2021 Chevrolet Camaro Problems

On XXX my 2021 Camaro developed excessive transmission whine and intermittent harsh shifts. Capital Buick GMC ([XXX]) diagnosed “worn internal fluid pump” and quoted $8,263.46 for complete transmission replacement. This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V148 (GM N242480630) for 2020-2022 Camaro 10-speed transmissions where the control valve “may be susceptible to excess wear… causing harsh shifting” and potential wheel lock-up. GM TSB 22-NA-232 also specifically lists pump noise as a known diagnostic condition for this transmission. Despite the recall, the dealer attributes my failure to internal pump wear and GM has denied warranty coverage, offering only 25% goodwill. This is the 5th major powertrain failure on this vehicle in 32k miles (engine replaced at 45,172 mi, cylinder head replaced after 36 days out of service in 2025). I am reporting because a worn pump causing pressure loss is the exact failure mode described in the recall, and presents a safety risk of sudden loss of propulsion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS equipped with an automatic transmission. Before the recall for “Momentary Wheel Lock-Up” was performed, my vehicle began experiencing harsh shifting, harsh engagement into Drive and Reverse, and the transmission would occasionally lock up while backing up, making it feel like the brakes were suddenly applied. On one occasion, the vehicle also attempted to move forward while still in Park. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership because these symptoms were similar to the recall description. The dealership completed the recall software update, but the symptoms did not improve. The dealer later diagnosed the vehicle as needing a complete transmission replacement due to internal transmission damage and stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The dealership recommended replacing the transmission at my expense. My concern is that the safety-related symptoms existed before the recall repair, continued after the recall was completed, and still create a potential safety hazard. The vehicle can unexpectedly engage harshly, lock up in reverse, and behave unpredictably during low-speed maneuvering. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall remedy did not resolve the safety concern, and I would like NHTSA to review whether the recall adequately addresses this condition

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended intermittently and began to shake. The contact added that on some occasions while parked and attempting to start, the vehicle did not start as intended but would eventually start after a few attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a faulty fuel pump power control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired yet. The contact believes the failure is associated with Manufacturer Recall Number: 252516900. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,330.

Dealership replaced all 16 lifters and replaced camshaft. Dealerships repair took 28 days. Repair cost $4k out of my pocket and Chevrolet Corporate covered $4700 due to the know lifter issue with their engines. Within 24 hours & less than 100 miles, vehicle started making new abnormal noise, and the engine shut off and would not start back up. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the dealership’s extensive engine repair. Had it towed back to the dealership. Dealership informed that it was catastrophic engine failure. Cylinder 1 piston connecting rod bearing spun damaging the crankshaft. Stating engine replacement required. Dealership stated that they are not accepting liability. Dealership is also not providing documentation of diagnostics report/ inspection of the failure, as well as documentation and diagnostics on the cause of failure. Dealership stated that they have no explanation as to how the failure occurred. Chevrolet Corporate Customer claims team will not escalate the claim further and will not assist in having dealership provide mandatory documentation that was requested.

Dealership replaced all 16 lifters and replaced camshaft. Dealerships repair took 28 days. Repair cost $4k out of my pocket and Chevrolet Corporate covered $4700 due to the know lifter issue with their engines. Within 24 hours & less than 100 miles, vehicle started making new abnormal noise, and the engine shut off and would not start back up. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the dealership’s extensive engine repair. Had it towed back to the dealership. Dealership informed that it was catastrophic engine failure. Cylinder 1 piston connecting rod bearing spun damaging the crankshaft. Stating engine replacement required. Dealership stated that they are not accepting liability. Dealership is also not providing documentation of diagnostics report/ inspection of the failure, as well as documentation and diagnostics on the cause of failure. Dealership stated that they have no explanation as to how the failure occurred. Chevrolet Corporate Customer claims team will not escalate the claim further and will not assist in having dealership provide mandatory documentation that was requested.

The coolant thermostat is not working correctly and could possibly cause you to damage your car due to it not being the right operating temperature or over the normal operating temperature because it goes down into the 130 while I drive and goes up when I start slowing down.

WHEN OPERATING THE CAR IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. ONCE I APPROACHED A STOP THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START AGAIN. AFTER I DROVE THROUGH THE LIGHT AND PROCEEDED HOME ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY FROM THE INITIAL STOP, THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. IT WAS SENT TO VANDERGRIFF CHEVROLET IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS AND THE ISSUE THEY SAID HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH A CAM MAGNET- THIS WAS NOV 2021. TODAY- NOVEMBER 7 2022 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AS I WAS HEADED TO THE STORE. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF YET AGAIN FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE ADVISORS DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT AND HAD THE CAR FOR TWO WEEKS. THEY EXPECT TO HAVE IT FOR ANOTHER WEEK TO ASSESS AND DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT THE FACT THAT THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF MORE THAN 3 TIMES IS UNSAFE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO EQUIPPED WITH THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED, LOCKING THE TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM THE STOPPED POSITION, THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY HOWEVER, THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE HESITATED TO RELEASE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-SECONDS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DURING THE TWO SECOND DELAY WHEN THE FEATURE FAILED TO DEACTIVATE IMMEDIATELY. ANOTHER CONCERN WAS THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE THE FEATURE. REYMORE CHEVROLET (746 N MAIN ST, CENTRAL SQUARE, NY 13036, (315)668-2673) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE WAS INCLUDED IN THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY FEATURES AND COULD NOT BE DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE ISSUE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260.

We were hit perpendicular to the passenger side door of our 2021 Camaro. The side airbag(s) did not go off. The other vehicle was going about 15-20 mph upon impact. The right side of our car was seriously smashed in. Its a good thing the passenger was not killed or injured and this is a law of physics abnormality.

* Initial Transmission Failure: -In February 2025 my vehicle began experiencing severe and rough shifting, which was quickly followed by a "Check Engine" light. I immediately took the vehicle to dealer for inspection. * Dealer Diagnosis and Repair: -The dealership diagnosed the issue as a worn-out transmission solenoid and valve body. They informed me that they had to install a newly redesigned valve body and replace the solenoid. The repair was completed at my expense, and I paid approximately [$3000]. The dealership had my car for over six weeks, during which I was not provided a courtesy vehicle. As a result, I incurred thousands of dollars in rental car fees. * Denied Reimbursement Claim: -The recall notice included information about reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. I was told by the dealership's service advisor that I would receive a reimbursement form, which I did. I meticulously filled out the form and submitted it with all the required documentation, including my repair invoice and proof of payment. The dealership rejected my claim, stating that my specific repair was not covered by the recall and that the recall was only for a software update. This is demonstrably false, as the recall notice itself links the software issue to premature component wear, exactly what I experienced. * Ongoing Safety Concerns: -To make matters worse, I am now experiencing new transmission issues, including slipping, just months after the "repair." I am terrified to take the vehicle back to the dealership, knowing I may have to pay thousands more for rental cars and another repair that may not even solve the problem. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road, as a failing transmission can pose a serious hazard. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter. It appears that GM and its dealerships are misleading consumers and failing to honor their responsibility to reimburse owners for expenses directly caused by a known defect.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO EQUIPPED WITH THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED, LOCKING THE TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM THE STOPPED POSITION, THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY HOWEVER, THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE HESITATED TO RELEASE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-SECONDS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DURING THE TWO SECOND DELAY WHEN THE FEATURE FAILED TO DEACTIVATE IMMEDIATELY. ANOTHER CONCERN WAS THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE THE FEATURE. REYMORE CHEVROLET (746 N MAIN ST, CENTRAL SQUARE, NY 13036, (315)668-2673) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE WAS INCLUDED IN THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY FEATURES AND COULD NOT BE DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE ISSUE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260.