1999 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
- Complaints
- 90filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report front brake shudder and vibration, which many describe as recurring rotor warping that returns within a few thousand miles after turning or replacing the rotors. A second common theme is clutch and manual-transmission trouble, including slipping clutches, a pedal that sticks or will not depress fully, and difficulty engaging or leaving gear. Electrical complaints tend to appear on higher-mileage cars, while several airbag non-deployment reports came from vehicles involved in collisions.
- Brakes
Front brake rotor warping and pedal/steering shudder
- 21 complaints (23%)
- median 47,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2004
Complaints describe the steering wheel and front end shaking or pulsating when the brakes are applied, often at highway speeds, and owners say the symptom returns after the dealer machined or replaced the front rotors. Several owners report the rotors warped again within a few thousand miles, sometimes repeatedly. Some say dealers characterized the wear as normal and declined warranty coverage; others report the problem could not be duplicated at the shop. Reported from a few thousand miles up to roughly 60,000 miles, typically after repeated rotor service.
What to check: Drive the car and brake firmly from highway speed to feel for steering-wheel shake; ask for service records showing when the front rotors were last machined or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The warped rotors that were replaced in my car were warped at about 9,000 miles. My biggest concern is that the dealer is telling me that this is not warranty work because this is normal wear and tear.”
NHTSA complaint #718171, filed 2000-02“I bought my vehicle new 7 months ago. Now the brake system is getting worse. The front-end, steering wheel, shakes violently when I apply the brakes during normal driving. I took the car to the dealership to inquire about the problem 3 days ago, and the service man told me it was probably warped front rotors so I made an appointment for today. I went in and the service man (a different one) told me that they could fix it, but that it wasn't covered under warranty. This is what upsets me most. The vehicle is still under the warranty period. …”
NHTSA complaint #726195, filed 2000-07 - Electrical system
Electrical voltage drop, dim lights, slow windows
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 138,660 mi at 14.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2013
Complaints describe the battery gauge dropping, headlights and dash lights dimming, power windows moving slowly, and heater blower speed falling, with some owners saying the condition comes and goes. A few owners report gauges going erratic or the cluster resetting while driving, and some had the alternator replaced without a lasting fix. Several say dealers told them the behavior was normal or could not find a fault. Mostly reported on higher-mileage vehicles, commonly past 100,000 miles, though a few appeared on newer cars.
What to check: Watch the volt gauge at idle with lights and accessories on and check for dimming or slow windows; ask whether the alternator and battery have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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).”
NHTSA complaint #10499853, filed 2013-02, 138,660 miles“Battery volt guage drops below 8 volts, dash and headlights dim, windows roll up and down very slowly. After 30 seconds power returns. This takes place when no external devices are activated. Dealer said all camero's have this problem. Been in shop 2-3 times - they verify but can not repair. Dealer said is not a safety or drivability issue. I am not so sure..”
NHTSA complaint #718839, filed 2000-02 - Transmission and drivetrain
Clutch slipping, sticking pedal, or not disengaging
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 43,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2014
Owners of manual-transmission cars describe the clutch slipping, the pedal going to the floor or only depressing partway, and grinding when shifting or selecting reverse. Some report difficulty getting the car out of gear with the clutch pressed. According to the complaints, dealers sometimes said no problem was found or that clutch repairs were outside warranty coverage, and one owner says the vehicle was not included in a clutch-related recall campaign. Reported from around 5,000 miles upward, including cars under 30,000 miles.
Recall 99V2390002 related service bulletins
What to check: On a manual car, check clutch pedal feel and engagement point, test reverse engagement for grinding, and ask whether the clutch master cylinder recall work (99V239000) was ever performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My clutch has been slipping since approximately 20,000 miles. Sometimes I can't get it into gear, grinding gears. I know many many people who are having the same problem with there 6-speed manual Camaro with even less milage.”
NHTSA complaint #723825, filed 2000-06“Clutch began slipping, and deadpedaling (sticking to floor) at approx. 5000 miles, has been taken to dealership 6 times and dealership will not fix, stating that there is no problem. Recently had transmission rebuilt under warranty because of bad clutch. Was told that they should not warranty it, because the clutch was bad. I told them that the clutch has been bad, and that I had taken it to them numerous time to fix it. Was informed that the clutch was only warrantied for 12k miles and they would not fix it under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #723819, filed 2000-06 - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a collision
- 8 complaints (9%)
- median 58,000 mi at 11.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2015
Complaints describe frontal and rear impacts in which the airbags did not deploy; some owners also report seat belt problems in the same incidents. These are described after the fact, so the complaints give little detail on diagnosis. The related reports are collisions rather than repeatable symptoms. Reported across a wide range of vehicle ages and mileages; most complaints do not state mileage.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at start-up and goes out, and ask whether the car has ever been in a reported collision with airbag or seat belt repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10122100, filed 2005-05, 30,000 miles“Vehicle involved in a frontal collision with another vehicle at 20-25 MPH. Upon impact, both air bags didnot deploy. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #877177, filed 2000-12
Buying note. Check the brakes and clutch carefully on a test drive and ask for records of rotor and clutch work, since both are commonly reported and often recur. Also verify airbag and seat belt operation and watch the charging system on higher-mileage cars.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 90 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro. 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 36 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Brakes32 36%
- Electrical system12 13%
- Air bags7 7.8%
- Suspension7 7.8%
- Engine cooling5 5.6%
- Exterior lighting5 5.6%
- Other or unknown5 5.6%
- Body and structure5 5.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (4), Tires (4), Seat belts (3), Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Interior lighting (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10100567, filed 2004-11, 60,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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. 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10055429, filed 2004-10, 43,516 milesElectrical system: “Brakes have been replaced 3 times within the 11 months of owning the car, brakes were squealing and shaking when stopping. Mechanic said brakes were warped. Each time rotors and brakes had to be replaced. Electrical system malfunctons causeing lights to dim. Defroster component failed. T-tops leaks continue after fixing it several times.”
NHTSA complaint #870476, filed 2000-09Air bags: “While driving collided in rear with another vehicle and driver's airbag did not deploy. Consumer sustained back injuries. Was not aware of travel speed.”
NHTSA complaint #8014290, filed 2002-07Mileage when problems were reported
45% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 86,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro · coupe | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 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 | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 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
- 99V239000Aug 27, 1999Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1999, Pontiac Firebird 1999
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch master cylinder may have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.
Recall details for the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 36 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022Fuel system, 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…
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020Electrical 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…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979Nov 22, 2019Equipment. 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…
- 10166638Sep 18, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876Sep 5, 2019Equipment. 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…
- 10154641Feb 15, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381May 31, 2018Equipment. 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…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017Fuel system, Tires, Equipment, 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…
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
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro?
Owners of this model year most often report front brake shudder and vibration, which many describe as recurring rotor warping that returns within a few thousand miles after turning or replacing the rotors. The issues reported most often: Front brake rotor warping and pedal/steering shudder; Electrical voltage drop, dim lights, slow windows; Clutch slipping, sticking pedal, or not disengaging.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 90 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 32 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 20.
Has the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 86,000 miles; 45% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.