1999 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 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
- Brakes3227.4%
- Transmission1412.0%
- Electrical119.4%
- Powertrain (other)97.7%
- Airbags76.0%
- Suspension76.0%
- Engine65.1%
- Visibility54.3%
- Body & structure54.3%
- Exterior lighting54.3%
- Tires & wheels43.4%
- Fuel system43.4%
- Seat belts32.6%
- Interior & seats21.7%
- Driver assistance21.7%
- Steering10.9%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
VERY BAD SHIMMY AND SHAKE WHEN BRAKING, ALSO WHEN TRYING TO SPPED UP FROM A DEAD STOP OR OTHERWISE CAR PULLS BACK, OR STUMBLES. AT ABOUT 45000 MILES A VALVE BROKE INTO THREE PIECES. HAD HEADS REPLACED. BRAKES AND STUMBLING IS REOCCURING BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 99 AND STUMBLE SINCE EARLY 2004. SPEAKERS LOCATED IN THE BACK SEAT PANELS ALSO KEEP BLOWING OUT.*AK
THE VEHICLE JERKED BACKWARDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING GEARS. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK A TRANSMISSION KIT WAS ADDED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE IN OVERDRIVE WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE BUT THIS DID NOT WORK. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY, THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE RUBBING WHEN STOPPING, THE WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKETS LEAKED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT STARTING ON ONE OCCASION, AND THERE WAS A 3-4 SECOND VALVE BINDING. *SC
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THE CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WILL ONLY DEPRESS HALF WAY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #99V239000 REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE CONTACT IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM GENERAL MOTORS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT TO THE CONTACT. UPDATED 06/27/06. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A GUY TELL ME THAT GM WAS RECALLING IGNITION SWITCHES I JUST WONTED TO KNOW IF MY CAR WAS ONE OF THEM. *TR
ENGINE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY VOLT GAUGE DROPS BELOW 13. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I COME TO A RED LIGHT, BUT IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ENOUGH. ALSO, AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GAS, THE ENGINE STALLS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT IS STARTED. (ONLY WHEN IN DRIVE). *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A GUY TELL ME THAT GM WAS RECALLING IGNITION SWITCHES I JUST WONTED TO KNOW IF MY CAR WAS ONE OF THEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THE CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A GUY TELL ME THAT GM WAS RECALLING IGNITION SWITCHES I JUST WONTED TO KNOW IF MY CAR WAS ONE OF THEM. *TR
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE COIL SPRING AXLE BRACKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
THE VEHICLE JERKED BACKWARDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING GEARS. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK A TRANSMISSION KIT WAS ADDED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE IN OVERDRIVE WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE BUT THIS DID NOT WORK. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY, THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE RUBBING WHEN STOPPING, THE WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKETS LEAKED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT STARTING ON ONE OCCASION, AND THERE WAS A 3-4 SECOND VALVE BINDING. *SC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY VOLT GAUGE DROPS BELOW 13. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I COME TO A RED LIGHT, BUT IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ENOUGH. ALSO, AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GAS, THE ENGINE STALLS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT IS STARTED. (ONLY WHEN IN DRIVE). *TR
THE VEHICLE JERKED BACKWARDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING GEARS. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK A TRANSMISSION KIT WAS ADDED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE IN OVERDRIVE WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE BUT THIS DID NOT WORK. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY, THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE RUBBING WHEN STOPPING, THE WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKETS LEAKED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT STARTING ON ONE OCCASION, AND THERE WAS A 3-4 SECOND VALVE BINDING. *SC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND MANY COMPLAINTS, THE WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED, AND THE WIPERS FAILED AGAIN. THE WIPER STALK WAS REPLACED AND REPAIRED AND THE WIPERS FAILED AGAIN. THE MOTOR WAS AGAIN REPLACED TWO MORE TIMES. THEY CURRENTLY ARE WORKING, BUT I EXPECT THEM TO FAIL AGAIN SOON.
THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR, NON-ELECTRIC, CONTINUES TO BREAK THE CABLES HOLDING THE MIRROR IN PLACE. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
FLOOR OF TRUNK IS WET AFTER RAIN; NO VISIBLE LEAKS HAVE BEEN DETECTED. *TR
UNKNOWN TO BUYER VEHICLE IN MAJOR ACCIDENT FRAME & STEERING IN BAD SHAPE. DT
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN IDLING. *TR
WATER IS GETTING DOWN IN LENSE OF HEADLIGHT ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND CAUSING BULB TO BLOW OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
VALVE STEM FAILURE RESULTING IN TIRE FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY, THE NEED TO REPLACE ALL TIRES. *TR
VALVE STEM FAILURE CAUSING LEAKS AND ULTIMATELY, NEED TO REPLACE ALL TIRES. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY VOLT GAUGE DROPS BELOW 13. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I COME TO A RED LIGHT, BUT IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ENOUGH. ALSO, AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GAS, THE ENGINE STALLS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT IS STARTED. (ONLY WHEN IN DRIVE). *TR
WHEN REFUELING THE CAR, GAS WILL SPILL OUT WHILE FILLING THE TANK. THERE IS SOME KIND OF ISSUE WITH VENTING OF THE GAS TANK WHEN REFUELING. THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR RUNS FINE. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS OR TSB'S FOR THIS ISSUE, AND THE TECH I SPOKE WITH SAID HE HAS NOT HEARD OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE DONE SEARCHES ON CAMARO RELATED TECHNICAL WEB SITES AND ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CAMARO, FIREBIRD AND TRANSAM COMMUNITY, BUT DIDN'T FIND A RESOLUTION. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DOES NOT FULLY ENGAGE, BUT APPEARS TO BE FASTENED PROPERLY. I HAVE HAD MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS (MORE THAN 10) IN WHICH I FASTENED MY SEATBELT AND BEGAN TO DRIVE AWAY AND THE SEATBELT POPPED OUT OF THE RECEIVER, OR EVEN ARRIVING AT MY LOCATION, AND BEFORE I UN-SNAPPED MY SEATBELT, IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE RECEIVER. THE SEATBELT LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING, BUT THE SEATBELT APPARENTLY WAS NOT ENGAGED PROPERLY.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN IDLING. *TR
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AT ENGINE START ALL GAUGES GO HARD TO FULL-SCALE, TRIP ODOMETER RESETS. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE JERKED BACKWARDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING GEARS. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK A TRANSMISSION KIT WAS ADDED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE IN OVERDRIVE WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE BUT THIS DID NOT WORK. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY, THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE RUBBING WHEN STOPPING, THE WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKETS LEAKED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE ENGINE NOT STARTING ON ONE OCCASION, AND THERE WAS A 3-4 SECOND VALVE BINDING. *SC
BROKEN GAS PEDAL SINCE THE CAR WAS TWO MONTHS OLD. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN TO BUYER VEHICLE IN MAJOR ACCIDENT FRAME & STEERING IN BAD SHAPE. DT
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .