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Holden2006–2018 Critical issues documented

Holden Captiva: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Holden Captiva (2006–2018) in Australia? We've documented 20 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, cooling, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Holden Captiva

  • Money owing
  • Written off
  • Accident claims
  • Odometer history

An Australian plate goes to the A$17.90 Vehicle Check: money owing, write-off, stolen and rego. Full History adds past kms, accident claims and market value from A$24.99. The free fault check for this model needs the generation and engine, pick them below.

20

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

≈A$830–3,500

Typical repair

27

Service milestones

Which Holden Captiva are you looking at?

3 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Diesel

1 variant documented

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Holden Captiva

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Holden CaptivaEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Captiva came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Holden Captiva

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Holden Captiva before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start and listen for chain rattle at the front of the engine.

    See why

    Z20S / Z20DMH 2.0D Diesel Timing Chain Failure (Fiat-Sourced Unit)

    The Captiva diesel uses a Fiat/VM Motori derived 2.0L diesel engine (Z20S, Z20DMH). This engine family has a documented timing chain wear problem, with chain stretch and guide failure leading to potential timing skip and engine damage. The chain can jump and cause bent valves or complete engine failure if not caught early. The fault is documented across multiple brands using this engine including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Opel/Vauxhall Antara and Captiva. Widely regarded as the most serious pre-purchase concern for Captiva diesel.

    What you would notice

    • Rattling noise from engine on start-up or at idle
    • Engine warning light with cam/crank timing codes
    • Rough running or misfires
    • Engine stops suddenly in advanced cases

    Typically ≈A$2,300–5,520 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Test drive for at least 20 minutes including motorway light-throttle cruising (shudder), stop-start traffic (flare) and reversing uphill.

    See why

    Automatic transmission slip, flare, shudder and failure (6T40/6T45)

    Captiva automatics — especially the 6T40/6T45 six-speed in 2011-on cars — are a headline fault: slipping and flaring between gears, torque converter clutch shudder, harsh shifts, fluid leaks and outright failure. GM issued Special Coverage 2022640 for 2011-12 slip/flare, service bulletins covering torque converters, electro-hydraulic control modules and speed sensors, and the six-speed family is the subject of the Maurice Blackburn class action against GM Holden. Budget for a rebuild on any high-km example with no transmission history.

    What you would notice

    • Revs flare on upshifts
    • Shudder at cruising speed under light throttle
    • Clunky engagement of Drive/Reverse
    • Loss of drive or limp mode

    Typically ≈A$2,300–5,520 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start the engine (feel the bonnet — it must be stone cold) and listen for a heavy rattle in the first seconds.

    See why

    Timing chain stretch and failure (2.2 diesel)

    The 2.2 turbo-diesel in CG2 Captivas is infamous for stretched timing chains, often well before 150,000km. A stretched chain rattles, sets timing correlation codes and, if ignored, can jump or snap — destroying the engine. The job is buried at the transmission end of a transverse engine, so labour is heavy and quotes of $2,500-4,500 at independents are normal. This is one of the main reasons the Captiva is among Australia's most complained-about used cars.

    What you would notice

    • Diesel rattle from the engine that's loudest on cold start
    • Check-engine light with timing/correlation codes
    • Rough running and poor starting as stretch worsens

    Typically ≈A$2,300–4,140 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start test and listen for chain rattle in the first 10 seconds.

    See why

    Timing chain stretch on petrol V6 (3.2 Alloytec / 3.0 SIDI)

    The petrol V6 Captivas share GM's 'high feature' V6 timing chain problem: chains and guides wear and stretch, throwing codes P0008/P0009/P0016-P0019, rattling on start-up and eventually risking catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps. The V6 has three chains and the job in the Captiva's tight bay is expensive. Oil starvation from long service intervals accelerates it, so service history matters more than mileage.

    What you would notice

    • Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
    • Check-engine light with P0008/P0016-P0019 codes
    • Rough running or misfire at idle

    Typically ≈A$2,300–4,140 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Verify both recalls (Dec 2015 rocker arm, Nov 2011 fuel hose) are completed against the VIN.

    See why

    Rocker arm bearing failure from degraded oil — recall (2.0 diesel)

    CG Captiva 2.0 turbo-diesels built December 2006 to February 2008 were recalled in December 2015 because rocker arm bearings can fail after prolonged exposure to degraded oil, causing power loss or stalling. The same engine also had a 2011 recall for a leaking fuel feed hose (fire risk). These engines are unforgiving of stretched oil-change intervals, and the 2.0 uses a timing belt that needs periodic replacement — many are overdue.

    What you would notice

    • Ticking/knocking from the top of the engine
    • Sudden loss of power or stalling
    • Diesel smell from a leaking fuel hose (separate recall)

    Typically ≈A$1,840–4,140 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for proof the rocker arm recall was completed and for oil change records.

    See why

    Rocker arm needle bearing failure, recall PRA 2015/15118 (2.0 Z20S diesel, CG Captiva built Dec 2006 to Feb 2008)

    The 2.0 Z20S (LLW) turbo diesel in CG Captivas built 28 December 2006 to 28 February 2008 is a known issue for roller rocker arm needle bearings failing after long exposure to degraded oil. A failed bearing can break the rocker and hold a valve open, causing power loss, stalling or wider engine damage. Holden recalled these cars under PRA 2015/15118 to fit revised rockers.

    What you would notice

    • Ticking or clacking from the top of the engine
    • Rough running
    • Loss of power
    • Stalling

    Typically ≈A$0–2,760 to put right.

All 20 documented issues

Everything researched for the Holden Captiva. Tap an area to open it.

6 rated critical
Depends on which engine this Holden Captiva has: 20 issuesEach of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling16

01Z20S / Z20DMH 2.0D Diesel Timing Chain Failure (Fiat-Sourced Unit)

Cold-start and listen for chain rattle at the front of the engine.diesel2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Automatic transmission slip, flare, shudder and failure (6T40/6T45)

Test drive for at least 20 minutes including motorway light-throttle cruising (shudder), stop-start traffic (flare) and reversing uphill.2007–2018TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Timing chain stretch and failure (2.2 diesel)

Cold-start the engine (feel the bonnet — it must be stone cold) and listen for a heavy rattle in the first seconds.diesel2011–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Rocker arm bearing failure from degraded oil — recall (2.0 diesel)

Verify both recalls (Dec 2015 rocker arm, Nov 2011 fuel hose) are completed against the VIN.diesel2006–2011Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$1,840–4,140 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

CG Captiva 2.0 turbo-diesels built December 2006 to February 2008 were recalled in December 2015 because rocker arm bearings can fail after prolonged exposure to degraded oil, causing power loss or stalling. The same engine also had a 2011 recall for a leaking fuel feed hose (fire risk). These engines are unforgiving of stretched oil-change intervals, and the 2.0 uses a timing belt that needs periodic replacement — many are overdue.

Symptoms to notice

  • Ticking/knocking from the top of the engine
  • Sudden loss of power or stalling
  • Diesel smell from a leaking fuel hose (separate recall)

What to check

  1. Verify both recalls (Dec 2015 rocker arm, Nov 2011 fuel hose) are completed against the VIN.
  2. Check for a full oil-service history at 10,000km-or-better intervals and a receipt for the timing belt.

Where to look: Cylinder head rocker gear; fuel feed hose in the engine bay

Parts involved: Timing belt, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Are the 2011 and 2015 recalls done?”
  • “How often has the oil been changed, and is the timing belt current?”

05Timing chain stretch on petrol V6 (3.2 Alloytec / 3.0 SIDI)

Cold-start test and listen for chain rattle in the first 10 seconds.petrol2006–2017EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06Rocker arm needle bearing failure, recall PRA 2015/15118 (2.0 Z20S diesel, CG Captiva built Dec 2006 to Feb 2008)

Ask for proof the rocker arm recall was completed and for oil change records.diesel2006–2008Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$0–2,760 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.0 Z20S (LLW) turbo diesel in CG Captivas built 28 December 2006 to 28 February 2008 is a known issue for roller rocker arm needle bearings failing after long exposure to degraded oil. A failed bearing can break the rocker and hold a valve open, causing power loss, stalling or wider engine damage. Holden recalled these cars under PRA 2015/15118 to fit revised rockers.

Symptoms to notice

  • Ticking or clacking from the top of the engine
  • Rough running
  • Loss of power
  • Stalling

What to check

  1. Ask for proof the rocker arm recall was completed and for oil change records.
  2. Listen at idle for ticking or clacking from the top of the engine and check it runs smoothly.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: check the VIN against recall REC-000531 / PRA 2015/15118.

Where to look: Engine, cylinder head valve train

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rocker arm recall been done?”
  • “How often was the oil changed?”

07GF6 (6T40/6T45) six-speed auto 3-5-R waved plate breaks: slip in reverse and third, no reverse (2.4 LE5/LE9 petrol, Captiva CG Series II)

From cold, select reverse and move off: it should engage within about a second with no slip or flare.petrol2011–2018Transmission
OccasionalTransmission ≈A$3,220–6,440 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the Captiva CG Series II with the 2.4 LE5/LE9 petrol and the GF6 (GM 6T40/6T45) six-speed automatic, the waved apply plate in the 3-5-reverse clutch can crack and break into pieces. The debris spreads through the gearbox, giving slipping or flaring in reverse and third gear and eventually no reverse, often with code P0776. Once the plate has broken the gearbox needs a rebuild with the debris cleaned out, or a replacement unit. GM ran a special coverage programme (2022640) for 2011-12 CG2 Captiva transmissions; it has now expired, so ask whether the gearbox was replaced under it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Slow or no engagement when selecting reverse
  • Engine revs flare on the shift into third or fourth
  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Gearbox goes into limp mode with the engine light on

What to check

From cold, select reverse and move off: it should engage within about a second with no slip or flare. Do several reverse engagements. On the test drive, accelerate gently and watch the rev counter on the shifts into third and fourth: a jump in revs between gears is a warning. Check the engine light stays off. Ask whether the gearbox has been rebuilt or replaced and for the invoice. If a workshop inspection is possible: scan for P0776 and other transmission codes and check the fluid for metal particles.

Where to look: Inside the six-speed automatic transmission, 3-5-reverse clutch

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the automatic gearbox ever been rebuilt or replaced, and do you have the invoice?”
  • “Has it ever been slow to go into reverse or slipped?”
  • “When was the transmission fluid last changed?”

08Timing chain stretch, codes P0008 to P0019 and start-up rattle (3.2 Alloytec and 3.0 SIDI V6 petrol, CG Captiva)

Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle from the top or timing end of the engine.petrol2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

09Z20DMH DPF Clogging from Short-Trip Use

Ask about the owner's primary use pattern — city only vs motorway.diesel2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

10AWD Rear Differential Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Coupling Failure

Check underneath the vehicle for oil leaks from the PTU/rear coupling unit.2006–2018Transmission
OccasionalTransmission ≈A$1,380–4,140 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

AWD Captiva variants use an electronically controlled rear coupling (power transfer unit) to distribute torque rearwards. The coupling seals degrade and oil leak results in coupling overheating and internal clutch pack failure. Symptoms include rear differential judder, inability to engage rear drive, and burning smell from under the vehicle. Parts and repair are expensive and the failure is often terminal for the coupling unit itself. Primarily affects AWD Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 variants.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vibration or judder through vehicle during AWD engagement or tight cornering
  • Burning smell from underneath at rear
  • AWD warning light or traction control fault
  • Clunking from rear driveline when turning at low speed

What to check

  1. Check underneath the vehicle for oil leaks from the PTU/rear coupling unit.
  2. Test drive in a tight circle at low speed and note any binding or judder from the rear.
  3. Scan for AWD/PTU fault codes.
  4. Ask if the vehicle is all-wheel or two-wheel drive and confirm the coupling has been serviced.

Where to look: Rear power transfer unit / rear differential coupling, mounted at the rear axle

Parts involved: Transfer case, Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Is this an AWD variant and has the rear coupling been serviced?”
  • “Any vibration or judder during turning?”
  • “Any AWD warning lights or fault codes?”

11AF40-6 Torque Converter Shudder at Cruise

Test drive at a steady 90-100 km/h on light throttle and feel for shudder through the seat and steering wheel.2006–2010TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

12Z20DMH Timing Chain Tensioner Cold Rattle

Arrange to start the engine from fully cold and listen immediately for chain rattle from the top-front of the block.diesel2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

13EGR valve carbon clogging and DPF blocking (all diesels)

Scan for stored DPF/EGR codes and check the DPF soot load if possible.diesel2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

142.4 LE5/LE9 camshaft reluctor movement: P0016/P0017 and crank-no-start (Captiva CG Series II)

Check the check engine light comes on with the ignition and goes out once the engine starts.petrol2011–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$830–2,300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the 2.4 litre LE5/LE9 petrol in the Series II Captiva, the toothed reluctor ring the engine reads to know camshaft position is only pressed onto the camshaft, not keyed, and it can slip. GM bulletin PIP4548F names the 2012 to 2015 Holden Captiva for Australia: the result is a check engine light with codes P0016 or P0017 on an engine that is correctly timed, or an engine that cranks but will not start. An earlier overheat can make it more likely. The fix is to replace the affected camshaft, not just sensors.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine cranks but will not start, often when hot
  • Rough running or poor power

What to check

  1. Check the check engine light comes on with the ignition and goes out once the engine starts.
  2. Start the car cold and again after the test drive when it is hot: it should start promptly both times.
  3. Look at the temperature gauge during the drive and ask whether the engine has ever overheated.
  4. Ask for invoices for camshaft or cam sensor work.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: scan for stored or history codes P0016 and P0017 and check cam and crank correlation readings.

Where to look: Ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts under the rocker cover, next to the camshaft position sensors

Ask the seller

  • “Has the check engine light ever shown codes P0016 or P0017?”
  • “Has a camshaft or camshaft sensor been replaced?”
  • “Has the engine ever overheated?”

15Z20DMH EGR cooler cracking - coolant ingestion

Check coolant reservoir level carefully and compare to service records.diesel2006–2015Cooling
CommonCooling ≈A$830–2,020 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The EGR cooler on the Z20DMH 2.0L diesel uses a brazed aluminium tube-and-shell heat exchanger to cool recirculated exhaust gas before it re-enters the intake. Repeated thermal cycling between exhaust gas temperatures exceeding 600°C and coolant at 90°C causes fatigue cracking at the tube-to-endplate brazed joints. Coolant then migrates through cracked joints into the EGR valve, intake manifold, and eventually the combustion chambers. Initial symptom is white steam from the exhaust and unexplained coolant consumption. Severe cases cause hydrolock if a large volume of coolant accumulates in a cylinder overnight.

Symptoms to notice

  • White or grey steam from exhaust on startup, particularly when cold
  • Sweet coolant smell from exhaust pipe
  • Unexplained coolant level drop without visible external leaks
  • Coolant contamination or brown sludge visible in intake manifold
  • Milky residue in EGR valve body

What to check

  1. Check coolant reservoir level carefully and compare to service records.
  2. Inspect the EGR cooler housing for external coolant seepage or white mineral deposits.
  3. Run engine to operating temperature and check for persistent white smoke beyond the first few minutes of warmup.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intake air hose downstream of the EGR connection and look for oily or damp residue with a sweet smell.

Where to look: EGR cooler mounted on the left side of the engine block near the intake manifold, connected by coolant hoses

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the coolant level required topping up between services?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever produced white smoke from the exhaust, particularly on startup?”
  • “Has the EGR system been inspected or cleaned?”

16Z20DMH EGR Valve Carbon Sticking

Scan for EGR fault codes before inspecting mechanically.diesel2006–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Repeat at 9 and 3 o'clock for horizontal play.2006–2018Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$600–1,560 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front lower control arm ball joints on the Captiva CG are prone to premature wear, with failure commonly reported before 80,000 km in Australian conditions. On most CG variants the ball joint is integral to the lower control arm and cannot be replaced independently, requiring full arm replacement. Worn ball joints produce clunking over bumps and during steering lock manoeuvres, progressive pulling to one side, and accelerated front tyre inner-edge wear. A separated or fully failed ball joint causes sudden loss of front wheel geometry and presents a serious vehicle control hazard. Australian independent mechanics consistently identify this as one of the most recurring mechanical faults in the Captiva CG range across both diesel and petrol variants.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps or road irregularities
  • Clunk or knock felt when turning the steering wheel at low speed or at full steering lock
  • Vehicle pulling or wandering to one side during straight-line driving
  • Rapid or uneven wear on the front tyre inner edges

What to check

Repeat at 9 and 3 o'clock for horizontal play. Any detectable movement in the lower ball joint is cause for immediate concern. Inspect tyre wear pattern for inner-edge scrubbing. Drive slowly over a rough surface and listen for front suspension clunking. Check whether replacement arms have already been fitted. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp each front wheel at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it to check for vertical ball joint play.

Where to look: Front suspension lower control arm ball joint, one each side

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower control arms or ball joints been replaced, and at what mileage?”
  • “Is there any clunking from the front suspension over bumps or when turning?”
  • “When was the last front wheel alignment carried out and what was the wear pattern on the tyres?”

02AWD rear prop shaft centre bearing collapse

Any movement beyond a few millimetres indicates bearing collapse.2006–2018Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$390–870 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AWD Captiva uses a two-piece rear propeller shaft with a rubber-mounted centre support bearing pressed into a steel bracket bolted to the underbody. The rubber isolator in this centre bearing hardens, cracks, and separates from the outer steel shell due to heat soak, UV exposure, and constant vibration loading. Once the rubber fails, the bearing collapses inward, placing the prop shaft out of alignment. This produces increasingly severe vibration felt through the floor and seat at highway speeds. If left unaddressed, the misaligned shaft transmits shock loads into the front and rear universal joints, accelerating their wear and risking shaft separation.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vibration or shudder through the floor and seat at 80-110 kph
  • Vibration that worsens progressively over time
  • Clunking or thumping sound from under the centre of the vehicle
  • Vibration that changes when accelerating vs coasting

What to check

Any movement beyond a few millimetres indicates bearing collapse. Inspect the rubber isolator visually for cracks or separation from the outer shell. Check both universal joints adjacent to the centre bearing for play by twisting the shaft sections in opposite directions. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle safely raised on a hoist, grip the propeller shaft at the centre joint and attempt to move it up, down, and sideways.

Where to look: Underside of vehicle at the mid-point of the two-piece rear propeller shaft, approximately under the rear passenger footwell

Ask the seller

  • “Have you noticed any vibration through the floor at highway speeds?”
  • “Has the driveshaft or centre bearing been replaced?”
  • “Does the vibration change when you accelerate or let off the throttle?”
Fluid leaks2

01Chronic oil leaks — rocker covers, rear main seal, transfer case and diff

Look at the driveway or car park spot where the car has been sitting.2006–2018Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Z20DMH injector return pipe O-ring fuel weep

diesel2006–2015Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks ≈A$260–690 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Z20DMH diesel uses low-pressure fuel return pipes routed from each injector back to the fuel tank, connected via rubber O-ring seals at banjo fittings on the injector body. At high mileage these O-rings undergo compression set and chemical degradation from continuous diesel fuel exposure and heat cycling on the top of the engine. The seals weep small amounts of diesel fuel that accumulate on the valve cover and intake manifold surfaces. At high engine temperatures this creates a fire risk as fuel contacts hot exhaust components. The problem is progressive; a weep at idle can become a drip at highway speeds as the O-rings soften under heat.

A single common-rail diesel fuel injector photographed against a plain background.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A common-rail diesel injector. Contamination damages the nozzle at the tip.

Panoha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Smell of diesel fuel inside the cabin, particularly with HVAC on recirculate
  • Visible diesel staining or wet areas on top of the engine near the injectors
  • Diesel smell from the engine bay after a run
  • Small fuel spots visible on the valve cover or surrounding components

What to check

After a warm run, open the bonnet carefully and inspect the top of the engine around all four injector bodies and the fuel return rail for wet, shiny, or discoloured staining consistent with diesel fuel. Use a white cloth to dab around each injector banjo fitting to detect small weeps not visible to the naked eye. Check for any smell of diesel fuel while the engine is idling and note if it enters the cabin.

Where to look: Top of engine, at the fuel return pipe banjo fittings on each of the four diesel injectors

Parts involved: Fuel injector.

Ask the seller

  • “Have you ever smelled diesel fuel inside the cabin or from the engine bay?”
  • “Has the fuel injection system been serviced or inspected for leaks?”
  • “Are there any signs of fuel staining on top of the engine?”

Holden Captiva service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Holden Captiva. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Holden Captiva Facelift (Series III) · 2016–2018 · 2.4L Ecotec (LEA) - Active/LT

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Full transmission fluid flush to maintain shift quality.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect the suspension bushings and struts, as Australian roads can accelerate wear here.

  3. 200,000 km

    Evaluate the state of the timing chain and high-pressure fuel pump components.

Holden Captiva Facelift (Series III) · 2016–2018 · 2.2L VCDi Turbo Diesel (A22DM) - LT/LTZ

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Full cooling system flush and inspection of all rubber hoses.

  2. 150,000 km

    Have the DPF system health checked and confirm the EGR valve is operating cleanly.

  3. 200,000 km

    Significant milestone: a professional check of the turbocharger health and secondary chain tensioners is wise.

Holden Captiva 5 CG Series II · 2011–2015 · 2.4L Ecotec (LEA) - Captiva 5 variant

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Comprehensive cooling system flush and check of the engine mount condition.

  2. 120,000 km

    Confirm the transmission fluid has been serviced to keep gear changes smooth.

  3. 150,000 km

    Have a specialist check the secondary engine sensors and oxygen sensor health for optimal fuel efficiency.

Holden Captiva 7 CG Series II · 2011–2015 · 2.4L Ecotec (LEA) - SX/CX

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Evaluate the cooling system, including hoses and the radiator, for signs of fatigue.

  2. 150,000 km

    Suspension components, like bushings and shock absorbers, may show signs of wear and benefit from a professional inspection.

  3. 200,000 km

    Consider the long-term health of the transmission fluid and external drive belts.

Holden Captiva 7 CG Series II · 2011–2015 · 3.0L SIDI V6 (LF1) - LX/LTZ

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Comprehensive cooling system health check including thermostat and radiator hose inspection.

  2. 180,000 km

    Suspension bushings and ball joints may show wear; check for play during your roadworthy-style inspection.

  3. 200,000 km

    Spark plug replacement recommended for the V6 to maintain optimal fuel efficiency and engine smoothness.

Holden Captiva 7 CG Series II · 2011–2015 · 2.2L VCDi Turbo Diesel (A22DM) - CX/LX/LTZ

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Suspension bushings and cooling hoses should be inspected for general wear and tear.

  2. 150,000 km

    Check the turbocharger efficiency and confirm the alternator is providing steady voltage.

  3. 200,000 km

    Comprehensive check of all drivetrain mounts and a deep inspection of the EGR system functionality.

Holden Captiva CG Series I · 2007–2011 · 2.0L VCDi Turbo Diesel (Z20S) - CX/LX Diesel

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Evaluate the condition of the turbocharger hoses and the integrity of the cooling system components.

  2. 180,000 km

    Have the timing belt and water pump checked or replaced if records are unavailable, a critical maintenance point for the Z20S engine.

  3. 200,000 km

    Suspension bushings and shock absorbers often need a professional assessment to keep the vehicle's handling characteristics intact.

Holden Captiva CG Series I · 2006–2011 · 2.4L Ecotec (LE5) - Base/SX

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Cooling system components like the radiator or water pump may start showing their age.

  2. 180,000 km

    Review the condition of the engine mounts and suspension bushings, which may have softened over the years.

  3. 200,000 km

    Have the timing chain tensioner and general engine health assessed by a specialist for longevity.

Holden Captiva CG Series I · 2006–2011 · 3.2L Alloytec V6 (LU1) - CX/LX

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 120,000 km

    Suspension bushings and link rods may show signs of perishing.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect the engine mounts, as V6 torque can cause vibrations if the rubber inserts have softened.

  3. 200,000 km

    Review transmission fluid performance if not previously serviced, for gearbox longevity.

Holden Captiva faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

AF40-6 Torque Converter Shudder at CruiseMajor · TransmissionAutomatic transmission slip, flare, shudder and failure (6T40/6T45)Critical · TransmissionChronic oil leaks — rocker covers, rear main seal, transfer case and diffMajor · Fluid LeaksEGR valve carbon clogging and DPF blocking (all diesels)Major · EngineTiming chain stretch and failure (2.2 diesel)Critical · EngineTiming chain stretch on petrol V6 (3.2 Alloytec / 3.0 SIDI)Critical · EngineTiming chain stretch, codes P0008 to P0019 and start-up rattle (3.2 Alloytec and 3.0 SIDI V6 petrol, CG Captiva)Major · EngineZ20DMH DPF Clogging from Short-Trip UseMajor · EngineZ20DMH EGR Valve Carbon StickingMajor · EngineZ20DMH Timing Chain Tensioner Cold RattleMajor · EngineZ20S / Z20DMH 2.0D Diesel Timing Chain Failure (Fiat-Sourced Unit)Critical · Engine

Other Holden models

Holden Commodore55 documented faultsHolden Astra18 documented faultsHolden Barina18 documented faultsHolden Colorado14 documented faultsHolden Cruze14 documented faultsHolden Statesman13 documented faults

Holden Captiva buyer questions

Is the Holden Captiva reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 20 documented faults for the Holden Captiva, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Holden Captiva with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Holden Captiva?

We've catalogued 20 known faults for the Holden Captiva, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. All 20 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Holden Captiva?

Most single repairs on the Holden Captiva fall between ≈A$830–3,500 at independent-workshop rates (an approximate guide in Australian dollars). Some of the 20 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Holden Captiva?

Yes. A Holden Captiva inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection with AI photo analysis from A$28.90, far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page. For a big purchase, a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection on the car you settle on is still worth it.