Thinking about buying a used Chevrolet Camaro (2009–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$3,000
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Chevrolet Camaro faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01LT1 6.2 V8 AFM/DOD lifter collapse and camshaft damage
CriticalCommonEngine $4,500–$15,000 to fix
The LT1 V8 (6th generation Camaro SS) uses Active Fuel Management (AFM, also called DOD) deactivating lifters identical in concept and failure mode to the Hemi MDS pattern. Lifters collapse under fatigue, sending metal debris through the oiling system and destroying camshaft lobes. This is one of the most extensively documented engine failures in the modern American muscle segment. Repair requires full lifter replacement and usually camshaft replacement. Disabling AFM via tune (commonly done) eliminates the risk but should have been performed before this failure mode strikes.
Symptoms to notice
Engine tick or tap on cold start that may diminish when warm
Random cylinder misfires, especially at cruise on cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7
Oil pressure drop under load
Rough idle or engine shake
What to check
Listen carefully for valve train tick on a cold start. Scan all modules for misfire history codes. Ask specifically whether AFM has been disabled via tune. Inspect oil for signs of metallic contamination. Request oil analysis if available.
Where to look: Engine valve train and lifter valley
Ask the seller
“Has the AFM/DOD system been disabled via an ECU tune or range device?”
“Has the car ever had cylinder misfire codes or a lifter replacement?”
“What is the oil change interval and oil specification used?”
02Front strut mount rattle over bumps
MinorOccasionalSuspension $350–$900 to fix
The Camaro's front strut mounts and associated hardware can develop rattles and knocks over bumps, particularly on the firmer sports suspensions and lower-profile tyres common on these cars. Worn mounts also affect steering feel. Replacement of mounts and bearings resolves it.
Symptoms to notice
Rattle or knock over bumps from front
Clunk turning at low speed
Uneven front tyre wear
Vague steering feel
What to check
Drive over rough surfaces listening for front-end rattles and knocks, and check the strut mounts for play.
Where to look: Front strut top mounts
Ask the seller
“Any rattles from the front over bumps?”
“Have the strut mounts been replaced?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
6 more documented faults on the Chevrolet Camaro
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Chevrolet Camaro, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Chevrolet Camaro with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Chevrolet Camaro?
+
We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Chevrolet Camaro, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Chevrolet Camaro?
+
Most single repairs on the Chevrolet Camaro fall between $800–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Chevrolet Camaro?
+
Yes. A Chevrolet Camaro inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.