2008 Chevrolet Captiva: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chevrolet Captiva than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  24.1% All 2008 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  21.9% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At 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 leaks2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  26.5% All 2008 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm3.9× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  11.3% All 2008 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes9.7× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  8.7% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2008 Chevrolet Captiva MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Chevrolet Captiva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% 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 electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• Tyres
  40% 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 leaks
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  26% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?