1997 CHEVROLET Camaro Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
77
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12 complaints
WITHIN 5 MONTHS OF PURCHASE (THE MILEAGE WAS 59585 WHEN ISSUES BEGAN) I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE, AND TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 10 TIMES OVER THE NEXT YEAR, AND WAS CHARGED $500 EVERY TIME FOR THEM TO PUT NEW SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES AND SEND ME HOME ONLY TO COME BACK A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ONLY WORSE. THIS LASTED UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEN I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB (#CHV0230345) AND IT WAS ACCEPTED FOR ARBITRATION BUT THE MANUFACTURER NEVER CONTACTED ME AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO AND I CAN NOT GET A RESPONSE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE AND NOW THE CAR WILL NOT EVEN START. I ALWAYS TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THAT IT WOULD BE PROPERLY SERVICED, AND I AM VERY UPSET AND AM PLANNING ON SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT, COMPENSATION AND A VEHICLE THAT WORKS. I SEE THAT THERE WERE MANY BULLETINS SENT OUT REGARDING THE SAME ISSUES AND HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER 1997 CAMARO OWNERS WHO ARE ALSO VERY UPSET AND HAVE THE SAME ISSUES, AND WE ARE SEEKING TO FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT. TS
Feb 01, 2003
LEAK IN REAR MAIN SEAL
Jan 19, 2003
CENTER BEARING BROKEN INSIDE MOTOR. *AK *TS *NLM *DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIST*762837
Jun 09, 2002
VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND DEALER INDICATED ENGINE COOLANT WAS BREAKING DOWN AND MALFUNCTIONING DIFFERENT PARTS IN ENGINE.*AK
Feb 04, 2002
EXCESSIVE RUST IN THE COOLING SYSTEM POSSIBLY DUE TO DEXCOOL COOLANT. CAUSING OVERHEATING, FALSE INSTRUMENT READINGS, AND GUMMING UP THE THERMOSTAT CAUSING IT TO STICK.
Jun 17, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
9 complaints
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, IT HAS GONE THROUGH 4 SETS OF REAR DISC PADS. THE PADS HAVE UNEVEN WEAR FROM TOP TO BOTTOM WHICH MAKE THE CAR HAVE A "NOT SMOOTH" STOPPING FEEL. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT ON 6/2002 WAS THE REAR BRAKES MAKING A LOUD SQUEELING NOISE WHEN STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE REAR WHEELS ARE MORE DIRTY THAN THE FRONT WHEELS. NORMALLY, THE FRONTS WOULD BE MORE DIRTY THAN THE REARS. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE REAR BRAKES ARE "HANGING UP" ON THE ROTOR (NOT RELEASING). THE DEALER INSISTS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE REAR BRAKES.*AK
Jun 13, 2002
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, IT HAS GONE THROUGH 4 SETS OF REAR DISC PADS. THE PADS HAVE UNEVEN WEAR FROM TOP TO BOTTOM WHICH MAKE THE CAR HAVE A "NOT SMOOTH" STOPPING FEEL. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT ON 6/2002 WAS THE REAR BRAKES MAKING A LOUD SQUEELING NOISE WHEN STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE REAR WHEELS ARE MORE DIRTY THAN THE FRONT WHEELS. NORMALLY, THE FRONTS WOULD BE MORE DIRTY THAN THE REARS. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE REAR BRAKES ARE "HANGING UP" ON THE ROTOR (NOT RELEASING). THE DEALER INSISTS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE REAR BRAKES.*AK
Jun 13, 2002
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
Apr 07, 2000
NO SUMMARY
Sep 21, 1999
BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES, THEY BARELY CATCH AND MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE. *AK
Sep 13, 1999
+ 4 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
6 complaints
AIR BAGS ON 1997 CAMARO DID NOT DEPLOY ON COLLISION AND ROLL OVER.*AK
May 05, 2004
WHILE DRIVING LOST CONTROL, ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN HE HIT A TREE, BOUNCED FORWARD, AND SMASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *SCC
Jun 04, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AS A RESULT HIT ANOTHER DRIVER. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM
Mar 04, 2003
OWNER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE, CAUSING FRONT OF VEHICLE TO IMPACT WITH AN OBJECT IN WHICH THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. *AK
Jan 29, 1998
WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH, HITTING A DITCH EMBANKMENT, DESTROYING FRONT END, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS AND DRIVER SUFFERED FACIAL INJURIES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK
Apr 29, 1997
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
1997 THROUGH 2002 CAMARO'S EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS MAY EXPERIENCE FAILURES OF TURN SIGNALS. FAILURES INCLUDE FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS TO ILLUMINATE OR FAILURE TO BLINK. FAILURES MAY ALSO INCLUDE PREMATURE BULB FAILURE TO HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS (FRONT AND REAR), AND PARKING LIGHTS. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS VEHICLES WITH FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL SOCKETS BURNED/ SHORTED. THE TURN SIGNALS OPERATE THROUGH THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE AND MODULE IS PRONE TO FAILURE/ OVERHEAT/ SHORTING CAUSING FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS. WIRING TO DTRL MODULE IN DASH BEHIND RADIO IS OFTEN OVERHEATED OR BURNED CAUSING INTERMITTENT OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FUNCTION TO TURN SIGNALS. LOSS OF TURN SIGNAL FUNCTION CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND WIRING SHORTS FROM OVERHEAT CONDITIONS MAY LEAD TO IN DASH FIRES OR ISOLATED FIRES WITHIN EXTERIOR LAMPS.OVERHEATED IN DASH WIRING MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO OTHER SYSTEMS OR COMPONENTS. *TR
May 05, 2013
LEFT BLINKER KEEPS BLOWING OUT. I'VE REPLACED IT 5 TIMES IN A WEEK AND A HALF. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAJORLY.
Jun 08, 2005
THE CAMARO, FIREBIRD, CORVETTE, AND SOME GM MINIVANS USE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMPS FOR DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS. WHEN ONE OF THESE FAILS, THE OTHER BULB IS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAN BE MISCONTRUED AS A FAULTY TURN SIGNAL. SUCH CONFUSION ON THE PART OF OTHER MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS CAN EASILY LEAD TO A CRASH. SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION: RECALL ALL SUCH 1997-2003 VEHICLES AND DISCONNECT DRLS OR REWIRE DRLS SUCH THAT A SINGLE BULB OUTAGE WILL EXTINGUISH BOTH LAMPS. THE SAME APPLIES TO THE GM FULL SIZE TRUCKS, BUT TO A LESSER EXTENT BECAUSE THEY USE DEDICATED FUNCTION WHITE LAMPS FOR DRLS INSTEAD OF THE AMBER TURN SIGNALS. DT
Oct 21, 2002
THIS IS A GENERAL OBSERVATION OF THE 1997 AND NEWER CAMARO AND FIREBIRD. IF A BULB BURNS OUT IN THE TURN SIGNAL DRL SYSTEM, THE REMAINING BULB CAN BE MISINTERPRETED AS A TURN SIGNAL INSTEAD OF A DRL. I SUGGEST RECALLING ALL SUCH VEHICLES AND DISCONNECTING THE DRLS OR REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO WIRE SUCH DRLS IN SERIES. I'VE FILED A SIMILAR COMMENT IN DOCKET 4124.
Mar 01, 2001
WHENEVER THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ON IT WOULD FAIL TO TURN OFF. IT DOES NOT BLINK BUT REMAINS STEADY. AFTER COMPLETING A TURN, IT WOULD BLINK AFTER A FEW MINUTES, BUT STILL NOT OFF. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE RESOLVED. *AK
Oct 01, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ALTERNATOR OVERHEATED, CAUSING A SMALL FIRE IN THE WIRING BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. CONSUMER DID NOT REPORT FIRE TO POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT. ALSO, DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Dec 08, 2004
BATTERY WAS LEAKING ACID DOWN ONTO THE WIRING, WHICH POSSIBLIY SHORTED OUT THE AIR CONDITIONING AND BLEW A HEADLIGHT. *JB
Apr 12, 2001
CAR STARTED JERKING AND HESITATING AS IF TO STALL. *AK
Jan 29, 2000
THE ALTERNATOR HAS GONE BAD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
CAR PURCHASED WITHOUT POWER SEATS; LIVE WIRES TO REAR DEFROSTER LEFT UNCAPPED OR SECURED UNDER SEATS; CONTACTED METAL OBJECT IN CAR CAUSING INTERIOR FIRE; CAR UNOCCUPIED AT TIME; DEALER/MANUFACTURER REFUSE TO REPAIR
Jul 29, 1999
STEERING
5 complaints
DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN STEERING ARM BROKE, RESULTING IN CAR GOING OFF THE ROAD THROUGH A DITCH LEADING TO SEVERE CRASH.NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.*AK
Nov 01, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING BROKE WHICH CAUSED FLUID TO SPILL OUT AND TOTAL FAILURE OF THE STEERING. *AK THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE SERPENTINE BELT WERE REPLACED. *SCC *JB
Nov 05, 2003
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKING.
Oct 30, 1998
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE LEFT FRONT STEERING SPINDLE BROKE, CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
Jul 17, 1997
POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
GMC PAPER WORK ADMITS A DESIGN DEFECT, LOOKING FOR OTHER POWER TRANSMISSION FAILURES. *AK
Aug 21, 2001
DRIVESHAFT FAILED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE INSTALLATION OF UNBALANCED DRIVESHAFT. *YH
May 29, 2001
VEHICLE HAS EXTREME VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH DUE TO DRIVESHAFT WEARING OUT. *AK
Mar 02, 2001
I WAS DRIVING IN A SMOOTH HIGHWAY W/ NO BUMPS OR DEBRIS ON THE ROAD WHEN THE INCCIDENT HAPPENED.
Nov 10, 1999
OWNER COMPLAINING OF DRIVE SHAFT VIBRATIONS.
Aug 15, 1998
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
COIL SPRING WHICH SUPPORTS THE SUSPENSION IS INCORRECTLY DESIGNED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HYDROPLANE ALSO THERE IS ONLY FOUR INCHES OF CLEARANCE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE COIL SPRING, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Sep 09, 1999
CONSUMER HAS TAKEN AUTOMOBILE TO TWO DEALER MECHANICS AND THEY CANNOT BALANCE HIS TIRES. THIS IS CAUSING HIS AUTO TO SHAKE WHEN DRIVING IT. *AK
Jun 22, 1998
CONSUMER WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE,ITS STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY STARTED TO SHAKE/VIBRATE AND SWERVE FOR UNKNOWN REASON, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. VEHICLE HAVE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER'S SHOP THREE TIMES, AND CONDITION STILL OCCURS. DEALER IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM REOCCURRING MORE THEN TEN TIMES. THIS CONDITION IS STILL ENDANGERING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEN VEHICLE IS USED. *AK
Jun 17, 1998
MY CAR HAS HAD A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION SINCE NEW. THE 96 CAMARO HAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR VIBRATION OF DRIVE SHAFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THE ONE ON MY 97 BECAUSE THERE IS NO BULLETIN ON THE 97 CAMAROS. IF THEY WERE BAD FOR 96 THEN THEY SHOULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATED ON THE 97 MODELS. IT SEEMS THAT A VIBRATION AT SPEEDS CAN LEAD TO MECHANICAL FAILURE OF DRIVE LINE COMPONENTS. WITH SPEEDS OF 70MPH ON MOST INTERSTATE THIS COULD LEAD TO A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. I JUST WANT THE 97 MODELS TO BE LOOKED AT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT EXISTED ON THE 96 MODELS.
May 22, 1998
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
WINDOWS INTERMITTENTLY WORKED WHEN THE WANT TO. NOW DRIVERS WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP AND PASSENGERS SIDE STILL WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE DEVASTATING AS I LIVE IN A TOWN THAT HAS A HIGH CRIME RATE AS IN CARJACKING. I ALSO HAVE MY TODDLER IN HIS CARSEAT AND THE WIND HAS CAUSED HIM TO STOP BREATHING FOR A MOMENT AND SCARED ME TO NO END. THEN I CAN NOT CARRY A CHILD WITH ASTHMA BECAUSE OF THE WIND/AIR WILL CAUSE HIM TO HAVE AN ATTACK. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO RAISE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON-LINE AND DISCOVERED THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAMARO'S AND IT'S NOT A SMALL PROBLEM. NOW I AM FORCED TO HAVE MY CAR OPEN TO THEFT AS I CAN'T ROLL MY WINDOW UP AND I CAN NOT CARRY MY PRECIOUS CARGO AS IT IS UNSAFE TO THERE HEALTH. I CAN'T IMAGINE IF IT WERE TO RAIN I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE IT MYSELF..THE INJURIES WERE TO THE TODDLER WHOM STOPPED BREATHING DUE TO MUCH AIR FLOW IN HIS FACE BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE WINDOW UP. *TR
Aug 31, 2010
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WINDOW MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THAT A PROBLEM WAS DEVELOPING. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW. *AK
Nov 07, 2003
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN TURNED OFF STAY IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION INSTEAD OF GOING DOWN. HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR WHICH WAS BURNT OUT AND ALSO THE WIPER CIRCUIT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VARIOUS YEAR, MAKE ,AND MODELS OF CHEVY'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Apr 18, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
#5 FUEL INJECTOR FAILED FOR THE 3RD TIME WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN CONSIDERABLY, ALMOST HAVING A COLLISION. CONSUMER THIS WAS3RD FAILED FUEL INJECTOR IN 5 YEARS.
Sep 12, 2002
ENGINE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT PROBLEM WAS A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jun 28, 2002
DURING REPAIRS TECHNICIAN INFORMED CONSUMER OF A MELTED FURL PUMP WIRE WITHIN TFUEL TANK WHICH COULD CAUSE A POSSIBLE FIRE. DEALER AND MANUFACTUERE WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jun 28, 2002
SEATS
2 complaints
NEITHER DRIVER'S SID E NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATS HAVE HEAD RESTRAINTS. ALSO, WITHOUT HEAD RESTRAINTS, IN ANY EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THERE WOULD BE INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
SEAT IS LOOSE. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
DRIVER SHATTERED T-TOP AFTE RHITTING A BUMP IN ROAD AT 35 MPH. DEALER DENIES SUCH AN INCIDENT COULD HAPPEN, AND REFUSES TO FIX DEFECTED PRODUCT. *AK
Oct 11, 1997
DRIVING DOWN HWY, T-TOP WAS LOCKED IN PLACE, SUDDENLY IT FLEW OFF VEHICLE, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WAS INFORMED NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT, OFFERED PLASTIC FOR TOP. *AK
Jan 27, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THIS CAR IS A 97 Z28 WITH THE 350CI MOTOR AND 4 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE NOT TURNING, THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE, NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ISSUE PRESENTS ITSELF UNDER ICY CONDITIONS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS WHEN I PULLED INTO A SPOT AT A FAST FOOD PLACE, THE PARKING SPOT WAS ICY WHILE THE REST OF THE LOT WAS ICE FREE. AS I PULLED INTO THE SPOT, I PUT ON MY BRAKES AND THE FRONT WHEELS STOPPED, BUT THE REAR DID NOT. THEY WERE ON THE CLEAR PART OF THE PARKING LOT AND THEY SHOULD HAVE STOPPED MY FORWARD MOTION, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT. SLID AHEAD UNTIL THE FRONT HIT THE SNOW BANK. THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL, BUT DIDN'T CONCERN MYSELF ABOUT IT ANY MORE. NEXT TIME I BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN I HAD THE REAR (BOTH) WHEELS OF THE CAR OFF THE GROUND AND I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AS I WANTED TO CHECK IF ONE OF THE REAR RIMS WAS BENT. WELL NO IT WASN'T BUT WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR TO PUT IT IN PARK, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE REAR WHEELS FROM TURNING, AND THEN WENT TO PUT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK. BIG GRINDING NOISE. SO I PRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK AGAIN, AGAIN BIG GRINDING NOISE. SO I LOOKED AT THE REAR WHEELS WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE, AND WHAT TO MY SURPRISE, THE REAR WHEELS DO NOT STOP! THIS CAN'T BE A GOOD THING. TODAY AS I BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE DRIVEWAY WAS A LITTLE ICY. SO AS I BACKED UP, I PUT ON THE BRAKES, AND OF COURSE, ONLY THE FRONT WHEELS STOPPED AND THE REAR WHEELS KEPT PULLING THE CAR DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. NOT A GOOD THING IF A CAR IS PASSING BY ON THE STREET. SO WHAT'S UP WITH THIS. YES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE CHEV DEALER THAT IT IS FROM THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE SOMETIMES, WHEN IT IS HOT, IT WILL SHIFT HARD.
Dec 24, 2015
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Dec 07, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
LTR FM JAMS M. CLARK (MD) RE THE DEFECTIVE 4L60 ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 4 SPEED TRANSMISSION W/OVERDRIVE IN HIS 1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN, REPLY IN DUPLICATE ATTN DENISE NOOE/ANNAPOLIS OFC. *PH THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FULL BRAKE REPLACEMENT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. *JB (1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN)
Mar 05, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE TURN SIGNAL AND PARKING "YELLOW" LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATING. CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO OPERATE THAT WAY. WHEN THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BLEW, CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED AS A ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. *AK
Jun 18, 2003
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE, THE PASSENGER'S HEAD AND SHOULDER HIT THE DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD. *SLC
Nov 13, 2000
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
1997 CAMARO-THE REAR WHEEL AXLE SPINDLE BROKE CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO BREAK OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT 45MPH. VEHICLE CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL HIT HEAD ON IN A DITCH EMBANKMENT, THEN ROLLING OVER AND SLIDING ABOUT 15 FT. THUS CAUSING WHIPLASH TO THE DRIVER AND COMPLETE TOTAL OF VEHICLE
Sep 14, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ELECTRICAL - DRIVER SIDE PARKING LIGHT OUT & BLINKER, TAIL LIGHT DULL. BULB REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR 2.5 YEARS. DISC HARDWARE STICKING, CALIPERS BINDING, NOT RELEASING WHEN BRAKES RELEASED CAUSING AN EFFECT AS IF RIDING BRAKES CAUSING PREMATURE WEAE AND LOSS OF BRAKES. REAR ROTOR CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. *AK
Jan 29, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DEALER HAS BEEN JERKING ME AROUND. REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ONCE. YEAR WENT BY, GOT ANOTHER OIL LEAK AND THE WATER PUMP WENT UP. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED WATER PUMP, BUT DIDN'T FILL THE COOLANT BACK UP. THEY ALLEGED TO HAVE FIXED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AGAIN. STILL GETTING AN OIL LEAK. CHECKED THE PROBLEM MYSLEF AND FOUND OIL COMING FROM PINION SEAL. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WASN'T LEAKING WHEN I JUST HAD THE WATER PUMP FIXED. THEY CHARGED ME TO REPLACE THE PINION SEAL, EVEN AFTER TALKING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, CHEVROLET AND GMPP, THE EXTENDED WARRENTY PROVIDER. AFTER THE SEAL WAS REPLACED I NOTICE A HUM AT 35MPH+. DEALER SAYS IT'S NORMAL, EVEN THOUGH I'VE NEVER HAD IT BEFORE. I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE REAR, AND IT WAS A QUART LOW ON OIL. NOONE SEEMS TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. *AK
Jan 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
IN REGARD TO THIS VEHICLE, CHEVROLET HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND NOT MUCH IS BEING DONE ABOUT THE SITUATION. I BELIEVE THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD SUPPORT THEIR CONSUMERS, AS THEY SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO THEIR PRODUCTS AND THE PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE THEM. I AM NOY GETTING MUCH SUPPORT FROM EITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR CHEVROLET PERSONALLY. ANYTHING YOU CAN ASSIST IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I BELIEVE THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE PROBLEMS MY VEHICLE HAS HAD, AS IT CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *AK
Dec 13, 1999
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. ALSO THE SEATBELT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO HIT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Oct 19, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH THE THROTTLE STUCK AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 13, 1999
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
May 31, 1999
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
REPEATED INTERMITTENT ELECTRIC WINDOW/LOCKS/ WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURES; DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT CAUSE.
Apr 19, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
ODOMETER & FUEL GAUGE EXPERIENCING FAILURE. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
TIRES
1 complaint
REAR LEFT TIRE EXPLODED ON FREEWAY. (GOODYEAR EAGLE P215)YH
Feb 01, 1999
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE KNUCKLE JOINT BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
May 01, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro have?
The 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro currently has 77 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 CHEVROLET Camaro comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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