Home · 2013 · Chevrolet
2013 Chevrolet Captiva
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
106 owner complaints · 0 recalls · data verified July 28, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (52% of complaints, typically reported near 89k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Zero recalls, rare for a car this age.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#141 of 570Among the 2013 models with a matured record, the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva ranks #141, scoring higher than 75% of them. See the 2013 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (31) · Electronic Stability Control (esc) (7) · Brakes (5) · Steering (5)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint. Treat them as a rough guide.
Engine
52%55 complaints · typically near 89k mi · 1 in the last 2 years
“This car is know for engine consumption issues it is the motor and it is know has has been recalled due to issues in prior years. My engine is consuming a half a quart…”
Electrical system
29%31 complaints
“Key will lock in ignition and vehicle will not start. Happens intermittently. Battery is fine, alternator is fine, dealership replaced ignition when purchased which he…”
Transmission & drivetrain
9%10 complaints · typically near 87k mi
“WENT TO THE DENTIST, GOT MY ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THEN WENT TO THE DOCTOR, THEN VISITED A FRIEND. WHEN I LEFT MY FRIENDS HOUSE TO GET ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SMELLED LIKE …”
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
7%7 complaints
“WENT TO THE DENTIST, GOT MY ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THEN WENT TO THE DOCTOR, THEN VISITED A FRIEND. WHEN I LEFT MY FRIENDS HOUSE TO GET ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SMELLED LIKE …”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
We can place 2 of this model's commonly reported problem areas against a mileage. Nothing is stored.
Read all 106 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 6 crash/fire/injury reports →
Recalls (0)
No recall campaigns on file for this model year.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this Chevrolet before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- Owners of this model report engine problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 89k miles). Has this car shown any engine symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Owners of this model report electrical system problems more than anything else. Has this car shown any electrical system symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 Chevrolet CAPTIVA beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every Captiva model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.