Owners have filed 161 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Camaro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Chevrolet Camaro
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2724.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1715.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2320.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1715.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1412.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
54.5%
150,000+ miles
54.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2 DR RWD
8.7% risk
2012 Chevrolet Camaro C RWD
—
—
—
8.7% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2012peak 8Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ13002Opened 31 May 2013Closed 9 Jul 2014AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Air Bag Non-deployment
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety...
Recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19E064000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain replacement flip-key ignition transmitter assemblies sold as replacement equipment for 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. GM dealers may have inadvertently sold these assemblies as replacement keys despite them having been recalled under NHTSA recall number 14V-346 (GM number 14294) when they were the original equipment assemblies. The driver may accidentally bump the ignition key with their knee, moving the ignition out of the run position and turning off the engine.
Risk: Once the engine is off, the vehicle can lose power steering and power braking, increasing the risk of a crash. The air bags may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
14V447000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
14V346000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2010-2014 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 3, 2008 to May 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
14V300000
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
13V023000
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201946318 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for replacement flip key assemblies sold as replacement parts. Please see Transport Canada Recall No. 2014-243 for additional details. There is a risk that some drivers may bump the ignition key with their knee and unintentionally move the key out of the "run" position. If this happens, engine power, power braking and power steering would be affected. This can cause a sudden increase steering and brake pedal effort. This could also cause the airbags not to deploy in a crash. Safety Risk: Airbags that do not deploy properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. An increase brake pedal effort could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Sudden changes in steering effort could also increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the key(s). If a flip key is found, it will be replaced with a flat blade key as in Transport Canada Recall No. 2014-243.
Recall 201431129,555 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles equipped with power height adjustable front seats, a bolt securing the adjuster mechanism may loosen and fall out. This would cause the seat to drop to the lowest vertical adjustment position, which could affect the driver's ability to safety operate vehicle controls as well as cause reduced driver visibility. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the bolt.
Recall 20143065,003 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2012368.
Recall 201424317,736 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, there is a risk that some drivers may bump the ignition key with their knee and unintentionally move the key from out of the "run" position. If this were to occur, engine power, power braking and power steering would be affected, which would unexpectedly increase steering and brake pedal effort, potentially increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers are to remove the key blade from the original flip key/transmitter assemblies provided with the vehicle, and provide two new keys and two key rings for every original key. Important note: Until the correction is performed, drivers should adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.
Recall 20142135,003 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary or secondary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2014306.
Recall 20123681,011 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Atlanta, GACrash
SEAT BELTS
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
AIR BAGS
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesWarner Robins, GACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN FENCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11278391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,540 milesLockport, NYCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE HAS A SURGE IN THROTTLE WHILE IN GEAR AT A COMPLETE STOP. THIS FORCED THE VEHICLE AGAINST THE POWER OF THE BREAKS INTO A FENCE AND A WOODEN PARKING STOP CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OVERPOWERING A NORMAL PRESSURE ON THE BREAKS WHILE IN GEAR.THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF AT LEAST 10 TIMES. LAST OCCURRING THE LAST DAY I DROVE THE VEHICLE. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN STORAGE AFTERWARDS.
NHTSA complaint #11246077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesJeanerette, LAFire
AIR BAGS
2012 CAMARO HAS HAD POWER DOWN PROBLEMS WHILE JUST MERGING ON INTERSTATE STARTED AT 40,000 MILES. AIR BAG MODULE CLAIMED BY DEALERSHIP IF THE PROBLEM AND WILL COST TO FIX ALONG WITH THROTTLE CONTROL BODY. CAR HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED BY ANOTHER DEALER BUT NOTHING WAS TOLD COULD BE THE TAKA AIRBAG RECALL BUT NOT SURE WITH PRICE OF 1500 FOR REPAIRS THIS ALSO INCLUDES BREAK CHANGING I'M SURE IS NOT THE MAJOR COST. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS AIRBAG ISSUE ADDRESSED. THE POWER DOWN AND A DASH INFO POP UP FIRST CAME AT 36000 MILE. ALL ISSUES HAVE BEEN ON HIGHWAY 90 ALSO INTERSTATE 10 ON RAMP AND GENERAL DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10910109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 185,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several dealers several times. The alternator and the engine fuse were replaced, and a tune-up was completed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesNewton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the contact’s knee hit the ignition key and the vehicle shutoff and drove over into an oncoming lane. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was driven back into the intended lane. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V346000 (Electrical System); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SUSPENSION
I purchased this vehicle July of this year and just drove it to find it pulled extremely to the right. I was told it was an alignment issue which they attempted to fix which seems successful in July coming off the offramp after first time on the highway and applying the brakes, the car shook side side, and then up and down. It felt like the car was coming apart. I again notified the dealer. I purchased it from and was reminded it was bought as his, but that they would do what they can to fix it so that I would feel safe driving it. Also upon purchase when it got dark, I could not see even the beam of the headlights that they promised to replace and have not as yet.
NHTSA complaint #11750591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased this vehicle July of this year and just drove it to find it pulled extremely to the right. I was told it was an alignment issue which they attempted to fix which seems successful in July coming off the offramp after first time on the highway and applying the brakes, the car shook side side, and then up and down. It felt like the car was coming apart. I again notified the dealer. I purchased it from and was reminded it was bought as his, but that they would do what they can to fix it so that I would feel safe driving it. Also upon purchase when it got dark, I could not see even the beam of the headlights that they promised to replace and have not as yet.
NHTSA complaint #11750591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I purchased this vehicle July of this year and just drove it to find it pulled extremely to the right. I was told it was an alignment issue which they attempted to fix which seems successful in July coming off the offramp after first time on the highway and applying the brakes, the car shook side side, and then up and down. It felt like the car was coming apart. I again notified the dealer. I purchased it from and was reminded it was bought as his, but that they would do what they can to fix it so that I would feel safe driving it. Also upon purchase when it got dark, I could not see even the beam of the headlights that they promised to replace and have not as yet.
NHTSA complaint #11750591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Imperial, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Parking brake failed because crimped stopper at end of cable coming from interior lever failed. The stopper appears to be made of very soft metal and does not have much contact area with wire rope portion of cable. According to the dealership this is a very common failure, however, Chevrolet has discontinued the part. The manner in which this failed should never have happened. The car is equipped with a manual transmission and requires a functioning parking brake. Had this broken while the vehicle was parked and I was out of the vehicle, it could have rolled away. There was no indication that this was going to fail prior to failure. I pulled up on the parking brake lever and it just suddenly failed.
NHTSA complaint #11744021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 90,480, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 141,510.
NHTSA complaint #11712090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am experiencing similar issues to those identified in GM bulletin 07-06-04-019F. I keep getting DTC P2138. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The throttle/accelerator system. Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The Accelerator Pedal Position signal is unreliable which is now derating my engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings prior to the failure. I just get the DTC and an engine derate message along with "service stabilitrack"
NHTSA complaint #11705602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
The air bags aren't working properly. They initially fixed a prior issue with my air bags long ago. However this issue has persisted. I think these cars have major issues with our air bags.
NHTSA complaint #11608879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abbeville, LA
SEATS
Air bag on passenger side. transmission stared vibration brought in they repair it . This was still under warranty at the time. Now it doing it again. Seat they want change driver side motor . I fix it myself .it was the switch.
NHTSA complaint #11594291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abbeville, LA
POWER TRAIN
Air bag on passenger side. transmission stared vibration brought in they repair it . This was still under warranty at the time. Now it doing it again. Seat they want change driver side motor . I fix it myself .it was the switch.
NHTSA complaint #11594291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abbeville, LA
AIR BAGS
Air bag on passenger side. transmission stared vibration brought in they repair it . This was still under warranty at the time. Now it doing it again. Seat they want change driver side motor . I fix it myself .it was the switch.
NHTSA complaint #11594291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronson, TX
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
255/55/R18 normal driving was admiring car one day and noticed this bad spot on it. I do not ever spin my tires or "hot rod"my car. It has the v6 and traction control to keep it from spinning. Unsure of how or why the tire has this bad spot.
NHTSA complaint #11566044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,559 milesOcala, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective timing chain and gear. The contact was informed that the timing chain and gear needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. After repeated calls to the manufacturer, the manufacturer helped with the repair. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 75,559.
NHTSA complaint #11558560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brockprot, NY
AIR BAGS
car only has today 46,500 miles and passenger airbag sensor stopped working last year,started intermittenly working after 30,000 miles and now completely not working, repeated problem for all chevy Camaros having this problem with few miles on cars and barely any passengers sitting in seat to activate use.
NHTSA complaint #11533899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brockprot, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
car only has today 46,500 miles and passenger airbag sensor stopped working last year,started intermittenly working after 30,000 miles and now completely not working, repeated problem for all chevy Camaros having this problem with few miles on cars and barely any passengers sitting in seat to activate use.
NHTSA complaint #11533899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11511630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
SEAT BELTS
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
AIR BAGS
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
My car was in a wreck due to a recall I thought was fixed with my airbags and safety
NHTSA complaint #11507427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driver side rear floor area floods every single time it rains. It's been like this since I owned the car. I have a 2012 convertible camaro
NHTSA complaint #11496924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driver side rear floor area floods every single time it rains. It's been like this since I owned the car. I have a 2012 convertible camaro
NHTSA complaint #11496924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition gets stuck in on position after key is removed. Ignition does not cut on radio at times. I have to open the door to reset Ignition system so radio can play. Faulty Ignition switch needs replacing
NHTSA complaint #11496923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OH
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle shakes badly when it wants to stalls without any symptoms. All of a sudden the car makes metal rod knocking and scraping sounds i checked oil and it was gone. No oil leaks fresh oil metallic color in engine oil. Just financed this vehicle 2011 chevy camaro with 50,000 miles and don’t have a warranty. A car engine should not seize out of the blue at low miles and no oil pressure light indicated low or no oil. Very dangerous i lost acceleration going up hill and totally stalled. This needs to be fixed and recalled especially oil pressure light should of illuminated
NHTSA complaint #11456452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OH
ENGINE
Vehicle shakes badly when it wants to stalls without any symptoms. All of a sudden the car makes metal rod knocking and scraping sounds i checked oil and it was gone. No oil leaks fresh oil metallic color in engine oil. Just financed this vehicle 2011 chevy camaro with 50,000 miles and don’t have a warranty. A car engine should not seize out of the blue at low miles and no oil pressure light indicated low or no oil. Very dangerous i lost acceleration going up hill and totally stalled. This needs to be fixed and recalled especially oil pressure light should of illuminated
NHTSA complaint #11456452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
