Common problems
Chevrolet Camaro Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 6 Chevrolet Camaro model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated April 2026
- Owner complaints
- 168
- Top recurring issue
- Unknown Or Other
- Crash reports
- 15
- Fire reports
- 4
6 model years
5 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
10 injuries · 0 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Chevrolet Camaro problem categories
Unknown Or Other
23complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2019.
Power Train
41complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2019.
Engine
15complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2018.
Electrical System
25complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Steering
19complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.
Fuel Propulsion System
4complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.
Air Bags
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.
Exterior Lighting
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.
Structure
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.
Suspension
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Chevrolet Camaro model year
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro's transmission, particularly shuddering and hard shifting, which are often linked to potential torque converter problems. Symptoms described include shuddering or vibrating between 25 and 80 MPH, hard shifts, and vehicles feeling as though they are running over bumps. These issues appear to manifest at various mileage points, with some owners noting problems as early as 1,000 miles and others experiencing transmission failures just after warranty expiration around 60,300 miles. Safety concerns are noted with reports of vehicles stalling, loss of power, and difficulty controlling the car during shuddering episodes, which could pose risks in traffic situations. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs, especially for vehicles out of warranty.
STEERING
Owners report frequent issues with the power steering system in the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, with multiple complaints describing a sudden loss of power steering assist. Symptoms typically include a stiff steering wheel that is difficult to turn, often occurring mid-turn or at low speeds, and in some cases accompanied by warning messages like "service power steering." These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 18,000 miles and others beyond 90,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several owners noting near-crashes or loss of control, particularly when the steering fails unexpectedly. Complaints also highlight frustration with recalls not covering all affected vehicles, despite experiencing similar issues to those described in recall notices for other model years.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro frequently experiences issues related to water intrusion in the trunk, leading to electrical failures. Complaints often describe moisture seeping into the battery compartment and fuse box, causing the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly and, in some cases, resulting in smoke or potential fire hazards. Symptoms noted by owners include non-functional electronics, such as USB ports and side object detection modules, as well as ignition problems where the vehicle fails to turn off or start. These issues are often linked to manufacturing defects in the trunk's drainage system, with multiple reports occurring around 41,000 to 67,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of electrical fires and sudden vehicle shutdowns while driving.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro frequently report issues related to the transmission, particularly shuddering and rough shifting. Symptoms commonly described include a sensation akin to driving over rumble strips, grinding noises during gear shifts, and violent shifts when starting or slowing down. Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 is mentioned by several owners, indicating a known issue with transmission fluid that requires flushing and replacement. Complaints often arise around 26,000 miles, but some note issues starting as early as 4,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of unintended acceleration and braking, and one incident involves a crash with an injury due to stalling in traffic. These issues may affect reliability and safety, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly concerning vibrations, unintended acceleration, and transmission failures. Common symptoms described include the vehicle vibrating and jerking during acceleration, unintended acceleration in reverse, and loud banging noises when shifting gears. These issues often occur at various mileage points, notably around 5,000 to 130,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reported crashes and one injury associated with these failures, including loss of vehicle control and collisions. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring power train issues and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report multiple issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, primarily related to transmission and convertible top failures. Common transmission symptoms include shuddering, jerking, and erratic shifting, often linked to torque converter problems and requiring fluid flushes. These issues are noted to persist despite attempts at repair and typically emerge early in the vehicle's life, with some owners mentioning them shortly after purchase. Convertible top problems include rear window delamination and roof mechanism failures, leading to potential water damage. Additionally, there are reports of sunroof shattering without impact. While no crashes are reported, these issues can affect drivability and safety, making them important considerations for potential buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report multiple issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, most notably concerning the convertible top's rear glass window separating from the fabric. This issue is frequently noted at various mileages, with some instances occurring shortly after purchase and others after several years, leading to potential safety risks if the glass detaches while driving. Additionally, several complaints mention a persistent "shift to park" warning despite the vehicle being in park, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns if the vehicle moves unexpectedly. Transmission shudder is also noted, with owners describing a shaking sensation while driving that persists despite maintenance efforts. These issues could pose safety hazards and may result in costly repairs, particularly for the convertible top, which often requires full replacement rather than repair.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro report several issues related to the electrical system. A common complaint involves the trunk failing to open by any method, accompanied by persistent alarm messages indicating the trunk is unsecured, which also affects the convertible top operation. Another frequently mentioned issue is the vehicle failing to recognize when it is in park, leading to potential battery drain, theft risk, and improper locking. Additionally, some owners experience dashboard lights going out and a significant reduction in power at speeds above 65 MPH, along with the check engine light activating and a reduced engine power message, particularly noted with error code P2138. These issues often occur at varying mileages and can pose safety risks, such as potential vehicle stalling and loss of power while driving.
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Chevrolet Camaro
When problems are reported to begin
- Engine failures — 1,000–2,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Engine rod bearing failure — 14,000–15,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Airbag system warnings — 1,600–15,300 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Power train failures — 5,000–130,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Exterior lighting failures — 47,000–62,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Wheel lockup — 47,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Transmission shudder — 30,000–60,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
- Convertible top delamination — 30,000–36,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Inspect engine for any signs of failure or unusual noises
- Verify if the engine has had any repairs or replacements
- Test drive to check for sudden power loss or engine shutdown
- Check infotainment system for screen blackouts and functionality
- Ensure OnStar system is operational during infotainment use
- Review vehicle history for any recalls or pending service bulletins
- Inspect for airbag system warnings on the Driver Information Center
- Check for delayed shifting between first and second gear during a test drive
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Chevrolet Camaro data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Chevrolet Camaro research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Chevrolet Camaro research FAQ
What is the most common Chevrolet Camaro problem?
Unknown Or Other is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 5 years with 23 complaints represented.
Which Chevrolet Camaro year has the most reported problems?
The 2019 has the largest unknown or other count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Chevrolet Camaro has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Chevrolet Camaro you are considering.
