2010 Chevrolet Captiva: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Chevrolet Captiva?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Chevrolet Captiva than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints5.3× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  23.5% All 2010 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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.

• Exhaust system2.9× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  20.6% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  20.1% All 2010 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  18.2% All 2010 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes15× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  9% All 2010 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Captiva MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Chevrolet Captiva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• Brakes
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  24% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?