MotorDeets

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport: 2 recalls, 80 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
80owner complaints
2mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Steering Vehicle recall #11V591000 · 2011 · 3,150 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 reservoirâ’s melting point.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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…

Parking brake Vehicle recall #12V301000 · 2012 · 2,070 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical46
Engine22
Other / unknown15
Stability control12
Steering9
Brakes5
Airbags5
Speed control / throttle4

What owners describe

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport has 80 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 3 Captiva Sport model years for complaints (2.5× the average Captiva Sport year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 76,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2013 (9 complaints, 0 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport problems?

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (46), engine (22), other / unknown (15).

Where can I get a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Captiva Sport years

201220132014