Recall 11V591 covers 3,150 2011-2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport and Captiva vehicles for a power-steering-fluid leak. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 3,150 2011-2012 Captiva Sport and Captiva vehicles because driving in manual mode and first gear makes the engine and power steering pump run faster than normal, overheating the power steering fluid. After prolonged heat exposure, the reservoir can leak near an ignition source and raise the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power steering fluid in the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport and Captiva is the hydraulic fluid that helps the power steering pump assist the steering rack. When the system is working as designed, the pump moves fluid under pressure so the driver needs less force to turn the wheel.
On affected Captiva vehicles, driving with the transmission in manual mode and first gear makes the engine and power steering pump run faster than their usual operating speed. The higher pump speed builds extra heat in the fluid, and that heat transfers into the pump reservoir. If the fluid temperature approaches the reservoir's melting point, the reservoir can deform or fail.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or steering feel change before the fluid overheats near the reservoir.
Who's affected?
Covers the Captiva and Captiva Sport across the 2011 and 2012 model years, both tied to the same power steering system.
| 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Captiva | power steering system |
| Units affected | 3,150 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
After prolonged exposure to high fluid temperatures, the power steering reservoir can leak. Leaking fluid near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Treat any power steering fluid leak as a reason to call a Chevrolet dealer and avoid heavy use until the repair is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport or Captiva is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask whether the improved power steering fluid cooler is ready for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V591 when you call.
- Avoid driving in manual mode and first gear until the repair is complete, since that condition overheats the power steering fluid.
- Schedule the free power steering fluid cooler replacement that reduces the heat buildup and fluid leak risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the power steering fluid cooler with an improved version. The cooler helps manage power steering fluid temperature, so the repair focuses on keeping fluid heat below the level that damages the power steering pump reservoir during the operating condition named in recall 11V591. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. Call a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN and ask whether parts are open for your vehicle.
Timeline
| December 19, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 24, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V591?
Recall 11V591 covers 3,150 2011-2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport and Captiva vehicles with a power-steering-fluid cooler issue. In manual mode and first gear, high pump speed can overheat the fluid, damage the reservoir, and create a fire risk if leaking fluid reaches an ignition source.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport or Captiva is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V591. If it is, call a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the improved power steering fluid cooler replacement. Reference recall 11V591 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers replace the power steering fluid cooler with an improved version free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included by VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from leaking power steering fluid. Prolonged high fluid temperatures can damage the power steering pump reservoir. If fluid leaks and reaches an ignition source, the vehicle faces a fire risk. The free dealer repair replaces the cooler to reduce that heat exposure.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Captiva used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your Captiva Sport or Captiva is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer with recall 11V591 and ask whether the repair is still open on your vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V591000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V591 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V591000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →