Most common 2002 Chevrolet Camaro problems
Share of the 68 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Camaro complaints by model year
Best Camaro years: 2021, 2022, 2023. Years to avoid: 2010, 2015, 1995. Compare all years →
2002 Chevrolet Camaro recalls (1)
Structure › Frame and members
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.
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…
What 2002 Chevrolet Camaro owners say
Brakes all 22 →
Camaro bought November 2002, brakes and tires replaced six months later. Engine had sounded like a diesel within that same six months time. Within three years rear end producing an ever increasing howl. Had contacted dealer two times within first year about high oil consumption. Was told it was normal for a quart to be lost within 3000 miles. I have to drive this car to work and I really don't know when one of my rear axles is going to fall off. I cannot afford a new rear end and my warranty expired by mileage. I don't know if this is going to do much good but it feel good to be able to write about what a 33,000 black Camaro piece of crap can do to a man who has always been loyal as possible to Chevy and had a dream to own such a car only to find out he would have been better off with a Hyundai. …
My 2002 GM Chevrolet Camaro's ABS brake system has failed.there were no incidents that LED up to the failure of the component. As to date 03/02/2010 my ABS braking system is inoperable,I have no ABS. Only a warning light telling me I have no ABS. The failure occurred approx. 11/2 years ago,and since it was not under warranty GM will not fix this problem.again I believe that GM knows of this failure in their systems(ABS..anti-lock braking system)the cost to repair or replace this ABS components is apprx.$2,500.00. My inquires with other GM owners of other models ie;corvette state the same problems as the camaros. Failure of this components is very critical for safety in preventing wheels from locking up and causing a skid leading to a very dangerous accident.(the main reason consumers want anti-lock brakes!)
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the control box in the engine, located near the firewall, caused the fuel injectors to pour fuel into the engine. As a result, the engine was ruined. When the vehicle was started, white smoke appeared from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they went out of business. The vehicle was towed to another dealer and they replaced the entire engine. The manufacturer offered him a 10% discount and the contact paid $6,200 for the repair. The contact has a photo of where the box was located in the engine, which he felt was too close to the firewall and the initial cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were approximately 44,000. Updated 1/26/09 the consumer was the number 7 cylinder May have compressed liquid, most likely fuel that caused the piston and rod to be damaged. …
Camaro bought November 2002, brakes and tires replaced six months later. Engine had sounded like a diesel within that same six months time. Within three years rear end producing an ever increasing howl. Had contacted dealer two times within first year about high oil consumption. Was told it was normal for a quart to be lost within 3000 miles. I have to drive this car to work and I really don't know when one of my rear axles is going to fall off. I cannot afford a new rear end and my warranty expired by mileage. I don't know if this is going to do much good but it feel good to be able to write about what a 33,000 black Camaro piece of crap can do to a man who has always been loyal as possible to Chevy and had a dream to own such a car only to find out he would have been better off with a Hyundai. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the driver side power window became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the window regulator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was unknown. ..updated 12/20/16
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.
2002 Chevrolet Camaro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 29 / 21 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro a good car?
Based on 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Camaro rates better than average: 63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Camaro at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro?
The brakes — 22 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the engine & cooling (11) and windows, wipers & sunroof (11).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro, the most recent from December 12, 2001 (frame and members). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Camaro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2022 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2015 and 1995. See the full Chevrolet Camaro years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Camaro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 20,000 miles; 81% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.