Chevrolet Camaro 6th generation (2016–2023)
Generation-specific owner insights from 77+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2016–2023 Camaro?
1,324
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2023
15
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2016-2023 Camaro generally regard it as a genuinely capable performance car, with the SS and 1LE trims repeatedly described as the most track-oriented and best-handling of the domestic pony cars.
7 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor outward visibility
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission lifter failure linked to cylinder deactivation (AFM/DOD)
- RecurrentCramped trunk opening and functionally useless rear seat
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCheap-feeling interior materials
- IsolatedElectrical problems reported on a used 2017 LT
- Isolated2020 V6 stop-sale over a potential emissions system issue
Attributed by owners to a supplier part problem.
- IsolatedDepreciation relative to rivals
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though the strongest partial signal points to the SS with the 1LE package as the enthusiast choice, and the manual transmission is repeatedly preferred over the automatic across trims.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Mustang GT, R/T, Scat Pack), Dodge Charger (R/T, Scat Pack) and Porsche 987 Cayman S.
Is a 2016–2023 Camaro right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2016-2023 Camaro generally regard it as a genuinely capable performance car, with the SS and 1LE trims repeatedly described as the most track-oriented and best-handling of the domestic pony cars. The dominant criticism is poor outward visibility, which comes up in nearly every comparison thread, along with a cramped trunk opening and a functionally useless rear seat. Interior quality is contested: some owners call it nicer and better laid out than the Mustang, while others describe it as cheap-feeling. The V6 is treated as a legitimate performer by owners who have driven it, though a vocal contingent insists a Camaro must have a V8. Later model years (2019+) draw complaints about the facelifted front styling, while the 2016-2018 cars are often cited as the sweet spot for looks.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently place the Camaro as the most track-focused and best-handling car in its class, with the SS and 1LE described as more capable than the Mustang GT on a circuit. Against the Mustang, the Camaro is seen as the sharper driver's car but the worse daily driver due to visibility, trunk space, and rear-seat usability; the Mustang is repeatedly called the more livable and practical choice. Against the Challenger and Charger, owners frame the Camaro as the hardcore sports coupe while the Dodge cars are cruisers, with the Challenger winning on comfort and interior space. Against the Porsche 987, owners note the Camaro has more space, better parts availability, and modern features, but worse depreciation and less of a special ownership experience. Against the Audi S3 and Infiniti Q60, the Camaro is positioned as the more fun and better-performing option, with the Q60 noted for offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that the Camaro also has.
Recommended configurations
Owners repeatedly recommend the manual transmission over the automatic for this generation, citing the automatic's cylinder deactivation (AFM/DOD) as a source of lifter failure and premature engine problems; one owner notes a conversion kit exists to remove AFM on automatic cars. For V8 buyers, the SS is described as a great car even without the 1LE package, with the 1LE recommended only for those doing five or more track days a year. The V6 is defended as quick and fun, with 335 hp cited as nothing to sneeze at, and is recommended for buyers who want the Camaro experience without V8 fuel and insurance costs. The 2016-2018 model years are implicitly favored over the 2019+ facelift by owners who dislike the updated front styling.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who prioritize handling, track capability, and performance per dollar over practicality and outward visibility. Buyers who need a daily driver with easy sightlines, usable rear seats, and a large trunk are repeatedly steered toward the Mustang instead. Owners strongly advise getting a pre-purchase inspection, checking the VIN and vehicle history, and confirming maintenance records, since these cars are commonly driven hard. Buyers are warned to avoid cars that have been heavily modified or abused, and to get an insurance quote before committing, as premiums can be high especially for younger drivers. For automatic cars, owners recommend budgeting for or investigating AFM-related repairs. Manual cars are considered the more reliable and more desirable choice. The V6 is recommended for buyers who want fun without V8 running costs, and the SS 1LE for those who will actually use the track capability.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that the V6 Camaro is unfairly dismissed by buyers who have never driven one, with owners noting the modern V6 makes power comparable to V8 muscle cars of the 1990s and early 2000s. Several owners note the same V8 engine family is shared with the Corvette, which they cite as a positive for parts and modification support. The 2016+ Alpha platform is repeatedly described as a major improvement over the previous generation. Analysis based on approximately 77 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 105 | 0 | engine |
| 2022 | 56 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 80 | 4 | power train |
| 2020 | 81 | 3 | power train |
| 2019 | 121 | 1 | power train |
| 2018 | 217 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 523 | 3 | steering |
| 2016 | 141 | 1 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2022 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 25V148000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 20V811000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
2021 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 21V188000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The left or right axle shaft may be missing a retaining ring, which could allow the axle shaft to separate while driving.
2021 · air bags:frontalcampaign 21V211000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
2021 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 25V148000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 19V837000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
2020 · air bags:frontalcampaign 21V211000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
2020 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 25V148000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
2019 · air bags:frontalcampaign 21V211000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
2018 · air bags:frontalcampaign 21V211000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
2018 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 25V175000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
2017 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 19V086000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
1 more recall not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.