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva 3 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026