2012 Chevrolet captiva problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet captiva get?

The 2012 Chevrolet captiva has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

2012 Chevrolet captiva at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints145

Combined18–23 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Chevrolet captiva recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Chevrolet captiva.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Chevrolet captiva common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Fuel/propulsion System

Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2012 Chevrolet captiva MPG & running costs

Combined18–23 mpg

City18 mpg

Highway25 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,383

EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,917 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Chevrolet captiva costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,915

Fuel only$16,915

Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Chevrolet captiva trims & engines on record

Trims

2LS

Engines

2.4L 4-cyl

2012 Chevrolet captiva vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet captiva model years

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

2012 Chevrolet captiva — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet captiva have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet captiva. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet captiva?

Across all 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, electronic stability control (esc).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet captiva get?

The 2012 Chevrolet captiva has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.