This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 75,559 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Camaro | 57 |
| 2011 Camaro | 20 |
| 2012 Camaro (this page) | 14 |
| 2013 Camaro | 7 |
| 2014 Camaro | 6 |
| 2015 Camaro | 9 |
| 2016 Camaro | 9 |
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine 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
Among the 12 model years of Chevrolet Camaro in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
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 service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Camaro engine issues span electrical misfires, mechanical failure, and sensor problems. Several owners report sudden power loss at highway speeds, with the engine refusing to restart until it cools, then mysteriously starting again—Chevy blamed software but computer resets haven't fixed the pattern. One owner experienced complete shutdown with no electrical controls while driving; after starter replacement, the engine knocked uncontrollably.
Internal engine damage shows up early: a six-rod bearing spun at 9,800 miles, and a piston head valve spring fractured at 76,000 miles. All four oxygen sensors failed in another vehicle shortly after bearing repair. Two owners report timing chain and gear defects requiring major replacement at 75,559 and on highway at unknown mileage. Another owner's engine won't accelerate and shows low oil pressure warnings with timing chain failure diagnosed.
Wrist pin and piston wear, knocking on restart, and engine misfires round out the mechanical complaints. One owner's Check Engine light won't clear due to an EVAP sensor in a hard-to-reach spot—repair requires dropping the fuel tank. Stalling happens sporadically from low speeds to 50 mph, sometimes with no warning lights at all. Dealers have reset computers multiple times without resolution; some owners' vehicles remain unrepaired despite multiple visits.
Same Chevrolet Camaro engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Low engine power / stalling at driving speed
Engine loses power suddenly during highway or regular driving, reduces to 40 mph and won't accelerate, or stalls completely. Some vehicles restart after cooling or sitting; others fail to restart immediately. Happens sporadically. Check Engine light may illuminate (Low Engine Power code) but sometimes extinguishes after restart.
When: Interstate/highway speeds (40–50 mph); first incident at 4,200 miles; recurred within 3 months; sporadic across mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Reduced acceleration; Complete engine stall without warning; Check Engine light (Low Engine Power); Engine won't restart immediately (requires 1–2 hour cool-down); Engine light disappears after reset or restart
Codes mentioned: P0016 (inferred from 'dynamics' mentioned in OnStar diagnostic; Chevrolet service suggested computer/software issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Chevrolet dealer recommended computer reset; issue recurred despite resets. One dealer performed 100-mile test drive but could not duplicate stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar diagnostic performed; Chevy advised waiting hours to retry; recommended computer reset by dealer (twice); no recall or TSB cited
Complete engine shutdown with no controls
Engine dies suddenly while driving with complete loss of electrical control, though electronics remain powered. Starter remains engaged after shutdown, preventing restart. After starter replacement, engine produces uncontrolled knocking.
When: During normal commute (exact mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine death; Air sucking through cabin before shutdown; Electronics remain on; Starter engaged and stuck after shutdown; Rapid engine shaking on restart attempt after cool-down; Uncontrolled engine knock after starter replacement; No check engine lights or alarms on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested—both OK. Full tune-up performed. Starter replaced; engine then knocked uncontrollably.
Rod bearing failure
Six-rod bearing spun, causing loss of engine power and stall. Vehicle failed to restart. Bearing had to be replaced.
When: 9,800 miles (failure mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Reduction in engine power; Vehicle stalled at 10 mph; Failed to restart; Check Engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Six-rod bearing replacement required at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of the failure
Oxygen sensor failure (all four)
All four oxygen sensors failed after rod bearing repair. Check Engine light came on. Failure recurred after dealer repair.
When: 10,200 miles (current mileage after bearing repair at 9,800 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: All four oxygen sensors replaced at dealer; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of the failure
Engine misfire and valve spring fracture
Engine misfires while idling and several warning lights illuminate. Piston head valve spring fractured in half. Vehicle stalled and required towing.
When: 76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire at idle; Multiple warning indicators illuminated; Check Engine indicator on; Vehicle stalled
Repairs/costs cited: Piston head valve spring fractured; repair details not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer (Berglund Chevrolet Buick, Roanoke VA) notified
Timing chain and gear defect
Defective timing chain and gear diagnosed by dealer when Check Engine light illuminated. Timing chain and gear required replacement.
When: 75,559 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and gear replaced at dealer; manufacturer helped with repair after repeated calls
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and provided case number; manufacturer helped with repair after repeated owner calls
Timing chain failure with knocking
Vehicle stalls on highway with Check Engine light. Engine produces knocking sound when restart attempted. Mechanic diagnosed as motor failure, likely timing chain related.
When: Highway driving (mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls; Check Engine light comes on; Engine dies completely; Loud knocking sound when trying to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed 'motor' failure; specific repair not stated
EVAP system sensor (fuel tank pressure) malfunction
Check Engine light continuously illuminates due to faulty fuel cap sensor or EVAP system sensor. Sensor may have been subject to recall, but vehicle owner reports no recall notice received. Sensor location requires dropping entire gas tank for replacement, making repair costly and intrusive.
When: Mileage not stated; checked repeatedly over time
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light continuously comes on; Auto start/stop feature disabled (won't function with Check Engine light active)
Repairs/costs cited: Identified as faulty fuel cap/EVAP sensor; requires dropping entire gas tank for access—major, expensive repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic reports sensor was recalled 'several years ago,' but owner did not receive recall notice and no recall visible on vehicle record
Engine stalling at low speeds and in traffic
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while in reverse and when pulling out into traffic. Sporadic stalling with no clear pattern.
When: 1,000 miles (initial stall in reverse); recurred by 7,794 miles (pulling into traffic)
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling in reverse; Stalling when pulling into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; taken to dealer twice but no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure
Wrist pin and piston failure
Loud noise from engine while at stop sign. Dealer diagnosed faulty wrist pins and piston requiring replacement.
When: 34,000 miles (approximate)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise coming from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Wrist pins and piston identified as faulty; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Low oil pressure warning and timing chain failure
While driving, vehicle fails to accelerate and makes clicking noise when starting. Low oil pressure warning light illuminates with message 'Turn Engine Off Now.' Mechanic diagnosed timing chain failure.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Fails to accelerate while in motion; Clicking noise on engine start; Low oil pressure warning light; Warning message 'Turn Engine Off Now'
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain identified as failed by mechanic; specific repair not stated
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 28,500 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 75,559. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,500; a quarter make it past 92,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.