Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet Camaro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the engine shut off without warning. The vehicle failed to restart as intended, leaving the driver stranded in the middle of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A police officer noticed that the contact was in distress and assisted in pushing the vehicle into the nearby parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Car has new engine and transmission everything is new and well maintained, p2138 pops up throttle quits working causing me to almost wreck into another vehicle, I was stuck in traffic 1 hour waiting for a tow truck, 7 shops have worked on the issue and replaced every part including all the technical service bulletins provided here on the site and car is still doing the same thing. The electric system in the car is prone to these issue as is the ecm . Now it's either sell the car to someone with it being unsafe or spend another couple grand hoping to get it repaired. Chevys drive by wire system is a known issue with these cars yet no recall, why, why not recall and repair the issue or is our safety not a issue
I was driving down the freeway when I suddenly heard a knock coming from the motor. The engine blew a rod almost immediately. Parts and debris started shot out of the bottom of the vehicle. The debris hit my tires, causing me to swerve. I was ultimately able to maintain control of the vehicle and get off the freeway. My vehicle had to be towed.
I own a 2011 Camaro ss, I had 2 incidents , both times at a lunch break. Whilie leaving work to go home for lunch , the first incident I went to make a left turn at approx. 15mph . As I began the left turn unknowingly my car shut off power steering locked up and I slammed into curb and ended up on the landscape. The second time the exact thing but at a higher speed aprox. 45mph.at the bottom of the vincent thomas bridge heading west as I approach to bear left to gaffey st my vehicle did the same exact thing, meaning that the engine shutdown and steering wheel locked sending me into a k rail., knocking me unconscious ,the vehicle stopped 150 ft after impact. My vehicle was totaled
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and the "engine power reduced" and "car overheating turn off engine" warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bryner Chevrolet (located at 1750 the fairway, jenkintown, pa 19046, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to reproduce the failure. The contact was informed that until the check engine indicator illuminated again, the mechanic would be unable to offer a repair. After several days, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact was also informed that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
78000 miles, timing chain issue, spun rod bearings, and low compression in the engine. Oil and maintenance done on a regular basis. Check engine light did not go on, no warning signs, and did not automatically shut off, kept running. I was going 40 miles per hours on a highway, was driving and started hearing the engine sound like a tractor trailer, hearing bangs every 3/4 of a second. Hearing multiple reports on Camaro forums about this, and nothing is being done, Chevy said it is an owner issue, I needed to get my entire engine replaced because of it. This is not normal for 78,000 miles on a car, but I guess that is why they brought their power train warranty down about the same time people started reporting these issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. While driving 45 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bridgewater Chevrolet (located at 1548 us-22, bridgewater township, nj 08807, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the driver's side valve lifter, valve lifter, head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, exhaust gasket, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 79,136.
I have a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro with a 3.6 engine. The timing chains on this motor are known to stretch which messes up the emissions among other things. The same engine is in a Saturn, GMC acadia, and some cadillacs. These three vehicles are covered by the recall but the Camaro is not even though it is the same engine. It is a very expensive repair and I'm not sure what my next step should be. The car has 80,000 miles. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you. [redacted]
I went out to my driveway and noticed oil I never drive this car hard it is babies as we show it so I did some research and found that many of us driving 2010 to 2012 v6 Camaro have had issues with the oil filter adapter housing were the housing meets the block the seal is deteriorating and gushing oil out I lost a quarter of oil in less than 500 miles others have seized there engines my concern is what if we are cruising down the interstate and the engine seizes it could cause injury or death I have found many of us complaining on different forums about the oil issue
Ac started to blow out really cold air (could see the cold air coming out) and would hear the compressor being turned on and off and then no more cold air would blow out. Took it in to the dealer and they said it was the condenser. Purchased a condenser and another mechanic said that the compressor would not turn on. Researched problems and seems that it has something to do with the control module not communicating with compressor to turn on and off. I can not find any recalls or a dealer that will repair this or if this is even what it is.
Engine complaints in other Camaro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, 17% of the model year's 194 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.