VehicleVerdict

2016 Chevrolet Camaro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 196 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.9 times the median Camaro year — the 2016 model ranks #9 of 49 Camaro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (46), electrical system (32), and engine (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

196

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Camaro years?

Camaro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camaro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Camaro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission4623%
Electrical System3216%
Engine2211%
Steering2211%
Other1910%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Brakes95%
Seat Belts53%
Speed Control53%
Body & Structure53%
Suspension53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Driver Assistance42%
Airbags32%
Fuel System32%
Lighting11%

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V084000Electrical SystemFebruary 11, 2016 · 139 units

Defect

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I NOTICED A "SCRUBBING OR GRINDING NOISE" IN THE REAR END WHEN I FIRST GET IN THE CAR AFTER IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A WHILE. THE NOISE IS VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN I MAKE TURNS. THEN AFTER THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES.. IT GOES AWAY.I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, THEY BOTH TOLD ME, IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 3, 2017

“I took my 2016 Camaro in to get checked out because bit was driving funny. Come to find out the sensor in the transmission was going out. After i put it in for the warranty, my screen , dash, and all the sound went out in my vehicle. The next day on November 27th my car battery drained out and i…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2021 · fire

“The contact's grandson owned a 2016 Chevrolet Camero. While the grandson was driving at approximately 40 MPH, smoke suddenly was present coming from under the front hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was immediately parked and moments later flames and smoke streamed from the engine compartment and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 28, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CONCRETE MEDIAN, HITTING A VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 2019 · crash

“I took my 2016 Camaro in to get checked out because bit was driving funny. Come to find out the sensor in the transmission was going out. After i put it in for the warranty, my screen , dash, and all the sound went out in my vehicle. The next day on November 27th my car battery drained out and i…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 29, 2021 · fire

2016 Chevrolet Camaro — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 196 complaints put the 2016 model at #9 of 49 Camaro years. It is one of the Camaro years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Camaro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (46 complaints), electrical system (32 complaints), engine (22 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 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.