Selling a broken-down Chevy Captiva Sport

This was a short-lived Chevy, and NHTSA files it under two names. Counting both Captiva and Captiva Sport, there are 410 complaints, most pointing at the electrical system or the engine. Only one recall names the Captiva Sport; a second names the Captiva.

A Saturn Vue with a Chevy badge

The Captiva Sport is the crossover sold elsewhere as the Opel Antara. In the US and Canada, the same body had been the Saturn Vue. After GM's bankruptcy closed Saturn, "some models such as the Captiva would be consolidated into Chevrolet's lineup," in Wikipedia's words.

GM built it in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Late in 2011, for the 2012 model year, Chevrolet began importing it for fleet buyers, to fill the gap left as the HHR was phased out. It never went on sale to private buyers here.

The LS had a 2.4-liter four rated at 182 hp. The LT and LTZ had a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 264 hp. Both used a six-speed automatic. The LS and LT were front-drive and the LTZ was all-wheel drive. The EPA rated the 2012 four at 23 mpg combined and the front-drive V6 at 19. For 2015, fueleconomy.gov lists only the four, now a flex-fuel engine that takes gasoline or E85.

US sales ended in August 2014, after a short 2015 model year. Chevrolet sent fleet buyers to the Equinox or the new City Express van.

What owners report

Keys and electrical shut-offs. Of the 410 complaints, 146 are tagged electrical, 62 of them on the 2012. Owners describe a key stuck in the ignition, sometimes held in the auxiliary position with the shifter in Park. Others write that the car stalls and shuts off and the radio goes dead. One 2012 owner blamed battery cables that overheated, saying the heat was "enough to boil water."

Oil use. Engine is the top tag on the 2013, with 45 of its 106 complaints. Owners there describe the engine burning a lot of oil and no warning light coming on when the level drops.

Stability control. Another 33 complaints are tagged electronic stability control, 18 of them on the 2012.

None of the three led to a GM recall, bulletin or coverage extension that we could find. They rest on owners' accounts.

One recall, and one that may not apply

12V301, park brake cable. On 2,070 Captiva Sports built from April 26 to May 17, 2012, the park brake cable might not be fully seated in its connector and could come apart. On uneven ground, the vehicle could roll. Dealers check the cables and make sure they are connected, free of charge.

11V591, power steering cooler. This one covers 3,150 vehicles NHTSA lists as 2011-2012 "Captiva," built from October 2, 2009 to April 21, 2011. Driving in manual mode in first gear spins the power steering pump fast enough to overheat the fluid, the reservoir can leak, and leaking fluid near an ignition source can catch fire. Dealers fit an improved cooler. It's not clear the US fleet Captiva Sport is part of it, so check the VIN.

Complaints by model year

Complaints filed with NHTSA under the Captiva and Captiva Sport names, per model year. One complaint can carry more than one tag. The single 2011 complaint, and the 2011 recall, belong to a year before the fleet Captiva Sport came to the US.

Fix it first, or sell it now?

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and have a dealer close anything open. After that, it's a quote against a value. A Captiva Sport that is burning oil or has already lost its engine is the case our blown engine guide is written for. If you want to see what sets the price of a non-running car, read what a junk car is worth.

Getting it sold

1. Write down the VIN and miles, plus the problem in a few words: "oil light never came on, engine knocks" or "key stuck, battery dead."
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe the spot, be it a carport, a complex's parking lot or the back row at a garage. Add whether the wheels turn and the tires hold up. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Don't strip it. Sell the whole car as it sits, wheels, battery and catalytic converter included. If something is already gone, say so.
5. Find the title, bring a photo ID, and gather whatever keys you have. Plate rules depend on your state; after you sell lists them.

Other Chevy SUVs and fleet models: the Equinox, HHR and City Express, or every Chevrolet model.