Wrench.Pro

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Chevrolet Camaro has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front brake rotor warping and braking vibration.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro.

Reported to NHTSA

Front brake rotor warping and braking vibration

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

15 NHTSA complaints · 2002-04 → 2006-03

“MY 2002 CAMARO HAS HAD EXCESSIVE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL CASED BY WARPED FRONT ROTORS. ROTORS WERE TURNED BUT 8K MILES LATER THEY WERE SO WARPED AGAIN THAT THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10086606
“BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE TURNED TWICE WITHIN THE FIRST 15,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10075168
“VEHICLE VIBRATES DURING BRAKING. HAVE HAD ROTORS REPLACED AND TURNED. PROBLEM RETURNS EVERY TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10010609

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window regulator and motor failure

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2005-11 → 2016-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10907564
“2002 CAMARO 6 CYL. DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS BY AUGUST 2005. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10142971
“THE REGULATOR WOULD STICK IN ANY POSITION UP/DOWN AND WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10315805

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat belt not retracting

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2004-09 → 2005-01

“DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT WHEN EXITING CAR. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE IT SAYING IT IS NORMAL. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10093126
“WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10088068
“I HAVE A 2002 CAMARO CONVERTIBLE WHICH IS STILL UNDER NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY THAT HAS A DRIVER?S SIDE SEAT BELT THAT WILL NOT RETRACT WHEN EXITING THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10107561

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield optical distortion

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2002-06 → 2002-09

“WHILE DRIVING THERE IS EXCESSIVE DISTORTION THROUGH FRONT WINDSHIELD. ITEMS APPEAR LARGER OR SMALLER THAN THEY REALLY ARE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8013777
“SINCE PURCHASE WINDSHIELD IS FAULTY, AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8011529
“THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A DISTORTION ON THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8019554

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel injector wiring chafing with engine damage

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2010-04

“THE DEALER STATED THE CAUSE FOR THE FUEL INJECTORS REMAINING IN THE OPEN POSITION WAS THE WIRING CONTROLLING THE FUEL INJECTORS WAS CHAFED AND MAKING CONTACT WITH THE BULKHEAD WHICH GROUNDED THE WIRING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10319828
“THE CONSUMER WAS THEN TOLD THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE IN THE OPEN POSITION BECAUSE THE WIRING CONTROLLING THE FUEL INJECTORS WAS CHAFED AND MAKING CONTACT WITH THE BULKHEAD WHICH GROUNDED THE WIRING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254101

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turn signal bulb and socket failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2007-05 → 2012-08

“FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL/PARKING LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT. BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NEW SOCKETS COSTING AROUND $400.00, RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10206326
“THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BURNED OUT AND MELTED THE WIRES. BOTH OF THE BLINKERS BURNED OUT ONE YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH SOCKETS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10189357
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TURNING SIGNAL FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10473196

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure and engine stalling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2006-01 → 2014-07

“FUEL PUMP FAILED ON HIGHWAY TRIP. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 40000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10148418
“THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE FUEL LINE HAD FRACTURED AND BROKE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10150502
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10615109

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frontal air bags not deploying in collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2002-06 → 2006-03

“IN A FRONT END COLLISION NONE OFF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8012042
“VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, BUT NONE OF THE AIR DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10006774
“MYSELF AND A FRIEND WERE ON OUR WAY TO WORK @ 6:15 AM WHEN WE WERE STRUCK HEAD ON BY A LARGE SUV”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10151761

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

163 crashes 1990–2024

How the 163 occupant deaths break down

123

driver deaths

39

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

163

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →