Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Camaro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective timing chain and gear. The contact was informed that the timing chain and gear needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. After repeated calls to the manufacturer, the manufacturer helped with the repair. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 75,559.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Vehicle shakes badly when it wants to stalls without any symptoms. All of a sudden the car makes metal rod knocking and scraping sounds i checked oil and it was gone. No oil leaks fresh oil metallic color in engine oil. Just financed this vehicle 2011 chevy camaro with 50,000 miles and don't have a warranty. A car engine should not seize out of the blue at low miles and no oil pressure light indicated low or no oil. Very dangerous i lost acceleration going up hill and totally stalled. This needs to be fixed and recalled especially oil pressure light should of illuminated
Driving into work and the engine starts sucking air through the inner cabin, all of a sudden the engine just dies completely however the electronics stayed on. I tried to start the car after letting it cool for 2 hrs and the engine started shaking rapidly, there are no engine lights or alarms on the dash. I get the car towed home, I test the battery and alternator and they both check out. I had a full tune up and tried to fire it up again and the crank wouldn't turn and noticed the starter was engaged. I replaced the starter and the car crank with no problem however the engine knocked uncontrollably. This car failed on me and cut off completely with no controls , had I been on the highway I could have lost my life.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. While driving 63 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power and made an abnormal noise. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was a result of NHTSA campaign number: 14v34600 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. A certified technician test drove the vehicle, but could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,300. Updated 10/19/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. While the vehicle was idling, the motor suddenly began to misfire and several warning indicators illuminated, including the check engine indicator. Afterwards, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the contact's home by an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the piston head valve spring in the engine had fractured in half. The manufacturer and local dealer (berglund Chevrolet Buick, 1824 williamson rd, roanoke, va) were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Defrost not working due to heater not putting out correct temp from faulty blend door failing high cost in labor not repaired due to need of dash removal after 11 old recent repair. Window stays foggy causing blinding on highway movement. Along with review mirror constantly dropping after repeat tightening. Part in dash is poor design of cheap plastic part with a huge labor price. Need recall on part market is flooded with this failure all year models. Need help 4000 in 11 months is not acceptable for 49$ part.
Driving down the highway route 9 in va and the car started stalling and the check engine light came on and the car died. When I went to restart it, when I pressed the gas it made a knocking sound. Had a mechanic look at it, and was told its the motor. Sheriff showed and because its only a 2 lane highway he had to push the car with his car to get it off the road and onto a side street because they couldnt wait for a tow truck. There was no place to pull off when it had started to act up.
Engine power reduced, service stabilitrak light while getting off highway, car slowed down significantly. I cant imagine what May have happened had I still been on the highway. This is extremely concerning. Apparently this is a know issue with Chevy & GM cars. I have seen many forums and it seems nothing resolves this issue. There should be a recall on all Chevrolet & GM cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. While at a stop sign, there was a loud noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wrist pins and the piston were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Engine complaints in other Camaro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 23% of the model year's 113 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, though it has 4 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 2012 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires 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.