2009 Chevrolet Captiva: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Chevrolet Captivas, from 470 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 470 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Chevrolet Captivas than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints4.7× usualChevrolet Captiva24.7% All 2009 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Engine oil leaks2.6× usualChevrolet Captiva26.6% All 2009 cars10.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Exhaust system2.9× usualChevrolet Captiva24% All 2009 cars8.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Suspension arm3.4× usualChevrolet Captiva13.4% All 2009 cars3.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Headlights2.1× usualChevrolet Captiva17.7% All 2009 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 3.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
By area
The share of 2009 Chevrolet Captiva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension61% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics52% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes46% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres38% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks32% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Driveshafts and joints25% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 157 | Suspension 38% |
| 2013 | 864 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 721 | Suspension 48% |
| 2011 | 884 | Suspension 54% |
| 2010 | 1,208 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 358 | Suspension 63% |
| 2007 | 112 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Chevrolet Captivas registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score