VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Camaro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Camaro year — the 2002 model ranks #18 of 49 Camaro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (25% of the total).

100

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Camaro years?

Camaro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted394 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 3 complaints1969: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 6 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 25 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 38 complaints1987: 29 complaints1988: 20 complaints1989: 34 complaints1990: 32 complaints1991: 110 complaints1992: 104 complaints1993: 45 complaints1994: 182 complaints1995: 305 complaints1996: 159 complaints1997: 88 complaints1998: 224 complaints1999: 133 complaints2000: 119 complaints2001: 60 complaints2002: 100 complaints2010: 394 complaints2011: 259 complaints2012: 156 complaints2013: 251 complaints2014: 287 complaints2015: 305 complaints2016: 196 complaints2017: 256 complaints2018: 110 complaints2019: 69 complaints2020: 46 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 24 complaints2024: 4 complaints
Camaro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camaro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Camaro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2525%
Engine1212%
Visibility & Wipers1212%
Electrical System1010%
Transmission88%
Body & Structure66%
Fuel System55%
Seat Belts44%
Suspension44%
Tires & Wheels44%
Lighting33%
Airbags22%
Other22%
Steering22%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

01V381000Body & StructureDecember 12, 2001 · 897 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," AND NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE WELDS NEAR THE LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE THAT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

IN A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT COULD RECEIVE SEVERE INJURIES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL STRUCTURAL RIVETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2002 CAMERO HAS DEVELOPED EXCESSIVE ROTOR WEAR AND WARPING AT LOW MILEAGE AND NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. DEALER CLIAMS IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY SINCE IT IS NOT A DEFECT IN LABOR OR MATERIAL. DEALER SERVICE AGENT TOLD ME IN CONFIDENCE THEY HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS CASES AND BELIEVE IT TO BE A BAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 16, 2003

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR PANEL BEGAN TO SMOKE, AND THEN THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE WINDOW SWITCH. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS A FIRE OF AN UNKNOWN IGNITION SOURCE. THE WINDOW SWITCH AND DOOR PANEL NEED TO BE REPLACED. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 24, 2006 · fire

“DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 40 MPH AND SUDDENLY ALL THE RED WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR AS I LOSE POWER-STEERING, ALTERNATOR NOT CHARGING, AND MY ENGINE TEMPERATURE RISES TO 300 DEGREES F. I PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. THE PRESSED-ON POWER STEERING PULLEY HAD COME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 25, 2012

“I WAS THE OWNER OF A 2002 CAMARO WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE ASR (ACCELERATION SLIP REGULATION SYSTEM). THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE TRACTION CONTROL IN WET ROAD CONDITIONS. MY VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO FISHTAIL ON WET SURFACES AT NORMAL SPEEDS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 26, 2003 · crash

“SINCE DELIVERY THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE RATTLED. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THE ATTEMPTS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED SLOPPY SHIFTING, NOISY DRIVE TRAIN, NO TRACTION CONTROL, MANY SQUEAKS AND VIBRATIONS. THE WINDSHIELD SCRATCHED EASILY FRONT HE WIPER BLADES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 9, 2002

2002 Chevrolet Camaro — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 2002 model at #18 of 49 Camaro years. It is one of the Camaro years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Camaro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (25 complaints), engine (12 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.