YearToAvoid

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#8 most-complained of 15 Camaro years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 8th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 141 complaints, 1 recall, 3 crashes, and 4 fires, with transmission and powertrain issues leading at 34% of complaints.

Complaints
141
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
3 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 28 hwy

Top 2016 Chevy Camaro problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain48 (34%)
  2. Electrical System31 (22%)
  3. Engine27 (19%)
  4. Steering22 (16%)
  5. Other19 (13%)
  6. Brakes11 (8%)
  7. Visibility & Wipers10 (7%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (6%)
  9. Seat Belts5 (4%)
  10. Structure & Body5 (4%)

What owners report

  • Front wheels shake uncontrollably at low speed, sometimes leading to loss of control and a crash.
  • Steering wheel can seize suddenly during acceleration or turning, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway.
  • Engine compartment can emit smoke and catch fire while driving.
  • A stiff electrical cable near the clutch pedal can prevent full clutch engagement, causing the car to stall in traffic.
  • Engine runs rough with grinding noise, hard transmission shifts, illuminated check engine light, and reduced speed shown on the display.
  • Front windshield can fog up heavily in humid conditions, obstructing visibility.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro complaints: complaints filed per quarter172016 Q12017 Q22018 Q32019 Q42021 Q12022 Q22023 Q42025 Q4
197 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2018 Q3 (17).

2016 Chevrolet Camaro recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V084000Feb 11, 2016Electrical System139 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    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."

    Risk: 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.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,250
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other Camaro years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Caution71188318.5
2015Avoid86206118.5
2016Caution50141121.5
2017Avoid79189320
2018Good4380220

All Chevrolet Camaro years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2016 Camaro a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst among the 15 model years with data. It performs better than 2010-2014 but worse than 2018-2023 model years.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro?
Transmission and powertrain issues make up 34% of complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 22% and engine issues at 19%. The median mileage at failure for transmission problems is 12,000 miles.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Camaro, covering the radio's failure to sound an audio warning when the key is left in the ignition. This is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2016 Camaro compare to other model years?
With a Complaint Index of 50, the 2016 Camaro ranks better than 2010 (100), 2013 (93), and 2014 (86), but worse than 2018 (43), 2019 (21), and 2022 (7).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.