2002 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
- Complaints
- 68filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles, 37 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro most often describe brake vibration and pulsation while stopping, which many trace to front rotors that were turned or replaced and then warped again at low mileage. Windshield and window problems, cooling-system issues, and electrical faults also come up repeatedly, and several complaints were filed by owners of cars with very low odometer readings.
- Brakes
Brake pedal and steering wheel vibration (warped rotors)
- 14 complaints (21%)
- median 10,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2006
Owners describe a shake or pulsation through the steering wheel and pedal when braking, often at highway speeds, sometimes with the car pulling to one side. Several say rotors were resurfaced or replaced and the vibration came back after a few thousand miles; a few were told the problem reflected their driving style rather than a part issue and that it was not covered under warranty. Mostly reported under 30,000 miles, often beginning in the first few thousand miles of use.
What to check: Drive the car and brake firmly from highway speed to feel for pulsation, and check service records for repeated rotor resurfacing or replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since around 5000 I started to feel a ribration in the steering wheel while braking. It has slowly got worst till now at 10,000 miles. I am told it is the rotors and they a warped. Shoes have plenty of good pad left and no grooves are worn it the rotor face. The starting date is estimated date that the problem started.”
NHTSA complaint #10032593, filed 2003-08, 5,000 miles“The front right rotor warped. When driving at approximately 40 MPH and the brakes were applied there was shutter/vibrated, and vehicle pulled to the right. Owner took vehicle to the dealer on two occasions, and dealer replaced the rotors. Also, informed owner the front right rotor is warped. After about 10,000 miles vibration returned. Vibration was felt when vehicle was driven at 40 MPH or greater.”
NHTSA complaint #10113170, filed 2005-02, 14,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield distortion, wiper scratches and water leaks
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 3 mi at 1.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2004
Complaints describe distorted glass that makes objects and road signs look warped or blurry, and windshields that scratched easily under the wipers. Some report water entering the cabin through the windshield or T-top roof, and note that dealers replaced the glass without resolving the distortion. Reported across a wide mileage range, often soon after purchase and again in wet weather.
What to check: Inspect the windshield from the driver's seat for waviness at eye level, look for wiper scratches, and check carpets and the fuse area for dampness after rain.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since delivery the left rear of the vehicle rattled. The dealer attempted to fix the problem but the attempts were unsuccessful. The vehicle also experienced sloppy shifting, noisy drive train, no traction control, many squeaks and vibrations. The windshield scratched easily front he wiper blades which caused poor visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10021544, filed 2003-06, 3 miles“Since delivery, vehicle has left rear rattle. 4 attempts to repair did not correct problem. Also, sloppy shifting & noisy drive train, no traction control, many squeaks and vibrations. Also, windshield scratches easily (from wipers?) and vision is distorted. Gm promised to have area service manager contact me, but no one has. Seeking replacement or repurchase of auto due to many different problems, and complete dissatisfaction.”
NHTSA complaint #10018449, filed 2003-05, 3 miles - Engine cooling
Engine stall or loss of power while driving
Mentioned in 5 of 57 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine cutting out at speed, sometimes with the check engine light on, and requiring a tow. Dealers replaced the fuel pump in several cases, and other reports mention a burned coil, a plugged catalytic converter, or a failed throttle body sensor; one owner was told the problem could not be reproduced. Mostly reported between about 15,000 and 85,000 miles, sometimes during highway driving.
What to check: Ask for fuel pump and ignition service history, and take a test drive long enough to include sustained highway speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“051406 driving 35 MPH when check engine light came on when car lost all acceleration . Car was going downhill and I barely managed to brake and steer it clear into a lot. Towed to dealer. 49,000 miles. Fuel pump needs replacement which I found was way too soon. Cost $1300. Complaint is too soon for a replacement and more important was the heavy non responding steering and non responding braking. Very very lucky other cars were clear.”
NHTSA complaint #10158883, filed 2006-06, 47,861 miles“The contact stated while driving at 30mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle did not restart and was towed to the dealership for inspection and repairs. The dealer discovered the fuel line had fractured and broke. The dealer repaired the fuel pump and the vehicle operates normally.”
NHTSA complaint #10150502, filed 2006-02, 40,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power window regulator and motor failures
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 19,373 mi at 4.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2016
Owners report power windows that stop moving or stick in one position, with the cause identified as a failed regulator or motor. Several say the part was replaced under warranty and the problem returned, sometimes on the other side of the car. Reported from very low mileage through roughly 20,000 miles, with repeat failures over subsequent years.
What to check: Cycle every window up and down several times and listen for grinding or slow travel; ask whether regulators or motors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My complaint is with a GM product..a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. Not long after purchase (apprx) less than a few months of taking possession of my new vehicle the drivers side window regulator(power assisted ) was having problems...the regulator would stick in any position up/down and would not operate correctly . …”
NHTSA complaint #10315805, filed 2010-03, 800 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the driver side power window became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the window regulator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was unknown. ..updated 12/20/16”
NHTSA complaint #10907564, filed 2016-09, 19,373 miles
Buying note. Check the brakes and windshield first, since those account for most owner complaints on this model year, and confirm the seat belts retract and the windows work before purchase. Service records showing how often rotors were serviced and whether stalling symptoms were addressed give a good picture of how the car has been maintained.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 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 68 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. 37 of the complaints include a mileage, and 81% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 305 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.
- Brakes22 32%
- Engine cooling9 13%
- Electrical system8 12%
- Fuel system5 7.3%
- Body and structure5 7.3%
- Seat belts4 5.9%
- Suspension4 5.9%
- Exterior lighting3 4.4%
Also reported: Tires (3), Air bags (2), Engine (2), Equipment (2), Steering (2), Electronic stability control (1), Other or unknown (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My 2002 GM Chevrolet Camaro's ABS brake system has failed.there were no incidents that LED up to the failure of the component. As to date 03/02/2010 my ABS braking system is inoperable,I have no ABS. Only a warning light telling me I have no ABS. The failure occurred approx. 11/2 years ago,and since it was not under warranty GM will not fix this problem.again I believe that GM knows of this failure in their systems(ABS..anti-lock braking system)the cost to repair or replace this ABS components is apprx.$2,500.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10315817, filed 2010-03, 55,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “During the california rains of 2005, my Camaro's t-top roof leaked so much that there was 1 1/2 of water in the bottom of the car. The dealer removed the interior and allowed it to dry, but the manufacturer refused to cover the repairs as a warranty even though the car was only 2 years old and I owned an extended warranty. I was given the run around for weeks by the customer service department before finally being told that they would not cover the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10151758, filed 2006-03, 46,000 milesEngine cooling: “Camaro bought november 2002, brakes and tires replaced six months later. Engine had sounded like a diesel within that same six months time. Within three years rear end producing an ever increasing howl. Had contacted dealer two times within first year about high oil consumption. Was told it was normal for a quart to be lost within 3000 miles. I have to drive this car to work and I really don't know when one of my rear axles is going to fall off. I cannot afford a new rear end and my warranty expired by mileage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145665, filed 2005-12, 40,000 milesElectrical system: “I have a 2002 chevy Camaro that is experiencing a security light issue and have been reading up on it online....this is such a hazard and a danger to other drivers I cant beleive it isnt under investigation, given that the numbers of complaints are outrageous! The other thing is the monoply that GM has on this problem, they are the only ones who can fix it, not your favorite home town mechanic, but GM only. The testing equipment used to diagnose this is only sold to them! …”
NHTSA complaint #10394010, filed 2011-04, 78,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
81% of the 37 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,153 and 46,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 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 2002 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 | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 29 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 01V381000Dec 12, 2001Structure › Frame and membersCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 2002, Pontiac Firebird 2002
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet…
Recall details for the 2002 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. 305 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical 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…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
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 2002 Chevrolet Camaro?
Owners of the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro most often describe brake vibration and pulsation while stopping, which many trace to front rotors that were turned or replaced and then warped again at low mileage. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal and steering wheel vibration (warped rotors); Windshield distortion, wiper scratches and water leaks; Engine stall or loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 22 complaints (32% of the total), followed by visibility with 11.
Has the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 17 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 37 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,153 and 46,000 miles; 81% 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.