2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport recalls and problems

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport has 2 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
80
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport recalls

Recall 12V-301: Parking Brake

Reported Jun 28, 2012 · 2,070 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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.

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. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Recall 11V-591: Steering

Reported Dec 19, 2011 · 3,150 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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 reservoirâ’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.

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 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.

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System46
Engine22
Unknown or Other15
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)12
Steering9
Service Brakes5
Air Bags5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Power Train4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Exterior Lighting4
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 14, 2026
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 any recalls regarding this issue?
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 30, 2026
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 for 2012 to 2014 Chevrolet Captiva. But no recall for 2012 year. I don't know what time do. There was no accidents…
Electrical System · reported Feb 17, 2024
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”
Service Brakes · reported Nov 2, 2023
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.
Electrical System · reported Sep 24, 2023
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

Other Chevrolet Captiva Sport years

Compare all Chevrolet Captiva Sport years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport: 12V-301 (parking brake), 11V-591 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (46 reports), followed by engine (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.