1989 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
- Complaints
- 25filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro. The part named most often is seat belts, with 6 complaints (24% of the total), followed by brakes (5) and electrical system (4). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 119,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts6 24%
- Brakes5 20%
- Electrical system4 16%
- Engine cooling2 8.0%
- Fuel system2 8.0%
- Steering2 8.0%
- Other or unknown1 4.0%
- Seats1 4.0%
- Suspension1 4.0%
Also reported: Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Rear brake calipers inoperative. Took car in for emissions testing and rear brakes would not stop car while rear wheels were on rollers. Rear brakes will not stop wheels when rear of vehicle is raised and vehicle placed in drive. Have not had to change rear brake pads since I bought the car two years ago. Parking brake sticks. Have to manually release parking brake mechanism. Car seems to take longer to stop than any rear drum Camaro I've ever owned. Have asked around on various Camaro specific web sites and have found that several people have same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #733798, filed 2000-10Electrical system: “Ignition/bat/security system/wiring/alternator/battery the security light comes on and stays on and the car won't start. Sometimes for hours. Once the security system resets it will start. Have replaced the ignition several times. Alternator and battery at least 2 times a year for the past 3 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10038815, filed 2003-09Engine cooling: “This car has been cutting off for 3 yrs. And no one can find the problem. We have spent 1500.00 trying to get it fixed with no luck. 10 garages have worked on it. Gm master techs. Did not fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #707263, filed 1999-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 119,000 and 119,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Chevrolet Camaro version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 90V115000Jun 12, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1988–1989, Pontiac Firebird 1988–1989
Fuel feed hoses may pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly.
- 90V105000May 14, 1990Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1984–1990, Pontiac Firebird 1984–1990
Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
- 88V191000Dec 13, 1988Seat beltsCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1989
Webbing on the buckle portion of the rear lap/shoulder belts may be too long.
Recall details for the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Camaro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 | — | 0 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 49,330 | 4 | 5 | 20 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 32 | 21,000 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 53 | 12,475 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 81 | 21,000 | 2 | 5 | 20 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 190 | 21,655 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 141 | 20,315 | 1 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 206 | 38,000 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 188 | 37,400 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 187 | 40,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 113 | 34,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 194 | 40,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 295 | 48,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2002 | 68 | 20,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 48 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 76 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 90 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 173 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 69 | 63,492 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 116 | 58,075 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 216 | 104,042 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 144 | 130,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 32 | 97,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 88 | 96,084 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 86 | 94,250 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 25 | 160,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 25 | 119,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 76,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 32 | 99,960 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 46 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 39 | 99,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 16 | 172,500 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1979 | 6 | 245,136 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Camaro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 6 complaints (24% of the total), followed by brakes with 5.
Has the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 119,000 miles and the middle half falls between 119,000 and 119,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.