Chevrolet Camaro Reliability and Common Problems

As the modern take on the classic muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro is a must-have if you want cutting-edge technology in your high-performance car. The newest model years have the latest options, such as a magnetic ride suspension that smoothens the Camaro’s ride over most road surfaces. An older vehicle in good condition can also give you good returns on your investment thanks to features like excellent brakes and taut, controlled rides. According to CarEdge.com, the cost of a Chevy Camaro will depreciate by 38% after five years.

Are Chevrolet Camaros Reliable Cars?

RepairPal.com gives the Chevrolet Camaro a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which puts it in 21st place out of 24 mid-size cars. Meanwhile, J.D. Power gives the 2021 model year a quality and reliability score of 80 out of 100, which is considered average.

While muscle cars usually cost more to maintain and repair than similarly sized cars, the Chevy Camaro has average ownership costs. Sure, its repairs are often more serious than expected. However, the low frequency of those issues means the Camaro doesn’t need major repairs very often.

Whatever the model year, a Camaro can easily reach 100,000 miles or more by following Chevrolet’s recommended maintenance schedule and immediately replacing any old or damaged parts.

Top Chevrolet Camaro Problems

Manufactured from 1967 to the present day with a lull in production during 2003-2009, the Camaro has numerous model years and variants to choose from. Depending on the year the unit rolled out, Chevrolet Camaro reliability issues can vary in both frequency and severity.

In a model year comparison by CarComplaints.com, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro received the highest number of complaints. It was also considered the worst model year for various reasons. Last but not least, Chevrolet Camaro engine problems are considered the worst problem in general.

Here are the most prevalent Chevrolet Camaro problems:

Electrical Issues

There are a lot of good things going for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, such as its stylish interior and exterior features. However, drivers have complained about problems with its electrical system.

Its air conditioning, car alarms, climate control, parking light, radio, stereo, and turn signal lights proved prone to malfunctioning. They could randomly operate on their own or stop working altogether, even though the parts themselves are fine.

These problems can show up when the driver hits the brakes, uses the turn signal lights, or turns on the heated seats or defroster for the rear window. In some cases, replacing and programming the body control module that manages all these parts can resolve the issues.

Key Gets Stuck in the Ignition Switch

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro should be fun from start to finish. But what happens when you shift to park and turn off the engine, only for the key to get stuck in the ignition switch? Some drivers have complained about spending way too much time and effort either getting the key out or waiting for the switch to release it.

Engine Failure

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro gets its quickness from its powerful engine, but the powerplant in some units can develop severe issues. Some drivers have reported engine knocking, stalling, loud noises when cranked up after a shutdown, and loss of power. The car can also vibrate similarly to gear slippage in a manual transmission. In the worst-case scenario, the engine can lock itself up and shut down the entire Camaro.

While the StabiliTrak light and check engine lights were sometimes switched on to inform the driver, there were no warnings in other cases.

Timing Chain Wears Out Early

Some drivers have reported that their 2010 Chevrolet Camaro timing chain failed far too early. A badly-calibrated oil change notification sensor failed to warn them that their engine needed an oil change. As a result, the heat produced by the engine may cause the timing chain to stretch.

This threw the shafts out of sync and caused problems like loss of engine power and rough idling. In some cases, the straining chain could break and hurl metal through the engine.

Warning signs of a bad timing chain included the check engine light switching on. The engine control module may also log the OBD-II trouble codes P0008 and P0017.

Air Bag Light Issues

The air bag lights of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro give the occupants a head’s up about the critical safety feature’s current status. However, some owners noticed that the air bag lights often switched on and off, even if there wasn’t anyone on the seat.

The light on the passenger side often developed this issue, although some owners reported that the driver’s side light wasn’t immune. Technicians failed to determine the exact cause of the problem; some drivers believed a faulty air bag sensor pad might have triggered the air bag lights.

Restricted Secondary Air Injection Check Valves

The secondary air injection system of the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro helps control the vehicle’s emission levels. Unfortunately, some drivers found out that the system’s two check valves could become restricted, leading to reduced air flow and triggering the engine check light.

This problem can also show up on some Camaro units built from 1997-2001. Replacing both secondary air injection check valves is recommended, even if only one valve developed an issue.

Bad Radio

Listening to your favorite song on the radio adds to the pleasure of driving your 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. However, the radio on some units proved problematic. Some drivers reported that the radio’s display went blank, turned dark, or switched off. The radio itself worked, but the faulty touch screen prevented the use of OnStar for navigation. Other times, the radio didn’t operate properly or stopped working altogether.

With regular maintenance and the right care, the Chevy Camaro can give you many years of superb driving. Whether you’re a new driver or a veteran of the road, it pays to read up on the most common Chevrolet Camaro problems. This will help you keep issues from escalating and make the most of your car’s service life.

How to Get Quality Replacement Parts For Your Chevrolet Camaro

While the powerful Chevrolet Camaro is a beast on the road, it still has its fair share of issues you need to look out for. Failing to do so can lead to more problems with your vehicle. Some of these problems can be addressed by having a trusted mechanic replace certain faulty parts. Once they’re able to tell you what needs changing, you can turn to CarParts.com for your Chevrolet Camaro’s replacement parts.

The CarParts.com website has a built-in vehicle selector for this exact situation. Find parts that are guaranteed to fit your Chevrolet Camaro in a few quick clicks. We aim to give you the best deals on the web, that’s why CarParts.com offers a price match guarantee as well as a lifetime replacement guarantee. Finalize your purchase using our convenient and secure checkout. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses, we’ll deliver your Chevrolet Camaro parts to your door in as fast as two business days.

Order a new ignition switch or other parts for your Chevrolet Camaro on CarParts.com today.