Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause harsh shifting, setting a service engine soon message, reduced engine performance or P0747 diagnostic trouble code. This special coverage covers vehicles that return after TCM Update Product Safety N242480630 and have P0747 condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after Marc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Camaro powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Camaro | 43 |
| 2017 Camaro | 50 |
| 2018 Camaro | 14 |
| 2019 Camaro | 18 |
| 2020 Camaro (this page) | 10 |
| 2021 Camaro | 7 |
| 2022 Camaro | 3 |
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause harsh shifting, setting a service engine soon message, reduced engine performance or P0747 diagnostic trouble code. This special coverage covers vehicles that return after TCM Update Product Safety N242480630 and have P0747 condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after Marc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause harsh shifting, setting a service engine soon message, reduced engine performance or P0747 diagnostic trouble code. This special coverage covers vehicles that return after TCM Update Product Safety N242480630 and have P0747 condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after Marc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe six distinct powertrain failure patterns in 2020 Camaros. The most dangerous: steering loss at highway speed causing a crash into a concrete curb, and unintended acceleration during reverse with brake failure that led to two vehicle collisions. Several transmission failures occurred early (around 5,000–21,000 miles), with vehicles losing drive completely or rolling backward while parked on hills—forcing owners to use emergency brakes to prevent crashes at traffic lights.
Transmission shuddering and vibration during acceleration appear across the mileage range; one owner experienced it at 130,000 miles with loud whining and metallic noises. Another reported severe shaking at highway speeds that felt like the car would break down. A few owners also describe transmission lock-up sensations with loud banging underneath the vehicle when shifting.
The recurring theme: nearly all owners received recall notification NHTSA Campaign 25V148000 (Power Train), but parts for the recall repair were unavailable. Owners report dealer repair attempts were unsuccessful or incomplete, with one vehicle stuck at a dealer for four months awaiting manufacturer approval. One owner was refused repair due to cost. Owners emphasize the manufacturer has exceeded reasonable timeframes for parts availability, and some question whether the recall remedy will actually prevent these failures.
Same Chevrolet Camaro powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Failure – Loss of Drive/Reversal Inability
Transmission fails to engage or respond when shifting into Drive or Reverse, or vehicle loses forward motion and rolls backward unexpectedly. One owner reported the transmission needs replacement; another described the car stopping mid-hill while in Drive, then rolling backward.
When: 5,000 miles; approximately 56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to respond when shifting into gears; Loss of acceleration while driving uphill; Vehicle rolls backward in Drive; No warning lights (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replaced at dealer (narrative #2); transmission replacement required per dealer diagnosis (narrative #3)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148000 (Power Train) issued; parts unavailable for recall repair at time of complaint
Unintended Acceleration with Brake Failure
While shifting or reversing, vehicle accelerates unintentionally despite brake pedal application. Owner reported collision with brick wall and secondary vehicle impact. Brakes did not respond.
When: Approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration while reversing; Brake pedal depressed but failed to respond; Vehicle accelerated and collided with structures and other vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replaced; vehicle not repaired due to outstanding recall parts availability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 15V148000 (Power Train) notification sent; parts unavailable for recall repair
Transmission Shudder/Vibration During Acceleration
Transmission vibrates, jerks, or shudders when accelerating, accompanied by abnormal noises. One owner reported severe shaking at highway speeds; another described vibration, jerking, whining, and metallic sounds at 65 MPH.
When: Approximately 130,000 miles; no mileage specified for shudder case
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and jerking during acceleration; Abnormal whining and metallic sounds from transmission; Severe shaking at highway speeds; Check engine light illuminated (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's claim covered under warranty; dealer (Starling GMC Titusville) diagnosed need for engine and drive belt replacement but repair not completed due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148000 (Power Train) associated with failure; manufacturer referred contact to dealer for assistance
Steering Loss and Crash Due to Unrepaired Recall
Steering failed to respond in intended direction, causing vehicle to twist and wheels to lock. Owner crashed into concrete curb, damaging front passenger door and detaching door panel. Failure was attributed to unrepaired recall 25V148000.
When: Approximately 56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel failed to steer in intended direction; Vehicle twisted unexpectedly; Wheels locked; Check engine light illuminated; Electrical system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; at dealer for four months awaiting repair; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148000 (Power Train) unrepaired; manufacturer approval for claim required; recall repair to be performed by dealer
Performance Shift Activation Causing Loss of Control
Performance shift mode activated unexpectedly or was triggered inappropriately, causing driver to lose vehicle control, drift, and collide with vehicle ahead.
When: Approximately 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Performance shift activated unintentionally; Loss of vehicle control; Vehicle drifted into traffic; Performance shift warning light illuminated; Collision with vehicle in front
Repairs/costs cited: Collision damage repaired at repair shop; no powertrain-specific repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no recall or TSB mentioned
Transmission Lock-Up/Loud Banging Sounds
Loud banging noise from underneath vehicle when shifting; transmission feels as if it is about to lock or seize. Owner experienced this six months after receiving recall notification.
When: Approximately 10,000 miles; six months after recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging sound underneath vehicle; Transmission felt as if it would lock; Occurs when shifting from Reverse to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer contacted but issue not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V148000 (Power Train) notification received; parts unavailable for recall repair
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. The vehicle twisted and the wheels locked. The vehicle crashed into a concrete curb. The contact stated that the vehicle incurred damage to the front passenger's door, and the front passenger's door panel was detached. The vehicle…
Vehicle was shaking when accelerating, the issue is coming from a faulty transmission shudder on all 8 speed automatic transmission sold by General Motors. My safety was at risk due to very bad shaking that almost felt like the car was going to break down at highway speeds. The issue has been covered and fixed under my vehicle warranty, but may re appear according to sources online. There were no…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - the car itself stopped as I was driving up a hill. The car would not accelerate and while in Drive, the car began to roll backwards. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - as I the car stopped accelerating, I was at a red light with other cars present. I have to put my car in…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated while shifting into gears to pull out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the TCM was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V148000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact called on behalf of the driver who was his daughter. The contact stated while the driver was driving at approximately 45 MPH the performance shifted activated causing her to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle drifted and caused it to hit a vehicle in front. There was a performance shift warning light illuminated. There were no air bags…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 44,400 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2020/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.