2014 Chevrolet Captiva: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Engine oil leaks7.2× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  23.2% All 2014 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2014 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.

• Number plate lights3.8× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  17.4% All 2014 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  14.2% All 2014 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.5% of all 2014 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.

• Headlights3.5× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  9.2% All 2014 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Captiva

  7% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2014 Chevrolet Captiva MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Chevrolet Captiva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  34% 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
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 7.2× as often on the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?