2016 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Camaro years
Typical for this model
37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Chevrolet Camaro year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 47 of its 141 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: 8-speed automatic shudder and harsh shifting (40 complaints, median 12,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015, 2018, 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 141filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,315miles, 84 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl RWD · 19 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Camaro most often describe transmission complaints, particularly with the 8-speed automatic, with shuddering, harsh or delayed shifts and occasional loss of power reported, sometimes at very low mileage. A second common theme is intermittent loss of power steering assist, and electrical complaints such as no-start conditions, battery drain and water intrusion into the trunk fuse area appear at higher mileages.
- Transmission and drivetrain
8-speed automatic shudder and harsh shifting
- 40 complaints (28%)
- median 12,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe a shudder or vibration felt through the car, often in the 1,200-1,500 rpm range and especially noticeable in higher gears or under light acceleration. Some report hard or delayed shifts, jerking when selecting drive or reverse, and occasional loss of acceleration or slipping. Dealers in the complaints frequently flushed the transmission fluid, which some said helped only briefly or not at all; a few complaints mention torque converter replacement. Reported from very low mileage up to around 100,000 miles, with many under 25,000 miles and often at normal operating temperature.
What to check: Test drive long enough to reach operating temperature and accelerate gently through the gears to check for shudder, and ask whether any transmission flush or torque converter work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my car in sept. 2016 after the first couple of months at random times the transmission makes a boom sound when slowing down from speeds over 55 MPH or during acceleration from stop and go rush hour traffic it's as if the transmission has to catch up with the accelerator. I get monthly diagnostics and nothing shows up as an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11080158, filed 2018-03, 800 miles“When shifting from 1st to 2nd hear there is an issue with either the transmission or the engine. It almost stalled when shifting. This happens all the time. I've had the transmission finished already, but seems like it's having more issues. Started after I bought the vehicle, no real start date on issue”
NHTSA complaint #11351551, filed 2020-08, 100 miles - Steering
Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- 21 complaints (15%)
- median 41,250 mi at 4.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe the steering suddenly becoming very heavy, sometimes with a "power steering assist" or similar message, and returning after a restart. Some report a dead spot, a click, or a sudden change in steering effort at low speed; several owners say dealers could not reproduce the problem or declined coverage. Some owners mention later-model recalls for similar symptoms. Most often reported between roughly 10,000 and 60,000 miles, frequently at low speeds or while turning.
What to check: Ask whether the steering assist has ever cut out, and check for stored codes or a power steering message during a slow-speed test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power steering becomes extremely hard as if there is no power steering this happens intermittently. It has almost lead me off the road many times. Dealerships do not find anything wrong. No recall but seems as if it falls under the recent recall descriptions of the problem. I feel uneasy driving this car that I'm paying so much for! It occurs during normal driving conditions driving straight or slowly turning car.”
NHTSA complaint #11375983, filed 2020-11, 59,000 miles“I have reported multiple problems with my car to the dealership. The first was with my monitor it would work intermittently. The phone, the radio, at times it wouldn't even turn on. I was told that I had to bring it in when my car was acting up. Finally it acted up brought it in and showed them immediately but they had to keep my car for a month to recreate the problem before agreeing to fix it. Monitor finally replaced. Now my car intermittently loses its power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #11100107, filed 2018-06, 20,000 miles - Electrical system
No-start, battery drain and electrical faults
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the car failing to start or shutting off while driving, sometimes with no warning lights, and battery drain at stoplights. Others describe water collecting in the trunk or battery area after which fuses were found melted or singed, and smoke or burning odors were noticed. Dealers reportedly replaced starters, batteries and modules, and in some cases could not duplicate the fault. Spread from a few hundred miles to around 90,000 miles, including several cases under 35,000 miles.
What to check: Check the trunk floor and battery compartment for water stains or corrosion, and ask whether the battery, starter or any modules have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall ever since I purchased my car june 8 2018 the car has been. Nothing but problems first the starter went out on me it went in the shop for repairs then few days later I was driving with my family in traffic when the gas pedal got stuck to the floor almost causing me to have an accident”
NHTSA complaint #11105058, filed 2018-07, 21,000 miles“2016 Camaro 2lt rs would not start 11.23.2017. After checking the battery compartment, water was found below the trunk deck lid. Dried the area out and was able to jump start vehicle. Drove 29 miles and as I neared my destination, you could smell smoke. Opened up the trunk and found smoke plus melted and singed fuses that potentially could have caught fire. Vehicle towed to capital auto group 11.24.17. Advised dealer that we would escalate due to safety concerns, but authorized repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11083296, filed 2018-04, 49,184 miles - Engine
Check engine light and rough running
- 25 complaints (18%)
- median 40,392 mi at 4.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe the check engine light coming on intermittently, rough running, stalling or loss of power, and in a few cases engine noise or smoke from the engine compartment. Several owners say dealers found codes but could not provide a lasting repair; some mention fuel or emission system components being investigated. Reported from near-new to around 85,000 miles, with many cases under 35,000 miles.
What to check: Scan for stored codes before purchase and ask for service records on any check engine light or rough-running repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I was driving on the highway going 65mph, what seems to be the transmission, kept stalling and wouldn't run any faster as I tried switching lanes. Almost hit the semi truck in front of me because my car wouldnt advance any faster. My vehicle only has 66,000 miles it's a 2016 Camaro v6 and already having transmission problems. It also doesn't go in reverse. Took it to the dealership and they didn't want to help me out because the warranty doesn't cover it anymore 60,000 being the end of it when mine was only 6,000 over.”
NHTSA complaint #11383342, filed 2020-12, 66,000 miles“Purchased 2016 Chevrolet Camaro on 6/18/2016 few days after the engine was running very rough, grinding noise, transmission shifting hard, the check engine light illuminated and speed reduced to 5 MPH showed on display. This has been going on since then, I brought to dealer on 7/1/2016 and the service mechanic took back to check codes and informed me that numerous error codes were detected and told me to go ahead and take vehicle home because it was a holiday weekend and to return on tuesday 7/5/2016 to be inspected for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10882498, filed 2016-07, 75 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase scan for codes and a thorough test drive that reaches normal operating temperature are worthwhile on this model year, especially to check for transmission shudder and steering assist behavior. Service records showing fluid changes or prior repairs to the transmission, steering and electrical systems can help set expectations.
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 141 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. 84 of the complaints include a mileage, and 80% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,315 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,711 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Chevrolet Camaro model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Electrical system31 22%
- Engine22 16%
- Steering22 16%
- Other or unknown19 13%
- Brakes9 6.4%
- Seat belts5 3.5%
- Body and structure5 3.5%
- Suspension5 3.5%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (5), Wheels (5), Air bags (4), Fuel system (4), Electronic stability control (2), Lane departure (2), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I bought this car a couple of months ago and as you accelerate there is a shuddering sensation that you can feel. You literally feel like you're being shaken. I had to do a google search to figure out what was wrong with the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11350350, filed 2020-08, 35,000 milesElectrical system: “Ive been dealing with car defect carwill shutdown while I was driving after were it will it several times to the dealer and weren't never able to solve issue and was offer a replacement almost for two years, and they had promise so alt if time to give me a new car currently my Camaro has been in the dealer since jan 15 2019 been struggle with no vehicle is currently justofeer the buyback caring less that all this has affecting me to point of having to be under medical care with anxiety GM caring less please help”
NHTSA complaint #11206914, filed 2019-05, 40 milesEngine: “I have almost had an accident twice based on the transmission not shifting properly and the car loosing traction between 1st and 2nd gear. Chevy has flushed the transmission 3 times with no change. 3 weeks ago the engine failed while I was trying to accelerate on a highway. This caused a truck to almost ram the back of my car and another car almost hit me as I tried to get to the side of the highway. I was able to drive it to the dealer. Auto nation Chevrolet on lee vista blvd, orl. Florida. They determined that it was a catastrophic engine failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287811, filed 2019-12, 54,000 milesSteering: “Power steering went out randomly while driving. More often at lower speeds. Battery would drain while at stoplights. Car has not been driven hard. Less than 36000 miles. Dealer states failure of power steering gear assembly. 2017 model Camaro had recall for similar power steering failure. Dealer does not recognize this as pertinent and thus will not cover expensive repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11343674, filed 2020-08, 35,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
80% of the 84 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,300 and 46,000 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 2016 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 28 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 25 | 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
- 16V084000Feb 11, 2016Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 2016, Malibu 2016, Silverado 2016 +1 more
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when…
Recall details for the 2016 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. 1,711 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027689Jan 12, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
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 2016 Chevrolet Camaro?
Owners of the 2016 Camaro most often describe transmission complaints, particularly with the 8-speed automatic, with shuddering, harsh or delayed shifts and occasional loss of power reported, sometimes at very low mileage. The issues reported most often: 8-speed automatic shudder and harsh shifting; Intermittent loss of power steering assist; No-start, battery drain and electrical faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 141 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 48 complaints (34% of the total), followed by electrical system with 31.
Has the 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 84 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,315 miles and the middle half falls between 7,300 and 46,000 miles; 80% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.