Model year record

1996 Chevrolet Camaro recalls & problems

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro has 5 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (21 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints116filed by owners

Crashes · fires23 · 6reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths24 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Chevrolet Camaro 2-DR. HB.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Camaro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Camaro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Camaro

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Camaro

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system	21	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly › Axle shaft	20	0	0	1	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	19	18	0	18	—
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition › Module	15	0	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	15	4	0	1	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery; Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	12	0	5	1	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring	10	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front	7	3	0	4	—
SteeringColumn locking › Anti-theft device; Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	6	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	6	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	5	2	0	1	—
StructureBody; Body › Door	5	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bagsCrash1 injury
I GOT IN A ACCIDENT MY CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT DRIVER FENDER AT 45 MILE PER HOUR DESTROYED MY CAR NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED I AM INJURED I BOUNCED OFF STEERING WHEEL WHEN WE HIT MY SEAT BELT UNLOCKED ABOUT BROKE MY WHOLE RIB CAGE. *JS
Feb 20, 2015 · 175,000 miles
Electrical system
PARKED CAR IN PUBLIC PARKING SPACE FOR APPROX. 20 MINUTES. TRIED TO START CAR WITH NO RESULTS. CHECKED BATTERY ETC. LEFT CAR OVER NIGHT AND HAD IT TOWED 20 MILES TO BOYD CHEVROLET IN HENDERSONVILLE, NC. BOYD REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH. TOTAL COST OVER $300. I DEMAND NEW IS WHICH DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE IS RECALL TIMELINE. *TR
Sep 13, 2012 · 78,500 miles
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
POWER STEERING PUMP/HOSE LEAK. *TR
Sep 1, 1996 · 100 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK 96 CHEVY CAMARO. *NM
Sep 8, 2006 · 6,500 miles
Engine and engine cooling
LEAKING FROM FRONT OF ENGINE COOLANT A CHEVY /LUBY EMPLOYEEE SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN ALOT OF THAT ?
May 18, 2005 · 110,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I BELIEVE A PROBLEM "MAY" EXIST WITH CHEVROLET CARS EMPLOYING THE NEW FIVE YEAR OR 50K MILES ANTI-FREEZE. FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND THOSE OF RELATIVES IT APPEARS THE FLUSHING AND REPLACEMENT OF ANTI-FREEZE AT THE SUGGESTED FIVE YEAR OR 50K MILES POINT MAY LEAD TO WATER PUMP FAILURE WITHIN WEEKS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *JB
Jul 3, 2003
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCrash
THIS IS REFERENCE A SAFETY PROBLEM DURING A MOVING EMERGENCY STOP/BRAKING SITUATION ON THE 1996 CAMARO. NAMING THE PANEL OR COVER FOR THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH, JUST ABOVE THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. *AK THE PANEL HAS A CUT OUT FOR THE DRIVERS FOOT JUST ABOVE THE GAS PEDDLE, BUT IT ALSO HAS A SLIGHT DROP DOWN ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDDLE. DURING AN EMERGENCY STOP SITUATION, THE DRIVER MOVES HIS FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDDLE TO THE BRAKE, BUT STRIKES THE DROP IN THE FOOT PANEL ABOVE AND DOES NOT ALLOW DRIVERS FOOT TO GET OVER THE BRAKE PEDDLE& THEN WHEN HE PUSHES DOWN, HE STEPS ON THE GAS PEDDLE CAUSING HIM TO RUN INTO WHAT HE STARTED TO BRAKE FOR, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Aug 15, 2002 · 57,000 miles
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
POWER LOCK SWITCH BROKE 1999 COVERED UNDER WARRANTY POWER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH BROKE 1999 COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND AGAIN 2003 COVERED UNDER MY RYAN EXTENDED WARRANTY REAR WINDOW HATCH RUBBER SEAL WENT BAD AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR IN 1999 AND NOW AGAIN IN 2003. 2 WINDOW SEALS ON ONE CAR IN 7 YEARS. FIRST ONE WAS COVERED BY WHAT I WAS TOLD A SILENT RECALL. THIS TIME THEY ARE SAYING THEY NEVER SAID THAT BEFORE AND THIS TIME IT IS UP TO ME TO PAY FOR THE SEAL.
Sep 15, 2003 · 56,878 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILUREClosed
MOST OF THE REPORTS REVIEWED IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE FIRE INCIDENTS IN WHICH FUEL LEAKAGE HAS BEEN ALLEGED AS THE CAUSE OR THE AREA OF ORIGIN IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP WAS A FACTOR IN ANY OF THESE FIRE INCIDENTS AND NHTSA TESTING INDICATES THATBROKEN OR DISLODGED RETENTION CLIP DOES NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE TOWARD THE LEFT SECONDARY AIR INJECTION CHECK VALVE.FAILURE OF THE CLIP PLACES THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE ASSEMBLY IN THE SAME CONFIGURATION AS THE 1993 MODEL YEAR LTI VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE…
EA97024 · opened Nov 13, 1997 · closed Sep 29, 1998
FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILUREClosed
OWNERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FUEL TUBE RETENTION CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO THE PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT RETENTION CLIP (P/N 12048089) WAS IMPLEMENTED IN PRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 12, 1993, TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH INCORRECT ASSEMBLY PLANT FUEL LINE ROUTING.MIS-ROUTED FUEL TUBES MAY FAIL FROM CONTACT WITH A HOT AIR CHECK VALVE, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.GM MAINTAINS THAT NO PROBLEMS SHOULD OCCUR IF THE CLIP IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND ISN'T MISHANDLED DURING SUBSEQUENT SERVICE OPERATIONS.SOME OWNERS HAVE ALLEGED TO ODI THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP BECOMES BRITTLE OVER TIME AND MAY ALSO PULL FREE OF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER ATTACHMENT HOLE.
PE97036 · opened Jul 24, 1997 · closed Nov 13, 1997