1980 Chevrolet Camaro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1980 compare to other Camaro years?

Camaro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1980 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camaro years to avoid →

Does the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

80V108000SteeringAugust 19, 1980 · 85,325 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHING NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO BACK OFF, RESULTING IN JOINT SEPARATION.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A TORQUE CHECK OF THE ATTACHING NUT, AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN IT. IN SOME CASES AN INADEQUATE TORQUE LEVEL MAY HAVE CAUSED BALL STUD OR STEERING KNUCKLE DAMAGE; IF SO, THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

80V049000OtherApril 28, 1980 · 16 units

Defect

VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". PLACARD ON REAR EDGE OF LEFT DOOR MAY SHOW AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT FIGURE OF 800 LBS.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT LABEL FREE OF CHARGE TO OWNER.

1980 Chevrolet Camaro — common questions

Is the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Camaro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camaro years to avoid are 2010, 2015, 1995, 2014, 2011, 2017, 2013, 1998, 2016, 1994, 1996, 2012, 1999, 2000, 1991, 2018, 1992, 2002, 1997, 2019, 1985, 2001. The cleanest record among Camaro years belongs to 1980.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1980 compare to other Camaro years?

Does the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

1980 Chevrolet Camaro — common questions

Is the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?

Does the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

Is the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro under NHTSA investigation?

Which Chevrolet Camaro years should you avoid?

Related