YearToAvoid

2011 Chevrolet Captiva Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

0/100

#5 most-complained of 5 Captiva years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2011 Chevrolet Captiva has just 1 NHTSA complaint and a complaint index of 0, ranking 5th (best) of 5 model years. It has 1 recall covering a Steering issue tied to the power steering fluid cooler.

Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2011 Chevy Captiva problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain1 (100%)

2011 Chevrolet Captiva recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V591000Dec 19, 2011Steering3,150 vehicles

    Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid

    General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet captiva vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. Driving the vehicle with the transmission in manual mode and in first gear causes the engine and power steering pump to operate at higher speed than is typical. Increased pump speed generates heat that is transferred to the power steering fluid and can result in power steering fluid temperatures that approach the power steering pump reservoirâ’s melting point.

    Risk: After prolonged exposure to elevated fluid temperatures, the reservoir may leak. Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

    Remedy: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering fluid cooler with an improved version, free of charge. An advisory letter to customers, along with instructions, will be mailed in january 2012. When parts become available, gm will send another letter asking customer to take their vehicle to a gm dealer to have the repairs performed. Gm anticipates parts will be available in march 2012. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

2011 compared with other Captiva years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011No verdict011—
2012Caution5065019
2013Avoid7597019

All Chevrolet Captiva years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva reliable?
Compared to other Captiva model years, 2011 ranks best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 1 complaint on file with NHTSA, versus much higher counts in 2012-2014.
What problems does the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva have?
NHTSA records only 1 complaint for the 2011 Captiva, in the Transmission & Powertrain area, reported at 12,000 miles. There are no recorded crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 11V591000) for a Steering issue affecting the power steering fluid cooler on 2011-2012 Captiva vehicles built between October 2, 2009 and April 21, 2011. GM dealers replace the cooler with an improved version free of charge.
Which Captiva year should I avoid instead of 2011?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2013 and 2014 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 75 and 100 and complaint counts of 97 and 138, far higher than the 2011 model's index of 0.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.