Chevy Camaro Problems: 9 Common Issues (Explained)

The Chevrolet Camaro is the car of some people’s dreams. The Pony car was introduced in the late 1960s and continues to impress decades later.

Just because it’s highly sought after doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of problems.

A list of the ten most common Chevy Camaro problems is listed below with possible causes and solutions.

Windows Scraping and Rattling when Rolled Down

The design of the Chevy Camaro, from the years 1984 to 2002, allows the windows to lean towards the cabin when rolled down.

Due to this, a metal-on-glass rattle can sometimes be heard.

Eventually, the metal-on-glass sound is followed by a popping sound when the windows are rolled down or up.

RELATED: How long does a Camaro last?

Possible Causes and Solutions

The noise associated with the windows rolling up and down is caused by failing window regulator rivets.

When this part fails, it can no longer hold the window upright. Next, the pads inside the door wear out due to pressure, which allows the window to rattle and pop and can even scratch the glass.

The problem can be corrected by replacing the pads and rivets within the door. In later models, if the window gets stuck when rolling it up or down, it’s like a problem with the window’s motor. Replacing the motor will correct it.

Front Hood and Trunk Latch Failures

The front hood and trunk latch issues are most commonly reported with Chevy Camaros from 1990 to 2002.

Interestingly enough the 2001 model was a really good year for Camaro. We have a list here of the best and worst years for the Chevrolet Camaro.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Symptoms of a trunk latch failure include the trunk not staying shut or having to slam the trunk shut to keep it closed.

If the front hood latch is involved, drivers will have a hard time keeping the hood propped open to look at it. Thankfully, this is an easy fix. Both the hood and trunk latch can be replaced to correct the problem.

Dim Tail or Brake Lights

Chevy Camaros from 1990 to 2002 sometimes have issues with their taillights and brake lights when the vehicle reaches about 110,000 miles.

The tail or brake lights will become dim and can eventually stop working altogether.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Losing brightness in brake lights or taillights is often a problem associated with a faulty electrical connection.

The way to correct this problem is to replace the electrical sockets.

It’s best to replace brake and taillights on both sides of the Camaro at the same time because once one side fails, the other side will likely fail too.

RELATED: Interesting statistics about Chevy Camaros.

T-Tops are Prone to Water Leaks

Camaros with t-tops manufactured between 1990 and 2002 are prone to water leaks.

Water can leak along the seals along the t-tops. Water can leak into the car and cause damage to the interior of the vehicle as well as the vehicle’s headliner.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Most Chevrolet technicians state replacing the seals around the t-tops will correct the problem. To reduce the risk of water leaks around the t-tops, it’s important to take care when removing and replacing the t-tops.

When removing and installing t-tops, it’s important to make sure the seals stay in the right place.

Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Leak

If your Chevy Camaro engine is overheating, the first thing to check should be the water pump.

Drivers have reported a leak around the water pump that has allowed the coolant to escape.

A water pump coolant leak was reported most often in Camaros from 1990 to 2011.

Possible Causes and Solutions

The loss of coolant from the water pump prevents the engine from cooling the way it is designed. If the problem is not corrected, it could cause damage to the engine. The way to correct this problem is to replace the water pump.

Fuel Pump Failure

Chevy Camaros created between 1999 and 2002 may experience a fuel pump failure if the fuel pump filter is not replaced when needed.

Possible Causes and Solutions

The best way to prevent a fuel pump failure is to replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

The Car Won’t Start, and Security Light is Lit

Camaro models from the years 1995 to 2015 have reported a common problem that involves the car not starting for no apparent reason and the security light being lit.

This Camaro problem is due to an issue with the anti-theft system.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Camaros with an anti-theft system with raised-chip keys are prone to breakage in the steering column, specifically, the ignition lock cylinder.

The only way to correct this problem is to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced.

If the security light is not lit up on the dash, try waiting a minute to see if the ignition will release the key. You may need to wiggle the key back and forth a few times for this to happen.

This problem is also corrected by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

Leaking Coolant or Engine Oil

Losing coolant or engine oil is usually always due to a leak in the engine. Chevy Camaros created from 1993 to 2010 may develop a leak around the intake manifold gasket.

If this happens, the Camaro could leak oil or coolant.

Possible Causes and Solutions

It is also possible for an internal coolant leak to occur, which could cause coolant and engine oil to mix. Driving a Camaro with a coolant/oil mix could cause serious engine damage.

To avoid damage to the Camaro’s engine, the intake manifold gasket should be replaced to correct leaks, prevent an oil/coolant leak, and help prevent engine damage.

Timing Chain Fails Too Early

2010 Chevrolet Camaro drivers have reported the timing chain failing long before it should.

It’s believed the timing chain failed in this model due to an oil change notification failure.

When the vehicle fails to notify drivers that the oil needs changing, it can cause the timing chain to stretch due to excess engine heat.

Possible Causes and Solutions

When the timing belt stretches, it throws the shaft off and causes random problems like rough idling and loss of engine power.

Symptoms of a 2010 Chevy Camaro timing chain failing include:

• Lit check engine light
• Trouble code OBD-11
• Trouble code P0008
• Trouble code P0017

The best way to avoid this issue is to keep track of when your oil needs to change.

By doing this, you can avoid relying on the check engine notification and avoid timing chain damage. If you experience any symptoms of a timing chain stretching or beginning to fail, it’s recommended to have the vehicle checked by a professional.

Gas Cap Causing Check Engine Light to Come On

Some drivers have reported the gas cap causing the check engine light to come on.

It happens in many generations of the Camaro. Usually, it begins to happen around 70,000 miles.

Possible Causes and Solutions

A gas cap seal can begin to wear away. When this happens, it can trigger a warning on the vehicle’s computer, which causes a engine check notification.

If a Camaro’s gas cap is causing the check engine light to light up, it’s an easy fix.

Camaro gas caps can be replaced for about $100.

General Pros and Cons of the Chevrolet Camaro

Pros

• Iconic muscle car
• Fun to drive
• Handles well
• V8 power options
• Considered a very reliable vehicle
• Modern models have highly sought after in-car features

Cons

• Windows scraping and rattling when rolled down
• The timing chain fails too early
• Leaking coolant or engine oil
• The car won’t start, and the safety lights are lit

What Do the Reviews Say?

“It’s a real Hot Wheels car you can drive.”

[Source: The Car Connection]

One of the reasons the Chevrolet Camaro is so highly sought after is because it looks good, handles well, and gets the attention of everyone around it. Kids grow up spotting Camaros out in a crowd, and grown-ups everywhere can hear the purring of a Camaro engine before they can see it.

For many drivers, it’s like driving a life-size “Hot Wheels” vehicle.

“The Camaro’s diverse lineup means there’s a model to fit anyone’s taste, but there are a few standouts.”

[Source: Edmunds]

The Camaro has moved from a strictly pony car to more of a sports car over the last few decades. But, with different models, V6 and V8 options, there is a Camaro on the market for every type of driver.

What’s the Resale Value on Chevrolet Camaros?

The above prices are estimated and may vary based on individual preferences and your location.

Final Thoughts

The Chevrolet Camaro has impressed drivers since the late 1960s. Whether you’re a fan of the early Camaro Pony cars or the more modern Camaro sports cars, the vehicle has great resell value.

If you experience any of the common Camaro issues mentioned above, it’s important to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.

Go back to see problems for all Chevrolet models.

Sources

Chevrolet Camaro Leaking Coolant Due to Intake Manifold Gasket (repairpal.com)

Used Chevrolet Camaro for Sale (with Photos) – CarGurus

Used Chevrolet Camaro for Sale Near Ashtabula, OH – Special Offers | Edmunds