This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Camaro electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 44,500 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Camaro | 35 |
| 2011 Camaro | 24 |
| 2012 Camaro (this page) | 24 |
| 2013 Camaro | 74 |
| 2014 Camaro | 89 |
| 2015 Camaro | 104 |
| 2016 Camaro | 23 |
2crashes
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 24 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report ignition switch problems—keys that stick and won't turn, switches engaged by accidental knee bumps while driving, and stalls during operation. The recall campaign 14V346000 attempted to address this with replacement key rings and key inserts, but owners say the fix is substandard compared to original equipment and some claim the added key fob weight on the right knee creates medical and safety concerns.
Engine stalling without warning occurs at various speeds, from 3 mph turning into a fuel station to 63 mph on open road. One case involved uncontrolled acceleration after a gear shift that left the driver in the ICU with broken vertebrae. Owners also report electrical fires—two documented cases where parked vehicles caught fire with fire departments confirming electrical system origin.
Other electrical complaints include HVAC blend door failures causing defroster malfunction and windshield fogging (common across multiple owners), backup camera not switching off in Drive mode, radio shutoffs that sometimes disable turn signals, and key fob failures even after recall repair. Several owners mention dealerships being unresponsive or dismissive of electrical symptoms. Parts shortages delayed recall repairs by extended periods, and one owner reported the manufacturer refused help after the recall "fix" failed.
Same Chevrolet Camaro electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch sticking and not turning
Key sticks in the ignition cylinder and won't turn. Occurs intermittently at different times. One owner reported wheels being straight when problem occurred, contradicting dealer claim that straight wheels are required. Related to NHTSA recall campaign 14V346000.
When: Various times; one owner reported 44,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key won't turn in ignition; Key gets stuck; Intermittent occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially blamed owner's starting technique and steering angle. Remedy per recall was replacement key rings and key inserts for slotted keys—owner reported this as substandard compared to original equipment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall campaign 14V346000 (Electrical System); remedy consisted of replacement key rings and key inserts, which owners criticized as inadequate.
Ignition switch engaging from knee bump
Ignition switch can be accidentally activated by light contact or bumping with knee, causing engine to shut off while driving. Safety hazard because driver loses power steering and braking control.
When: Occurred multiple times while vehicle in use
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly; Loss of power when knee contacts ignition; Vehicle shuts down during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reported unresponsive to complaints. Owner trained teenage drivers on emergency response, which reportedly saved one driver when failure occurred during their driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA recall campaign 14V346000. Some owners reported recall remedy (adjusting driver seat position and adding heavy key fob weight to right knee) was problematic and unsafe.
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls without warning while driving at low and highway speeds. One incident occurred at 3 mph during right turn into fuel station, causing vehicle to roll into fuel pump buffer. Another at 63 mph with abnormal noise. Reduced power warning light illuminates before stall. Associated with electrical system recall 14V346000.
When: At 38,000 and 58,300 miles; also occurred without known mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall; Loss of power; Reduced power warning light; Abnormal noise before failure; Stalling control traction light and unknown warning lights; Loss of vehicle control
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer could not replicate failure even with certified technician test drive. Recall campaign 14V346000 noted but vehicle reportedly had recurring failures post-recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall campaign 14V346000 (Electrical System). One owner received recall notice; vehicle had recurring failure after recall attempt.
Unreliable accelerator pedal position signal (throttle control)
Accelerator pedal position sensor sends unreliable signal, causing engine derate condition. Related to fuel delivery control. Owner cited GM bulletin 07-06-04-019F and reported ongoing diagnostic trouble code.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine derate message; Service Stabilitrack warning; Engine power reduction; Unreliable throttle response
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer has not confirmed or reproduced failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin 07-06-04-019F cited by owner; no manufacturer action reported.
Uncontrolled acceleration and loss of brake response
After shifting into second gear, vehicle experienced sudden uncontrolled acceleration. Driver reported inability to slow or stop vehicle despite braking and clutch engagement. Vehicle with six-speed manual transmission. Resulted in serious accident with occupant hospitalized.
When: 9/13/2014
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration after gear shift; No brake response; Loss of vehicle control; Acting like cruise control engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss; owner retained vehicle for investigation and did not release to insurance at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; incident may be related to electrical or fuel control system malfunction.
Electrical fire - spontaneous vehicle fire
Vehicle caught fire spontaneously while parked. Fire department determined cause was electrical system. Fire was so extensive it consumed entire vehicle including glass and body panels. Also ignited adjacent parked vehicle, causing total loss of both vehicles. Occurred with brand-new vehicle at 0 miles.
When: Occurred early in vehicle ownership from 0 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous fire; Complete vehicle consumption by fire; No prior warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles totaled. Fire department confirmed electrical origin with no foul play.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in complaint.
Electrical fire - vehicle fire while parked
Vehicle caught fire while parked at gas station. Engine was off, key removed, doors locked. Fire department determined electrical system as cause. Required fire department response to extinguish.
When: Unknown mileage; occurred after normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous fire while parked and powered off; Complete vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fire and determined electrical system origin.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
HVAC blend door failure and defroster malfunction
Temperature blend door (plastic part) fails, resulting in non-functional defroster and inconsistent cabin temperature. Driver side blows cool air while passenger side blows cold air. Windshield becomes fogged causing visibility hazard on highway. Requires dashboard removal for repair, creating high labor costs. Multiple owners report this as common problem affecting many model years.
When: After 11 months of ownership in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Defroster not working; Inconsistent temperature between sides; Windshield fogging; Blinded vision on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires full dashboard removal due to poor design of plastic blend door component. Labor cost reported as high (one owner cited $4,000 in 11 months). Part itself costs approximately $49 but labor expense makes repair economically prohibitive. Multiple owners indicate this is widespread issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB documented in complaints; owners requested recall action.
Reverse camera stays on in Drive mode
Backup camera display in rear-view mirror does not turn off when vehicle is placed in Drive gear. Remains on screen, obstructing mirror view. Previously worked correctly, now takes extended time to turn off or fails to turn off entirely. Creates safety hazard as driver cannot see through mirror while driving forward.
When: Deteriorated from proper operation over time
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display stays on in Drive; Cannot see through rear-view mirror; Delayed camera shutoff; Safety hazard while driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempt documented in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Ignition stuck in On position after key removal
Ignition switch remains in On position even after key is removed from cylinder. Also exhibits intermittent failure to provide ignition power to radio, requiring door opening to reset system and restore radio function.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition stuck in On position; Radio shuts off randomly; Need to open door to reset ignition system; Radio intermittently non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states faulty ignition switch requires replacement; no repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Radio and electrical system random shutoffs
Radio shuts off randomly during normal operation. Sometimes random shutoff causes turn signal blinkers to stop functioning. May be related to broader electrical system instability.
When: Random timing during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Radio shuts off randomly; Turn signals stop working; Electrical system instability
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to explain cause. No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Key fob failure post-recall
After vehicle was repaired per electrical system recall 14V346000, key fob failed to unlock doors. Technician stated key fob required replacement.
When: After recall repair, at 44,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob won't unlock door; Door lock failure
Repairs/costs cited: Technician recommended key fob replacement; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refused to provide additional assistance, citing vehicle had already been remedied per recall 14V346000.
Recall parts unavailability and extended delay
Owner received notification for multiple recall campaigns (14V300000 for airbags and 14V346000 for electrical system) but parts required for repair were unavailable. Manufacturer took unreasonable amount of time to provide parts and complete recall repairs.
When: After recall notification issued
Symptoms owners cite: Recall repairs delayed due to parts shortage; Extended repair timeline
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall campaigns 14V300000 and 14V346000 issued; parts reportedly unavailable for extended period.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I am experiencing similar issues to those identified in GM bulletin 07-06-04-019F. I keep getting DTC P2138. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The throttle/accelerator system. Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The Accelerator Pedal Position signal is unreliable which is now derating my engine. Has the…
Ignition gets stuck in on position after key is removed. Ignition does not cut on radio at times. I have to open the door to reset Ignition system so radio can play. Faulty Ignition switch needs replacing
Common problem reported by many online regarding heater core / temperature blend door being cracked. Dashboard and windshield needs to be replaced to fix crack plastic tray costing over $2000. Emits fumes and causes fogged windshield producing low visibility. Car is fairly good condition 2012 and I use bus commute to work, low mileage.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet camaro. The contact stated that the reduced power engine shut off warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled. The failures occurred on several occasions. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a median. The vehicle was able to restart. A police report was not…
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Camaro?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 24,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 44,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Camaro.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.