2018 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Camaro years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
25/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× 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.
- 29 of its 81 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Transmission shudder and harsh shifting (14 complaints, median 25,805 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 81filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro most often describe a loss of power steering assist that arrives without much warning, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission shudder that many link to a known service bulletin. Electrical complaints cluster around a "shift to park" message, water in the trunk fuse box, and door/window behavior, while a number of convertible owners report the rear window separating from the top.
- Steering
Power steering assist cuts out
- 13 complaints (16%)
- median 30,084 mi at 6.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very hard to turn, often mid-turn or at low speed, sometimes with a 'Service Power Steering' message on the dash. Complaints state that restarting the vehicle sometimes restores assist and that dealers diagnosed steering gear or rack failure and replaced the assembly. Several owners say their VIN was not covered by a recall for the same symptom. Reported from roughly 13,000 to 92,000 miles, with many under 40,000 miles and several cases at low speed turning or highway driving.
What to check: During a test drive, turn the wheel at low speed in a parking lot and watch for a power steering warning message. Ask whether the steering gear or assist system has ever been replaced, and check the VIN against open recalls.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is to document and report that I purchased my 2018 chevy camarillo on april 15, 2020 with 18,000 miles. My car accident occurred on august 20, 2020 at approximately 6:15pm. It was a clear evening as I was on my way home from work. I was stopped at the intersection, ready to turn right to catch the freeway entrance. As I proceeded to turn right, from a two lane right turn lane, I released my foot from the brake and began attempting the right hand turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360361, filed 2020-09, 19,000 miles“I was driving when a loss of power steering almost caused me to crash. It makes it very hard to turn and because of the milage the dealership won't cover it even though it's having the same problems as the recalled 2017 model.”
NHTSA complaint #11331531, filed 2020-06, 37,169 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder and harsh shifting
- 14 complaints (17%)
- median 25,805 mi at 2.1 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe a shudder or vibration felt through the car at steady cruise and light acceleration, sometimes compared to driving over rumble strips, with the tachometer fluctuating. Complaints also mention hard or delayed downshifts, a violent engagement into first gear when stopping, and manual-transmission cars that grind or pop out of second gear. Several owners say dealers flushed and refilled the transmission fluid, and some reference a service bulletin for the shudder. Most often reported between about 20,000 and 30,000 miles, during steady cruising or light acceleration.
What to check: Drive at a steady 40-60 mph and feel for vibration or a rumble-strip sensation, then check for harsh downshifts when slowing. Ask for service records showing whether a transmission fluid flush was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since I’ve purchased this vehicle I have been having issues with the transmission and engine providing the accurate amount of power as it relates to the acceleration. The persistent issue is the gear shifting lags and rumbles my vehicle each time I accelerate up a hill, accelerating from g20-30mph and it rumbles the gear. I was told the diagnosis was with the spark plugs having an issue on multiple occasions. I’ve changed the spark plugs several times along with maintaining everything else within the vehicle. This problem still persist. …”
NHTSA complaint #11496870, filed 2022-12“I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding the well documented transmission shudder issue affecting my 2018 Chevrolet Camaro LT. My vehicle currently has only 29,800 miles, yet it has begun experiencing the same symptoms described in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-NA-355. The vehicle's RPM gauge fluctuates noticeably, moving up and down while driving, and the car develops a significant shudder or vibration that can be felt throughout the vehicle. The issue is most noticeable during steady acceleration and cruising speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11761122, filed 2026-08 - Electrical system
Shift-to-park message and battery drain
- 13 complaints (16%)
- median 60,375 mi at 3.1 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners report a 'Shift to Park' or 'Action Required' message appearing while the car is already in park, which prevents the ignition from fully shutting off and can drain the battery. Related complaints describe doors unlocking on their own, windows failing to close fully, intermittent no-start conditions, and electrical accessories dropping out. Reported from about 22,000 to 67,000 miles, usually when parking or shutting the vehicle off.
What to check: Put the car in park and confirm the instrument cluster clears and the ignition turns fully off. Ask whether the shifter assembly or transmission control module has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I lose power steering randomly. When this occurs I get a service rear diff message on my dash, the fan motor cuts out, and gauges like the speedometer and tachometer go to zero. I took it to a dealer because I saw there was a recall for the exact problem I'm having with power steering, but I guess it's VIN specific and my car is not included in the recall. They also told me they couldn't get it to reproduce the symptoms I was talking about but after I left 10 minutes later it did it in a Walmart parking lot. I got it on video. …”
NHTSA complaint #11691941, filed 2025-10“Getting shift to park message when car is already in park preventing the car from completely turning off. Leaving the car partially on draining the battery- Failed transmission controls”
NHTSA complaint #11693662, filed 2025-10 - Body and structure
Convertible rear window separating from top
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 17,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Convertible owners describe the rear glass detaching from the fabric top, starting as bubbles or a peeling edge and progressing until the seal fails. Complaints state the glass and top are one assembly, so dealers quoted a full top replacement, and several owners report the problem returning after a replacement top was fitted. Reported from as low as 9,000 miles up to about 40,000 miles, often on cars purchased new.
What to check: On convertibles, inspect where the rear glass meets the fabric for bubbling, lifting or gaps, and ask whether the top has been replaced and under what terms.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My convertible top rear window is starting to come out. The glue is separating and I have seen 20 plus tops that are doing the same thing. The dealer says there is no recall the glass shop says it's an absolute safety hazard it could blow out on the freeway. There are plenty of forams talking about this issue as well. Apparently the top and glass are one piece so the whole top needs to be replaced. This should be a recall issue as it is safety-related. Somebody could get hurt if that glass flies out on the freeway”
NHTSA complaint #11337486, filed 2020-07, 45,334 miles“Glass window in rear of convertible top is separating from the top. I am concerned it will completely separate while driving and strike another vehicle on the highway. The issue was there when purchased (NEW from dealer), just did not know what the bubbles meant. This vehicle has less than 40,000 mile, and window is ~25% separated.”
NHTSA complaint #11583796, filed 2024-04 - Electrical system
Water in trunk soaking fuse box
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 44,720 mi at 3.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe water collecting in the trunk, sometimes enough to soak the rear fuse box, radio amplifier or battery area, with owners reporting shorts, smoke, and in one case the vehicle shutting off while driving. Owners point to drainage and sealing around the trunk lid and rear compartment as the source of the water. Reported from about 41,000 to 48,000 miles, often noticed after rain or when the trunk will not unlock.
What to check: Open the trunk and look for water stains, damp carpet, or corrosion around the fuse box and battery well, and check that the trunk lid seals sit flush.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Camaro's rear compartment fuse box is under the mat in the trunk. Somehow the water goes inside the trunk, which is expected because the trunk is for storage or transfer g the grocery. Short ckt happens because of that. Moreover, the trunk door gets open while driving and getting smoke and getting 100% of chance of fire if I don't take a necessary step. I think it is a manufacturing defect and very dangerous for another driver too because the location of that module is at the wrong place.”
NHTSA complaint #11406117, filed 2021-04, 48,000 miles“Trunk flooded with water due to insufficient drainage. Factory radio amplifier and vehicle fuse box are covered in water as well as aftermarket amplifier I've installed. I have parts for inspection if needed. My safety could be at risk if this causes a fire hazard, but I am unsure if that could happen. Other safety risks to myself and other drivers could be present if tail lights stopped working or engine suddenly shutting off. These as well as other things could suddenly stop working if the fuses blow or corroded from water in the fuse box. …”
NHTSA complaint #11645227, filed 2025-02
Buying note. Check the steering assist carefully on a test drive and confirm whether any open recall applies to the specific VIN, since owners report the same symptom on cars outside the campaign. Also evaluate the transmission for shudder at cruise and inspect the trunk and convertible top for water or glass separation.
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 81 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 91% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 21,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,277 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 25 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 system20 25%
- Steering18 22%
- Engine15 19%
- Other or unknown10 12%
- Body and structure6 7.4%
- Fuel system5 6.2%
- Air bags4 4.9%
Also reported: Brakes (2), Suspension (2), Exterior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The driver side door started making a knocking noise and the window would not shut all the way. The doors would start unlocking on their own and the driver window would try to roll all the way up unsuccessfully. The control panel would flash a notice that the door was unlocked and the interior lights stayed on while driving and when parked and engine turned off. One event lasted 45 seconds while I was driving on the interstate highway and another event while I was sitting at my local Chevrolet service center. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389176, filed 2021-01, 32,440 milesSteering: “I was driving my 2018 Camaro lt1 turbo on the city it was pouring really bad and I was driving carefully when I felt the car pulling to the side a bit because the road was slippery and then as kept driving a message saying service power steering drive with care pop up. My steering wheel immediately got hard and I had to make the effort to turn and stop at a gas station.”
NHTSA complaint #11327371, filed 2020-06, 41,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle has been at kuni Chevrolet in sacramento, ca since 2/1/19 and they have been unable to fix the problem, stability control light on, when I drive over a bump at highway speeds it caused me to veer across 2 lanes. Thankfully I did not hit another car.”
NHTSA complaint #11206841, filed 2019-05, 20,000 milesEngine: “Came in due to an exhaust rattle issue on my vehicle. The issue was duplicated by the dealership, and they informed me that there is a leak in the exhaust system that is causing this rattle noise. The leak is in the center of the exhaust pipe, underneath the center console. I was told by the dealership that the vehicle is safe to operate, however that is not my experience. There is excessive noise coming from the exhaust causing disturbance in my neighborhood, and also the smell of exhaust gas is at times apparent in the cabin. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384243, filed 2020-12, 22,226 milesMileage when problems were reported
91% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,000 and 37,169 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 8.3% risk |
| Camaro SS · coupe RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 8.3% risk |
| Camaro · C RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 8.3% risk |
| Camaro SS · C RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 8.3% risk |
| Camaro ZL1 · coupe RWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 5 · 8.3% risk |
| Camaro ZL1 · C RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 8.3% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 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 | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Camaro RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 28 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Camaro RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 13 | 21 | 15 | $5,500 |
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
- 25V175000Mar 20, 2025Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 2017–2018, Cadillac CTS 2016–2018, Chevrolet Corvette 2017–2018 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- 21V211000Mar 25, 2021Air bags › FrontalCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 2017–2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
Recall details for the 2018 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. 1,277 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 2018 Chevrolet Camaro?
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro most often describe a loss of power steering assist that arrives without much warning, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission shudder that many link to a known service bulletin. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out; Transmission shudder and harsh shifting; Shift-to-park message and battery drain.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 20 complaints (25% of the total), followed by steering with 18.
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 16 city and 28 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 2018 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 21,000 miles and the middle half falls between 9,000 and 37,169 miles; 91% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.