Used Chevrolet Captiva

What to know before buying: Chevrolet Captiva

From 3 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The C100 has a roomy cabin: one owner praised space in every row, a usable third row and a large load area with a flat floor when the seats are folded.[1]one sourceCaptiva C100
• Owners generally rate comfort positively, citing a compliant ride, comfortable seating and generous equipment.[1][5]Captiva C100
• High fuel use recurs across versions: owners cite 10–12 l/100 km for the 2.0 diesel, with still higher urban figures for the 2.4 and 3.2 petrol models.[1][2][3][5]Captiva C100
• An owner of a 3.2 automatic praised its road stability, restrained body roll and smooth shifts.[1]one sourceCaptiva C100

Typical faults

• Some 2011 C100s had a manufacturing defect around the fuel-filler neck that could cause a fuel leak.[4]one sourceCaptiva C100

  2011–2011

• On C100s with the 2.4 Ecotec and six-speed automatic, harsh shifts and valve-body or solenoid faults may appear from about 80,000 km, especially without oil changes.[4]one sourceCaptiva C100

  80 000+ km · LE5 2.4 petrol

• Inspection data for 2006–2012 Captivas repeatedly records excessive fluid leakage, affecting 3–11% of failed vehicles in individual years.[6]one sourceCaptiva C100

  2006–2012

• Inspection data repeatedly flags exhaust leaks on 2006–2009, 2011 and 2012 cars, reaching 4–8% of failed vehicles.[6]one sourceCaptiva C100
• One owner of a 2006 car reported steering-gear and joint play plus a failed right-front wheel bearing by 43,000 km.[5]one sourceCaptiva C100

  0–43 000 km · 2006–2006

• On one 2010 2.0 diesel, the automatic selector stuck in Park at 16,000 km and recurred at 18,100 km after replacement of a guide plate.[5]one sourceCaptiva C100

  16 000–18 100 km · 2010–2010 · 2.0 diesel

Which engine and version to take

• In the C100 engine comparison, the 2.0 diesels Z20S1 (93 kW) and Z20S (110 kW) are marked as lower-risk choices.[4]one sourceCaptiva C100
• The 3.2 V6 LA3 (169 kW) is marked as lower risk, although owner reports warn of high fuel consumption.[4][1]Captiva C100

What to avoid

• The 2.4 petrol LE5 is rated as the higher-risk choice: automatic versions have reported shift and solenoid faults, while owners criticise weak performance and high consumption.[4][2]Captiva C100

What to check at the inspection

• On a 2011 car, inspect the fuel-filler neck connections and check for leaks or fuel odour.[4]one sourceCaptiva C100
• Test the automatic cold and warm, watching for thumps, harsh shifts, selector sticking and stored faults; confirm the gearbox type.[4][5]Captiva C100
• Check every electrical function, central locking and power steering; one owner reported a rear door that would not lock and play in steering components.[4][5]Captiva C100
• Inspect underneath: inspection records repeatedly show fluid leaks, leaking exhausts, damaged driveshaft boots and leaking dampers.[6]one sourceCaptiva C100
• Check brake hoses and hardware, tyre tread, lights, the airbag warning system and wipers; all appear in inspection-failure data.[6]one sourceCaptiva C100
• At 200,000–300,000+ km, assess engine and manual-gearbox operation and noises and scan for faults; on diesels, inspect the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.[4]one sourceCaptiva C100

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]clubcaptiva.ru — Отзывы владельцев Chevrolet Captiva [C100] · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Chevrolet Captiva - Forums · forum
3. [3]iauto.lv — Chevrolet - Lasītāju pieredze par saviem auto · forum
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Chevrolet Captiva C100 C100 (2006 - 2011): problems and risks · press
5. [5]autozine.be — reacties Chevrolet Captiva (1 / 3) - Autozine · press
6. [6]autozine.nl — Betrouwbaarheid Chevrolet Captiva · press

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