Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 85 of 116 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
21 complaint records
"CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A NOISE WHICH IT MAKE IT HARD TO SHIFT GEAR. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
20 complaint records
"THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE AND CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 40-50 MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAIL. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Air bags
19 complaint records18 crash reports
"UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 45MPH, 9:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, BOTH DRIVER/PASS. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN HIT A TREE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA97024 opened Nov 1997 | closed Sep 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILURE MOST OF THE REPORTS REVIEWED IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE FIRE INCIDENTS IN WHICH FUEL LEAKAGE HAS BEEN ALLEGED AS THE CAUSE OR THE AREA OF ORIGIN IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP WAS A FACTOR IN ANY OF THESE FIRE... |
| PE97036 opened Jul 1997 | closed Nov 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILURE OWNERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FUEL TUBE RETENTION CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO THE PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT RETENTION CLIP (P/N 12048089) WAS IMPLEMENTED IN PRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 12, 1993, TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH INCORRECT... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 42 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 020730024A Aug 2005 | Power Train | DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 000730022B Dec 2004 | Power Train | A NO REVERSE, NO SECOND GEAR, OR NO FOURTH GEAR CONDITION. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 01697 Jan 2004 | Equipment | NO SERIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USING THE TECH 1 WITH A 1986 OR NEWER CAMARO, FIREBIRD OR CORVETTE WITH A 5.0 OR 5.7 LITRE ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1450640. *TT | |
| 052802 May 2002 | Structure | SERVICE MANUAL ADVISES INCORRECT USAGE OF CONVERTIBLE TOP FLUID. *TT | |
| 010730023B Mar 2002 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. *TT | |
| 010730023A Nov 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, OR CEL ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. (1996-2000 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCK MODELS) *YH | |
| 010730023 Jun 2001 | Power Train | SOME OWNERS WITH VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JANUARY 15,1999 MAY COMMENT ON A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND MAY ALSO HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *ET | |
| 00096 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILURES. *JB | |
| 99083 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN FOR THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 00140 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 99083 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (A.I.R.) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 99057 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR SPARK PLUG WIRE REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 876527 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE ENGINE MISS/ POOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *YC | |
| 831512 Jul 1998 | Structure | ON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM BINDS OR STOPS WHEN HALFWAY OPEN OR CLOSED. *TT | |
| 98876518 Jun 1998 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (RE-FLASH CALIBRATION). *YC | |
| 97055 May 1998 | Structure | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT FASCIA LOWER EXTENSION VERTICAL RIBS FRACTURE WHEN CONTACT IS MADE WITH A PARKING BLOCK OR WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING A STEEP DRIVEWAY. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 9709016116A Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS OF AN ENGINE OIL LEAK THAT APPEARS TO ORIGINATE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE; REAR OF ENGINE. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 970801738134 Aug 1997 | Steering | ANTI-THEFT ALARM MAY SOUND AFTER VEHICLE GETS WET. *YC | |
| 970801735026 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC | |
| 738133 Jun 1997 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS/POWER WINDOWS (INSTALL NEW SWITCHES). *TW | |
| 577126B Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 735014 Apr 1997 | Parking Brake | RATTLE/BUZZ NOISE FROM PARK BRAKE HANDLE RELEASE BUTTON (ADD TENSION TO RELEASE BUTTON). *TW | |
| 9674L60E04A Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 577126A Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 577126R Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY/REPLACE BUSHING. *TW | |
| 01404 Dec 1995 | Electrical System | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A STARTER CLICK-NO-CRANK CONDITION IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 15 DEGREES F. *SD | |
| 3060 | Power Train | THE ENGINE DOES NOT STALL WHEN PERFORMING A P1870 DIAGNOSTIC TEST WITH THE TECH 2 SCAN TOOL OR WHEN COMMANDING THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENABLE SOLENOID ON APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE P1870 DIAGNOSTIC TEST LISTED. 4L60E OR 4L65E TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 3188 | Power Train | DRIVESHAFT PING TING CLANG SNAP OR CLICK NOISE. *EH | |
| 3561 | Suspension | REAR SUSPENSION CLUNK NOISE. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Camaro →