2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport problems, complaints & recalls

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport recalls (2)

• Recall 12V301000Jun 28, 20122,070 vehicles
  PARKING BRAKE

  General motors llc (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet captiva sport passenger vehicles manufactured from april 26, 2012, through may 17, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to the park brake performance requirements federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "light vehicle brake systems." the park brake cable may not be fully seated in its connector and may separate from the connector. If this occurs, the park brake will become inoperative and will not hold the vehicle.

  Risk: If the vehicle is on an uneven surface, this could result in unintended vehicle movement and a crash.

  Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and ensure that the park brake cables are connected and secure free of charge. The safety recall began on july 27, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

• Recall 11V591000Dec 19, 20113,150 vehicles
  STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

  General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet captiva vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. Driving the vehicle with the transmission in manual mode and in first gear causes the engine and power steering pump to operate at higher speed than is typical. Increased pump speed generates heat that is transferred to the power steering fluid and can result in power steering fluid temperatures that approach the power steering pump reservoir’s melting point.

  Risk: After prolonged exposure to elevated fluid temperatures, the reservoir may leak. Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

  Remedy: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering fluid cooler with an improved version, free of charge. An advisory letter to customers, along with instructions, will be mailed in january 2012. When parts become available, gm will send another letter asking customer to take their vehicle to a gm dealer to have the repairs performed. Gm anticipates parts will be available in march 2012. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

Recent 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jul 14, 2026NVOther / Unknown

   I bought my car used a year ago. I had this same issue about 8 months ago for a short time but now it keeps happening everything I turn my ignition key off. My key won't come out it gets stuck on the ACC, I think that's what it's called, its been about 7 or 8 weeks now but its getting worse. And when I was trying to turn my car off and get my key out my car started roll backwards, this has happened 2 times in the last 10 days. I have 2012 chevrolet captiva. Has there been…

   NHTSA complaint #11750182 · source
2. Filed Mar 30, 2026NVOther / UnknownSteering

   My shifter doesn't recognize that its in park and won't let me remove my keys. It gets stuck on ACC and I can't turn my key/ignition to the off position. And for the 3rd time it's like popped outta gear. I bought it used. This started 2 months ago but for the 10 days its continually gotten worse. 8 outta 10 times I go to put it in park and I can't get key out. I haven't had it inspected or looked or anything else like that. I Googled it and i read up on how this is an issue…

   NHTSA complaint #11728052 · source
3. Filed Feb 17, 2024CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   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”

   NHTSA complaint #11572562 · source
4. Filed Nov 2, 2023CABrakes

   On my 2012 cheverolet captiva lt .i had the emergency brakes on with the car in drive an i went to open my gates the car jumps out of the parking brakes if the engine idles go up just a little when the air conditioning comes on .or if you are in drive with the emergency brakes up and just revs the engine the brakes jumps out really easy. No safety to this emergency brakes.

   NHTSA complaint #11553129 · source
5. Filed Sep 24, 2023IDElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   Unknown, car will shut off while driving and turn back on while flashing service traction control. In some cases it will completely turn off and I will have to put transmission in park and re crank it in the middle of traffic. Power steering goes out while driving aswell as other issues. Locks go in and out while driving. No known cause to this as battery and alternator is good and I've replaced BCM and reprogrammed it but still having the same issue

   NHTSA complaint #11546278 · source
6. Filed Jun 10, 2023VAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on an interstate, the voltage suddenly began to decrease. Within a few minutes, the car died on the highway. we were able to get it to the shoulder. No electrical equipment worked, including the emergency lights. After taking it to a garage, the mechanic said the alternator was working fine, but the battery was drained. He was able to start and run the car, but the computer indicated that a long-term memory issue with the computer, itself, was indicated. Also,…

   NHTSA complaint #11526330 · source
7. Filed Apr 14, 2023ORElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The battery cables are faulty and overheat causing the car to shut off and lock key in the ignition with complete loss of power this is happening to nearly every Chevy captiva and is a wide spread issue this is also a serious fire hazard as the cables over heating is enough to boil water car shuts off and locks key in ignition without warning

   NHTSA complaint #11517133 · source
8. Filed Apr 19, 2022WAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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!

   NHTSA complaint #11461301 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology