Wrench.Pro

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Convertible top separation and water leaks.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #19E064000 · Sep 19, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain replacement flip-key ignition transmitter assemblies sold as replacement equipment for 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. GM dealers may have inadvertently sold these assemblies as replacement keys despite them having been recalled under NHTSA recall number 14V-346 (GM number 14294) when they were the original equipment assemblies. The driver may accidentally bump the ignition key with their knee, moving the ignition out of the run position and turning off the engine.

Risk: Once the engine is off, the vehicle can lose power steering and power braking, increasing the risk of a crash. The air bags may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the key with the flat blade design, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 6, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192223230.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V346000 · Jun 20, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2010-2014 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 3, 2008 to May 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the key blade from the original flip key/RKE transmitter assemblies, and provide two new keys and two key rings per key. The recall began August 25, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14294. Note: Until the recall has been performed, it is very important that drivers adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Campaign #14V447000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.

Reported to NHTSA

Convertible top separation and water leaks

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2018-10

“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TONNEAU COVER USED TO SECURE THE SOFT TOP ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE COVER ATTACHMENT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10713734
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITHIN CROSS WINDS, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER, WHICH WAS REFERRED TO AS A TONNEAU, DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER WHEN MANEUVERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10457117
“AFTER HAVING BEEN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP SUDDENLY CAME A LOSE AT THE MOUNTING POINTS BEHIND THE SIDE WINDOWS. IT WAS AS IF A PARACHUTE, OR A DRAG CHUTE OPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10525995

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Manual transmission grinds shifting into second gear

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2021-04

“SECOND GEAR GRIND . 2011 CAMARO LS. SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. SECOND GEAR GRIND OCCURS WITH EVERY UP SHIFT OR DOWN SHIFT . THIS OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. AT TIMES CAR WILL NOT GO INTO SECOND GEAR AT ALL CAUSING CONCERN FOR SAFETY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10418093
“WHEN MERGING INTO HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS/REJECTS SECOND GEAR IN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK AND SLOW DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. I ALMOST WAS IN A ACCIDENT DUE TO THE MISSED SHIFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10420248
“WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND STRUGGLES TO GO INTO GEAR. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT IT WHEN IT IS AT A HIGHER GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413994

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of traction on factory summer tires in cold weather

TIRES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-12 → 2014-04

“MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO THE STORE AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET ABOVE 30 MPH BECAUSE THE CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE DUE TO THE REAR END CONSTANTLY FISH TAILING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448536
“THESE TIRES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEAR FREEZING TEMPS. THE AUTO MANUFACTURER FAILED TO INFORM ME THE TIRES (WHICH ARE STOCK) ARE ONLY RECOMMENDED FOR WARM WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10382703
“2011 CAMARO TIRES DO NOT GRIP THE ROAD PROPERLY & LOW TEMPERATURES LIKE HERE IN N.Y. DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE & AT NO POINT WAS I TOLD THAT THE TIRES ARE FOR SUMMER USE ONLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10369725

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag sensor triggers persistent warning light

AIR BAGS

53 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2019-09

“THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON THAT STATES THE BAG IS OFF. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE SEAT SENSOR NEEDS REPLACED. CAR HAS 60000 MILES. CAME ON AROUND 52000. WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOYED IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT UNLESS THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. COST TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927310
“I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAS ABOUT 85000 MILES ON IT AND TOOK IT IN BECAUSE OF AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON. I WAS TOLD PASSENGER PRESENT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH CAUSES AIRBAG LIGHT TO REMAIN ON WHEN CAR IS MOVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10936614
“MY AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 2 YEARS NOW. I HAVE TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 7 TIMES TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I TOOK IT IN SO I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY ANY MONEY FOR THE SERVICES. OUT OF ALL SEVEN TIMES THEY NEVER FIXED THE AIR BAG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10606363

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front air bags fail to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2025-06

“THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND KNEE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629333
“FRONT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED A SERIOUS TBI(TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY) & CONCUSSION DUE TO BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO THE HEAD DUE TO LACK OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640036
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT PROPERLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES FROM THE CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10434973

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering lockup while turning

STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2020-02

“AS I BEGAN THE LEFT TURN UNKNOWINGLY MY CAR SHUT OFF POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND I SLAMMED INTO CURB AND ENDED UP ON THE LANDSCAPE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309577
“THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE INNER SEAL ON THE STEERING GEAR HAD FAILED. IT WAS NOT DUE TO AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, HITTING A POTHOLE OR ANYTHING CAUSED BY ME. THIS WAS A FACTORY FAILURE AND A PROBLEM THAT IS VERY RARE ON CARS WITH MILEAGE THAT LOW (SO I WAS TOLD)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10587463
“I WAS DRIVING MY CAMARO 2011 2LT V6 ,MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WHEN THE CAR WAS MOVING I TRY TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL LOCK ,FOR FEW SECONDS AND THEN WHEN BACK TO NORMAL ,BUT I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AND THANKS GOD I WAS DRIVING SLOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307833

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain stretch and excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2023-02

“78000 MILES, TIMING CHAIN ISSUE, SPUN ROD BEARINGS, AND LOW COMPRESSION IN THE ENGINE. OIL AND MAINTENANCE DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT GO ON, NO WARNING SIGNS, AND DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF, KEPT RUNNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994366
“THE TIMING CHAIN ON MY CAMARO 3.6L WAS STRETCHED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH AND STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE BASED ON A SERVICE ALERT FROM THE MANUFACTURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281472
“I WENT OUT TO MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED OIL I NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR HARD IT IS BABIES AS WE SHOW IT SO I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MANY OF US DRIVING 2010 TO 2012 V6 CAMARO HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE OIL FILTER ADAPTER HOUSING WERE THE HOUSING MEETS THE BLOCK THE SEAL IS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924578

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heater core leak causing coolant odor and window fog

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2020-04

“VAPOR BEGAN COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, ALONG WITH A SUPER-SWEET SMELL; THIS SMELL WAS LATER IDENTIFIED AS LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD QUICKLY FOGGED UP, BEGINNING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT CLEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10695206
“AFTER GOING INTO PICK UP OUR DINNER MY COWORKER NOTICED FLUID ON MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOOR MAT. I DROVE BACK TO WORK AND CHECKED THE FLUID ON THE MAT AND IT WAS COOLANT (DEXCOOL)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10761929
“MY CAR BEGAN TO OVER HEAT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER. ALSO CAUSED FOGGED WINDSHIELD .. THE HEATER CORE ON THE CAMARO FROM 2010 - 2013 ARE HAVING MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING THE CAR TO OVERHEAT AND OR SPILL BOILING LIQUID ONTO YOUR PASSENGERS FEET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10622194

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

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)

111 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2011 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 →