RoadVitals

1998 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.
173
Latest May 23, 2014
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 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

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

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

92
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1998 CAMARO. REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED,LEAKING AND REAR BRAKES DONT WORK. *AK

NHTSA ID 10102127 · filed Dec 4, 2004

WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK

NHTSA ID 10079958 · filed Jun 25, 2004
All 92 reports naming brakes

Engine

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE -- PCV VALVE FAILED CAUSING ENGINE OIL TO FOAM DUE TO ENTRAPPED GASES. ONLY WARNING WAS "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10319063 · filed Mar 11, 2010

CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE -- NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *JB

NHTSA ID 10176103 · filed Dec 14, 2006
All 17 reports naming engine

Electrical

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHEVROLET CAMARO 1998 3.8L V6.ATTERY RETENSION TRAY FAILED, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO BECOME LOOSE INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PROBLEM WAS FOUND DURING OIL CHANGE. PLASTIC LIP, HOLDING BOTTOM OF THE BATTERY HAS BROKE OFF, LEAVING NO RETENSION FEATURE ON THE TRAY. NEW TRAY MUST BE PURCHASED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I SUSPECT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF BATTERY SHORT CIRCUIT AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF BATTERY TERMINAL CONTACT CAR BODY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 10090886 · filed Sep 13, 2004

1998 Z28: HAVE EXPERIENCED FUEL PUMP FAILURE (REPLACED BY DEALER CIRCA JUNE 99) ALSO, EXPERIENCING AN ERRATIC FUEL GAGE...READING FUEL FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME, THEN SUDDENLY DROPS TO LESS THAN 2/3. INTERMITTENT HORN FUNCTION: COMPLETE HORN FAILURE; HOWEVER, IF YOU SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART HORN WILL WORK. FRONT ROTOR WARPING REPEATEDLY. MANUFACTURE DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM, SAYS DRIVER IS OVERHEATING BRAKES. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS ROTORS ARE POORLY DESIGNED. ALSO FOUND IF YOU DON'T DRIVE THROUGH WATER WHEN ROTORS ARE HOT THAT THIS WILL HELP. SLOW ACCELERATION AFTER COLD STARTUP. HOWEVER, IF YOU SHUT ENGINE DOWN AND RESTART ACCELERATION WILL BE NORMAL. *JB

NHTSA ID 10056578 · filed Feb 5, 2004
All 14 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

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

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP FIVE TIMES WITHIN FOUR MONTHS. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE FUEL PUMP CONTINUOUSLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POTENTIALLY EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL FAILURE, BUT THE DEALER VERIFIED THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 85,000.

NHTSA ID 10259953 · filed Feb 25, 2009

1998 Z28: HAVE EXPERIENCED FUEL PUMP FAILURE (REPLACED BY DEALER CIRCA JUNE 99) ALSO, EXPERIENCING AN ERRATIC FUEL GAGE...READING FUEL FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME, THEN SUDDENLY DROPS TO LESS THAN 2/3. INTERMITTENT HORN FUNCTION: COMPLETE HORN FAILURE; HOWEVER, IF YOU SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART HORN WILL WORK. FRONT ROTOR WARPING REPEATEDLY. MANUFACTURE DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM, SAYS DRIVER IS OVERHEATING BRAKES. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS ROTORS ARE POORLY DESIGNED. ALSO FOUND IF YOU DON'T DRIVE THROUGH WATER WHEN ROTORS ARE HOT THAT THIS WILL HELP. SLOW ACCELERATION AFTER COLD STARTUP. HOWEVER, IF YOU SHUT ENGINE DOWN AND RESTART ACCELERATION WILL BE NORMAL. *JB

NHTSA ID 10056578 · filed Feb 5, 2004
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF WHILE DRIVING, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE IT INSPECTED.THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10099223 · filed Nov 2, 2004

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10099073 · filed Oct 29, 2004
All 9 reports naming visibility

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHEVROLET REFUSED TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. LOST SECOND AND FOURTH GEAR AS WELL AS REVERSE. *AK

NHTSA ID 764272 · filed Jul 15, 2002

UPON TAKE OFF, TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING NOISE AND DID NOT WANT TO GO INTO SECOND GEAR. TRIED BACKING UP AND REVERSE WAS GONE. CAR WILL SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR WITH HELP. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND TRANSMISSION SERVICED AT REQUIRED TIME. PRESENTLY AWAITING WORD FROM CHEVY TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST OR LITTLE COST AS MILEAGE IS LOW AND CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED.*AK

NHTSA ID 760913 · filed Apr 19, 2002
All 8 reports naming transmission

Steering

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE FAILURE AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN

NHTSA ID 10593701 · filed May 23, 2014

I HAVE A 1998 CHEVY CAMARO WHERE THE LOWER RACK AND PINION STEERING HAD TO BE FIXED AND WAS LOOKING AT A RECALL FOR 97-98 RECALLS AND FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SIMILAR CARS FROM CHEVY, I THINK THEY OVERLOOKED THE CAMARO'S I CALLED CHEVY AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT WITH THEM BIT DON'T THINK ANYTHING WILL COME FROM IT, I THINK IT'S MORE THAN CONCIDENCE THAT MY CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE OTHER SIMILAR CHEVROLETS WHAT CAN BE DONE?*AK

NHTSA ID 10025715 · filed Jul 9, 2003
All 8 reports naming steering

Airbags

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE FAILURE AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN

NHTSA ID 10593701 · filed May 23, 2014

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG COMPUTER DEPLOYED, BUT AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HAD TO REPLACE COMPUTER MODULE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT GM DENIED TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE. *YH

NHTSA ID 899608 · filed Nov 28, 2001

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE BRAKE CALIPER BOLT SEPARATED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE DRIVER BEGAN TO HEAR A RUMBLING SOUND. THE VEHICLE THEN SURGED BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE NECK INJURIES. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10044349 · filed Dec 3, 2003

AFTER HITTING RESUME ON THE CRUISE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR JUST KEPT ON SPEEDING UP WAY PAST WHERE IT WAS SET, TRIED TO BRAKE AND USE THE OFF SWITCH, TO NO AVAIL, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND THEN WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND THEN RECONNECT.

NHTSA ID 9005120 · filed Jan 8, 2002

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

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVESHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, CONSUMER STATES THAT IT SEEMS TO FAIL EVERY 10,000 MILES AND DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559591 · filed Feb 12, 2001

LEFT REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL FAILED. *ET

NHTSA ID 784499 · filed Feb 11, 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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON JUNE 14, 2005, MY DAUGHTER HAD HER THIRD SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE COOPER COBRA RADIAL GT TIRES ON HER CAR. THEY ARE 235/55/16. WE PURCHASED THE CAR WITH THE TIRES. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS DECEMBER, 2004 WHERE THE STEEL BELT SEPERATED ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. A BLISTER FORMED ON THE OUTSIDE AND THERE WAS NOT A BLOWOUT . THEN ON MARCH 11, 2005 SHE HAD A BLOW OUT ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I-10 OUTSIDE OF TALLAHASSEE. THEN ON JUNE 14, 2005 SHE WAS ON I-95 HEADING BACK TO TALLAHASSEE AND HAD ANOTHER BLOWOUT ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THE TIRE NUMBER IS DOT 3D 18C290201 A15L. THREE BAD TIRES IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS IS A SIGN OF SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE TIRES. THE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND GOOD. THE FIRST DEALING WIITH COOPER I HAD TO ARGUE WITH THEM TO PRORATE THE TIRES. THE SECOND DEALER IN TALLAHASSEE WAS GREAT. I'M HOPING FOR GOOD RESULTS TOMORROW.

NHTSA ID 10125323 · filed Jun 14, 2005

GOODYEAR GS-A P245/50-ZR16 (W-12,000 MI) BLEW-OUT FOR NO REASON. PH

NHTSA ID 10005460 · filed Feb 7, 2003

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA ID 770645 · filed Dec 9, 2002

AFTER I WAS HIT DASH CAUGHT FIRE, AND THE FAN WAS STILL RUNNING WHEN THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT IN THE CAR.*AK

NHTSA ID 751379 · filed Aug 30, 2001

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

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT AND IT NEEDS ANOTHER BRAKE JOB FOR THE 3RD TIME. HEADLIGHTS FLICKER , APPEARS TO GO COMPLETELY OFF AT NO SET TIME HAS BEEN IN REPAIR 10 TIMES FOR THIS

NHTSA ID 723002 · filed May 21, 2000

EMERGENCY LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON.

NHTSA ID 609793 · filed Sep 8, 1999

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

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ALTERNATOR DIED, HAD TO REPLACE ON 8/8/03. HEARD SOUND IN THE REAR, CHANGED SHOCK ABSORBERS, NOISE IS STILL THERE, GOING TO CHANGE SPRINGS NEXT 8/20/03 . *AK

NHTSA ID 10033214 · filed Aug 20, 2003

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WITHIN THE STEERING. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES LOCK UP, AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TWICE. ALSO,THERE IS A LEAKAGE WITHIN THE T-TOP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR REPAIR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIT. *AK

NHTSA ID 839138 · filed Jun 9, 1999

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

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING, TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P195/65R15, CLAIM 35-W494-385. *SLC

NHTSA ID 6900316 · filed Aug 31, 2001

HAVE HAD CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. MOST RECENT BEING THE FAILURE OF THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE ABS COMPUTER MODULE AND OR SENSORS HAVE FAILED. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH CAMAROS. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS NEEDS TO BE A COVERED REPAIR. THE CAR IS PRACTICALLY NEW AND THEY WANT $800.00 TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID 715303 · filed Nov 27, 1999

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

INTERIOR COMPARTMENT SQUEAKS. YH

NHTSA ID 609951 · filed Aug 16, 1999

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WITHIN THE STEERING. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES LOCK UP, AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TWICE. ALSO,THERE IS A LEAKAGE WITHIN THE T-TOP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR REPAIR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIT. *AK

NHTSA ID 839138 · filed Jun 9, 1999

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT HAVE ANCHORS BUT COULD BE INSTALLED AT THE OWNER'S REQUEST. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO INSTALL THE ANCHORS. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ANCHORS COULD NOT BE INSTALLED. ALSO, CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SAID THE SAME THING. *AK

NHTSA ID 10053742 · filed Jan 9, 2004

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 .