Chevrolet Camaro Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Camaro options? We analyzed 10 model years (2015–2024) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
CHEVROLET CAMARO 2015-2024 models have 759 NHTSA complaints, with electrical system (204) and powertrain (175) most reported. Steering issues (117) are also common. 17 recalls exist. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Camaro
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2024 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 759
- Safety recall campaigns
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 48
- Fire-related complaints
- 10
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (183 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (13 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Chevrolet Camaro: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015-2024 Chevrolet Camaro shows high complaint volume concentrated in electrical system (204) and powertrain (175). Steering (117) and engine (129) also have significant reports. Recalls total 17, indicating multiple safety-related defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Electrical system accounts for 204 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Powertrain has 175 complaints, indicating transmission or drivetrain issues.
- Steering has 117 complaints, a significant safety concern.
- STEERING: 117 complaints suggest potential loss of control.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 204 complaints may cause intermittent failures.
- POWER TRAIN: 175 complaints could lead to costly repairs.
2015 (206 complaints) and 2017 (183 complaints) are the worst, driven by electrical and powertrain issues.
Model years 2021-2023 have the fewest complaints (16, 13, 15 respectively), suggesting improved reliability.
- Inspect steering for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and powertrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
17 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SEAT BELTS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2024. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 759 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
759 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost steering functionality, preventing the contact from steering from side to side. Additionally, the message "Service Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V175000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Major steering issues car loses the power steering randomly, will be driving around a corner and the car won’t turn at all very dangerous car only has 13,000 miles on it
Transmission shudder, car was recalled in 2021. Now it’s backing doing the same thing in 2026
Lifter collapsed. Car had new gm lifters put in with a new camshaft in august of 2025 they have about 5k miles on them and failed they are the gm high performance lifters
Steering wheel is hard to turn
Car has a power steering problem and car sensors are not working. Tire sensor, ac sensors, etc.
Read 14 more owner reports
Loss of power steering, particularly mid-turn and at low speeds. Steering becomes very difficult and greatly increases risk of crash. I have had several instances where my power steering will go out mid-turn and the steering wheel becomes almost impossible to turn. I have nearly t-boned another car due to this issue. It has also nearly caused me to drive off the road into a ditch. I did not notice any warning lights on the dashboard, but it's hard to say because I was focused on not crashing the car.
Getting shift to park message when car is already in park preventing the car from completely turning off. Leaving the car partially on draining the battery- Failed transmission controls
I lose power steering randomly. When this occurs I get a service rear diff message on my dash, the fan motor cuts out, and gauges like the speedometer and tachometer go to zero. I took it to a dealer because I saw there was a recall for the exact problem I'm having with power steering, but I guess it's VIN specific and my car is not included in the recall. They also told me they couldn't get it to reproduce the symptoms I was talking about but after I left 10 minutes later it did it in a Walmart parking lot. I got it on video. This has caused one almost serious accident and multiple minor ones, and I can't afford the expensive dealer diagnostic fee and repair. I don't feel safe driving with it. I'm confused why I have the same make model and year of the recall but mine's not included. I called GM and the lady I talked to just kept repeating how my van wasn't included in the VIN specific group, and offered no help other than to go to a dealer and pay them to fix the same problem that is covered by other cars of the same year, make, and model. I asked her if it was possible that maybe their VIN groups should be expanded, especially because it's an 8 year old car and the recall just happened like 6 months ago, so maybe they didnt have all the data or info when they made the group of effected vehicles, and she hung up on me. Please help.
The car lost power completely the engine would not start problem with fuel pump a loud or high-pitched whining noise from the fuel tank, intermittent stalling or power loss, decreased fuel economy, difficulty starting, and engine sputtering or hesitation
Loss of power steering assist
The power steering failed on June 17th, 2025 At approximately 3 PM. The system has been replaced by the local dealership so it is not available for inspection (dealership did it's own evaluation/inspection and determined the need for replacement). The vehicle was being driven when the power steering failed, so my safety and the safety of others on the same roadways was put at risk (fortunately, I was only about 1.5 miles from home). Prior to replacing the necessary parts, the local dealership reproduced and confirmed the problem was present (documentation to follow). The local dealership inspected the vehicle. As no accident occurred, local law enforcement and insurance representatives have not been involved. No warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem occurred prior to the failure. A warning message was displayed once the failure occurred.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the VIN was not associated with the unknown recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,276.
The oil pump failed which caused to replace the engine as the oil pump is located in the engine. Pieces of metal from the oil pump failure went into the engine which could cause serious crash. I have paperwork from a shop indicating the issue. I have replaced my long block engine which was ordered from the independent mechanic shop who has ordered it from a GM reseller company. No warning signs other then the oil pump went to zero during a drive on [XXX] . I have an invoice and emails going back and forth with GM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Side object detection module was shorted out due to water intrusion. Caused by faulty manufacturing material. Caused vehicle to shut down and unable to restart. Large safety concern Warranty company refused to cover the issue.
[XXX] Here is a link that explains this further. The oil pump on this vehicle has gone out with 11,000 miles on it. This a known problem from GM and they will not fix it. I am being told my car is out of warranty so no luck. This is not right. The pump should not go out that quick. I am being thrown to the side because I cherished my GM vehicle and didn't drive it as much as others. It risks blowing up the motor due to their faulty part. It isn't safe. [XXX] Here is another link to GM's site explaining that they know it is an issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
-Convertible back window popped out on right (passenger side), seal failed. A Chevy repair shop acknowledged the recall but said they did not have technicians trained & were limiting repairs due to COVID-19. -Engine shudders, loss of power -Electrical failure of USB connections in middle console
The car had a partial oil pump failure where oil pressure dropped 30% in 2 days at 14k miles while under warranty. car was taken to dealership where I was denied service. they said I put the wrong oil in it and "installed the oil filter wrong". I cant even think of a way that is possible. they changed the oil and filter and pushed me out the door. Tt 18.6k miles the pump completely gave out and had zero oil pressure while driving, which destroyed the engine. A quick search online will yeild plenty of instances where the 18+ camaro ZL1 has had oil pump falures.
I got a message in the dash saying "service power steering".... then the steering wheel began to shake violently until I pulled the car off the road. After I shut the car off, the car was still shaking for a total of 2 minutes. The front wheels and steering wheel appeared as if the car was having a seizure. I shut the car off for 20 minutes, turned it back on and it was like nothing ever happened. My scan tool at home and picked up the code "C055C:61 Steering Gear Performance Stuck".
September 02 2020 I noticed the glass rear window had separated from the soft top. Reported it to my dealer and the $6000 top was replaced under warranty because the glass could not be reglued to the top. In August of 2024 I noticed the same problem. When I took it to the dealer it was no longer under warranty. I went to three auto glass companies and a custom auto design shop for help. They all refused to attempt a repair and said the top had to be replaced. I called GM customer service and they called the dealership and offered a new top for $2000. There is a design flaw in 2016 to 2023 Camaro convertibles as is witnessed by the many bloggers have attested to. Neither GM nor Chevy have offered a recall. The rear window, made of glass, could separate on the highway and cause death or injuries.
Showing 20 of 759 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Camaro
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Camaro, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Camaro has 759 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Camaro has 17 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 48 of the Chevrolet Camaro's 759 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Camaro vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Camaro vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Camaro has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chevrolet Camaro stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Camaro by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Camaro.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Chevrolet Camaro reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
Below Average. The Chevrolet Camaro has 759 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Camaro years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (183 complaints), 2018 (78 complaints), 2019 (51 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Camaro problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (204 complaints); POWER TRAIN (175 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (136 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?
Yes — 17 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Camaro. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.