Holden recalls 3000 Captiva SUVs

A faulty ignition has led to almost 3000 Captiva customers being contacted to return to dealers to get their cars fixed.

Holden is recalling almost 3000 of its Captiva family SUVs because the car could lurch forward by itself if the keys are left in the ignition of certain models.

The car maker is attempting to contact 2951 owners of Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 vehicles made between 22 February 2007 and 25 November 2010.

The engine may crank over and the car may move forward half a metre or so

The recall affects only models with manual transmission, the bulletin says.

"If the key is left in the ignition and the car is still in gear … there is a chance the engine can crank and cause the car to lurch forward," said Holden spokeswoman Kate Lonsdale.

"The car won't drive off but the engine may crank over and the car may move forward half a metre or so."

Holden says it has had seven reported incidents in Australia but no accidents and injuries occurred as a result of the fault.

The recall is similar to one on the Holden Barina and Trax models late last year where a faulty ignition led to the same fault.

However, the Captiva was not recalled at the same time because the faulty part was made by a different supplier.

Holden says the latest ignition recall issue in Australia is unrelated to recalls in the US last year for ignition faults that affected more than 2.6 million vehicles and was linked to 84 deaths.

Holden has had three recalls so far this year, the same number as Jeep.

Last year both Holden and Jeep set a new record with 14 recalls each in a calendar year.