RoadVitals

1990 Chevrolet Camaro Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Dec 4, 2009
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 Chevrolet Camaro, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags722.6%
  • Fuel system516.1%
  • Seat belts516.1%
  • Engine412.9%
  • Body & structure39.7%
  • Steering26.5%
  • Electrical26.5%
  • Visibility13.2%
  • Interior & seats13.2%
  • Tires & wheels13.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HIT A ROAD SIGN, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND AXLE CAME OFF, THE VEHICLE WENT ABOUT 20 FEET INTO THE WOODS, HIT A TREE HEAD ON, DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND KILLED. THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE SHOULDER PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT WAS ALSO BROKEN. *AK

NHTSA ID 822301 · filed Apr 8, 1998

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) DUP OF 525792. *AK

NHTSA ID 516345 · filed Apr 9, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL SYSTEM SLOWLY LEAKS DANGEROUS VAPORS, CAUSING PRESSURE LOSS AND FIRE HAZARD. EXTERIOR BODY PAINT PEELS IN MULTPILE LOCATIONS DUE TO LACK OF A PRIMER LAYER BEING USED WHEN MANUFACTURED. ENGINE STALLS AFTER COLD START.

NHTSA ID 10069181 · filed Jan 15, 2004

CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY FOUND HIGH HYDRO CARBON IN VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL FILLER. CONTACTED DEALER.*JBTHIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL CONCERNING THE ABOVE FAULT.

NHTSA ID 8019249 · filed Sep 24, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK WHICH IS CAUSING THE CAR SEAT TO FLIP WHEN TURNING A CORNER. *AK

NHTSA ID 850587 · filed Nov 15, 1999

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HIT A ROAD SIGN, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND AXLE CAME OFF, THE VEHICLE WENT ABOUT 20 FEET INTO THE WOODS, HIT A TREE HEAD ON, DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND KILLED. THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE SHOULDER PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT WAS ALSO BROKEN. *AK

NHTSA ID 822301 · filed Apr 8, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

APPROXIMATELY A 1990 BLUE CAMARO IS PARKED ON THE PUBLIC STREET IN FRONT OF HOUSE NUMBERED SAHUARITA, AZ. . THIS CAMARO IS LEAKING OILS IN PUDDLES ON THE STREET. THE OWNER LIVES NEXT DOOR AT THIS CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN THIS LOCATION FOR MONTHS AND THE OILS HAVE ACCUMULATED TO @ A 5 FOOT SQUARE AREA. I CONSIDER THIS A DANGEROUS AREA AND WANT TO REPORT IT TO YOU. I WAS GIVEN THIS ADDRESS BY AN EPA AGENCY ALONG WITH TELEPHONE NUMBER 602-255-0072 WHICH I WILL CALL WITH A VERBAL REPORT. PLEASE RESPOND. *TR

NHTSA ID 10294563 · filed Dec 4, 2009

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWA VEHICLE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10021972 · filed May 30, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ROOF: T- TOP GLASS FLEW OUT AND BROKE. HE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK

NHTSA ID 871307 · filed Sep 22, 2000

AUTOMATIC TRUNK LATCH MOTOR ASSEMBLY...HAS CONTINUOUSLY RAN SINCE 7AM THIS MORNING, AND WILL NOT PULL TRUNK LID ALL THE WAY DOWN. I TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVROLET HERE IN FONTANA AND THEY GLANCED AT IT...SAID THE MOTOR WAS PROBABLY BURNING OUT AND IT WOULD COST ME $300 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I ASKED IF IT COULD JUST BE DISCONNECTED AND WAS TOLD ..NO..NOT WITHOUT DISCONNECTING SOMETHING ELSE IN THE CAR. THIS AFTERNOON, I REMOVED THE BACK INSIDE PANEL, I DISCOVERED A PIECE OF PLASTIC AND SCREW LAYING INSIDE AND MOTOR DOES NOT LOOK AS IF IT WAS EVEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY.IT IS BASICALLY FLOPPING AROUND AND FEELS HOT TO THE TOUCH, FROM RUNNING ALL DAY. ISN'T THIS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION? NOT ONLY COULD IT START A FIRE..BUT COULDN'T THE LATCH RELEASE WHAT LITTLE HOLD IT HAS ON THE HATCH AND CAUSE IT TO FLY UP? LOW/HIGH BEAM SWITCH: STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AGO...IF I GET IT TO ENGAGE IN HIGH BEAM..I CANNOT GET IT BACK TO LOW BEAM. I KNOW THIS MIGHT SEEM TRIVIAL TO YOU, BUT IT'S NOT TO THE PERSON MY HEADLIGHTS ARE HITTING IN THE FACE. AS A RESULT OF THIS...I LIMIT MY DRIVING TO WELL-LIGHTED AREAS WHERE I DON'T HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS.

NHTSA ID 725244 · filed Jul 10, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE STEERING SHAFT WENT OUT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 10021971 · filed May 30, 2003

AUTOMATIC TRUNK LATCH MOTOR ASSEMBLY...HAS CONTINUOUSLY RAN SINCE 7AM THIS MORNING, AND WILL NOT PULL TRUNK LID ALL THE WAY DOWN. I TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVROLET HERE IN FONTANA AND THEY GLANCED AT IT...SAID THE MOTOR WAS PROBABLY BURNING OUT AND IT WOULD COST ME $300 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I ASKED IF IT COULD JUST BE DISCONNECTED AND WAS TOLD ..NO..NOT WITHOUT DISCONNECTING SOMETHING ELSE IN THE CAR. THIS AFTERNOON, I REMOVED THE BACK INSIDE PANEL, I DISCOVERED A PIECE OF PLASTIC AND SCREW LAYING INSIDE AND MOTOR DOES NOT LOOK AS IF IT WAS EVEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY.IT IS BASICALLY FLOPPING AROUND AND FEELS HOT TO THE TOUCH, FROM RUNNING ALL DAY. ISN'T THIS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION? NOT ONLY COULD IT START A FIRE..BUT COULDN'T THE LATCH RELEASE WHAT LITTLE HOLD IT HAS ON THE HATCH AND CAUSE IT TO FLY UP? LOW/HIGH BEAM SWITCH: STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AGO...IF I GET IT TO ENGAGE IN HIGH BEAM..I CANNOT GET IT BACK TO LOW BEAM. I KNOW THIS MIGHT SEEM TRIVIAL TO YOU, BUT IT'S NOT TO THE PERSON MY HEADLIGHTS ARE HITTING IN THE FACE. AS A RESULT OF THIS...I LIMIT MY DRIVING TO WELL-LIGHTED AREAS WHERE I DON'T HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS.

NHTSA ID 725244 · filed Jul 10, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL SYSTEM SLOWLY LEAKS DANGEROUS VAPORS, CAUSING PRESSURE LOSS AND FIRE HAZARD. EXTERIOR BODY PAINT PEELS IN MULTPILE LOCATIONS DUE TO LACK OF A PRIMER LAYER BEING USED WHEN MANUFACTURED. ENGINE STALLS AFTER COLD START.

NHTSA ID 10069181 · filed Jan 15, 2004

INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM, UNKNOWN REASONS. *AK

NHTSA ID 968112 · filed Jul 3, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ALONG IN THE SNOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO FUNCTION-CAUSING INHIBITED VISION. TT

NHTSA ID 977505 · filed Jan 4, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AUTOMATIC TRUNK LATCH MOTOR ASSEMBLY...HAS CONTINUOUSLY RAN SINCE 7AM THIS MORNING, AND WILL NOT PULL TRUNK LID ALL THE WAY DOWN. I TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVROLET HERE IN FONTANA AND THEY GLANCED AT IT...SAID THE MOTOR WAS PROBABLY BURNING OUT AND IT WOULD COST ME $300 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I ASKED IF IT COULD JUST BE DISCONNECTED AND WAS TOLD ..NO..NOT WITHOUT DISCONNECTING SOMETHING ELSE IN THE CAR. THIS AFTERNOON, I REMOVED THE BACK INSIDE PANEL, I DISCOVERED A PIECE OF PLASTIC AND SCREW LAYING INSIDE AND MOTOR DOES NOT LOOK AS IF IT WAS EVEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY.IT IS BASICALLY FLOPPING AROUND AND FEELS HOT TO THE TOUCH, FROM RUNNING ALL DAY. ISN'T THIS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION? NOT ONLY COULD IT START A FIRE..BUT COULDN'T THE LATCH RELEASE WHAT LITTLE HOLD IT HAS ON THE HATCH AND CAUSE IT TO FLY UP? LOW/HIGH BEAM SWITCH: STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AGO...IF I GET IT TO ENGAGE IN HIGH BEAM..I CANNOT GET IT BACK TO LOW BEAM. I KNOW THIS MIGHT SEEM TRIVIAL TO YOU, BUT IT'S NOT TO THE PERSON MY HEADLIGHTS ARE HITTING IN THE FACE. AS A RESULT OF THIS...I LIMIT MY DRIVING TO WELL-LIGHTED AREAS WHERE I DON'T HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS.

NHTSA ID 725244 · filed Jul 10, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPX. 65 MPH THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. FIREHAWK SS10. *TT

NHTSA ID 10020809 · filed May 31, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .