2012 Chevrolet Captiva: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks4.9× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  35.5% All 2012 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 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.

• Shock absorbers2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  15.8% All 2012 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  18.2% All 2012 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2% of all 2012 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.

• Suspension arm3.6× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  9.3% All 2012 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2012 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.

• Seat belts5.5× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  7.2% All 2012 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

Common 2012 Chevrolet Captiva MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Chevrolet Captiva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  41% 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
  38% 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
  36% 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
  36% 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
  12% 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 2012 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?