1997 Chevrolet Camaro
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Camaro › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. the recall began during november 2007. owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. the recall began on july 31, 2006. owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
These vehicles were manufactured with seat belt retractors out of design position which can cause the retractor to lock-up on slopes less severe than the fmvss requirement. this does not comply with fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle collision, unbelted occupants are more at risk of injury than those using seat belts.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belts for proper front seat belt retractor position. retractors found to be improperly positioned will be reinstalled correctly.
Owner complaints
69 complaints12 involved a crash3 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
This car IS a 97 Z28 with the 350ci motor and 4 speed auto transmission. what happens IS that when the front wheels are not turning, the rear brakes do not engage, no matter how hard you push down on the brake pedal. the issue presents itself under icy conditions. The first time it happened…
This car IS a 97 Z28 with the 350ci motor and 4 speed auto transmission. what happens IS that when the front wheels are not turning, the rear brakes do not engage, no matter how hard you push down on the brake pedal. the issue presents itself under icy conditions. The first time it happened was when I pulled into a spot at a fast food place, the parking spot was icy while the rest of the lot was ice free. As I pulled into the spot, I put on my brakes and the front wheels stopped, but the rear did not. They were on the clear part of the parking lot and they should have stopped my forward motion, however they did not. Slid ahead until the front hit the snow bank. thought this was unusual, but didn't concern myself about it any more. next time I became aware of the problem was when I had the rear (both) wheels of the car off the ground and I put the car in drive as I wanted to check if one of the rear rims was bent. Well no it wasn't but when I got back in the car to put it in park, I pressed on the brake pedal to stop the rear wheels from turning, and then went to put the gear shift lever in park. Big grinding noise. So I pressed harder on the brake and tried to put it in park again, again big grinding noise. So I looked at the rear wheels while pressing the brake, and what to my surprise, the rear wheels do not stop! This can't be a good thing. today as I backed out of the garage, the driveway was a little icy. So as I backed up, I put on the brakes, and of course, only the front wheels stopped and the rear wheels kept pulling the car down the driveway. Not a good thing if a car IS passing by on the street. so what's up with this. Yes my check engine light IS on, but I was told by the chev dealer that it IS from the transmission because sometimes, when it IS hot, it will shift hard.
- Exterior lighting
1997 through 2002 camaro's equipped with daytime running lights may experience failures of turn signals. Failures include failure of turn signals to illuminate or failure to blink. Failures may also include premature bulb failure to headlights, turn signals (front and rear), and parking lights. I…
1997 through 2002 camaro's equipped with daytime running lights may experience failures of turn signals. Failures include failure of turn signals to illuminate or failure to blink. Failures may also include premature bulb failure to headlights, turn signals (front and rear), and parking lights. I have encountered numerous vehicles with front and rear turn signal sockets burned/ shorted. The turn signals operate through the daytime running light module and module IS prone to failure/ overheat/ shorting causing failure of turn signals. Wiring to dtrl module in dash behind radio IS often overheated or burned causing intermittent or complete loss of function to turn signals. Loss of turn signal function can cause accidents and wiring shorts from overheat conditions may lead to in dash fires or isolated fires within exterior lamps.overheated in dash wiring may cause damage to other systems or components. *tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Windows intermittently worked when the want to. now drivers window will not go up and passengers side still works when it wants to. The consequences could be devastating as I live in a town that has a high crime rate as in carjacking. I also have my toddler in his carseat and the wind has caused…
Windows intermittently worked when the want to. now drivers window will not go up and passengers side still works when it wants to. The consequences could be devastating as I live in a town that has a high crime rate as in carjacking. I also have my toddler in his carseat and the wind has caused him to stop breathing for a moment and scared me to no end. Then I can not carry a child with asthma because of the wind/air will cause him to have an attack. I am currently trying to raise the money to repair the problem. I researched the problem on-line and discovered this IS a problem with the camaro's and it's not a small problem. Now I am forced to have my car open to theft as I can't roll my window up and I can not carry my precious cargo as it IS unsafe to there health. I can't imagine if it were to rain I would not be able to drive it myself..the injuries were to the toddler whom stopped breathing due to much air flow in his face because I was unable to put the window up. *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Left blinker keeps blowing out. I've replaced it 5 times in a week and a half. Something IS wrong with the electrical system majorly.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
While driving at various speeds alternator overheated, causing a small fire in the wiring behind the alternator consumer extinguished the fire, and had the vehicle towed. Consumer did not report fire to police or fire department. Also, dealer was not notified. *Ak
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Driving down road when steering arm broke, resulting in car going off the road through a ditch leading to severe crash.nothing has been done to remedy the failure the vehicle was a total loss.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bags on 1997 camaro did not deploy on collision and roll over.*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The passenger's side rear window motor failed without any indication that a problem was developing. Consumer was unable to raise the window. *Ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving, the power steering broke which caused fluid to spill out and total failure of the steering. *ak the consumer lost control of the vehicle. the power steering pump and the serpentine belt were replaced. *scc *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring · Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Since vehicle purchase turn signal and parking "yellow" lights were constantly illuminating. consumer assumed that vehicle was supposed to operate that way. when the right turn signal light blew, consumer took car to dealer, who diagnosed as a electrical wiring problem with vehicle. *ak
- Air bags
While driving lost control, accident occurred and air bags did not deploy. *mr the consumer was driving down the road when he hit a tree, bounced forward, and smashed into another vehicle. *scc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Center bearing broken inside motor. *Ak *ts *nlm *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemist*762837
- Air bags
While driving at 50 mph the consumer lost control of the vehicle and as a result hit another driver. none of the vehicles airbags deployed. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Within 5 months of purchase (the mileage was 59585 when issues began) I began having issues with the engine, and took my car to the dealership over 10 times over the next year, and was charged $500 every time for them to put new spark plugs and wires and send me home only to come back a month later…
Within 5 months of purchase (the mileage was 59585 when issues began) I began having issues with the engine, and took my car to the dealership over 10 times over the next year, and was charged $500 every time for them to put new spark plugs and wires and send me home only to come back a month later with the same problem only worse. this lasted until my warranty expired and then I was told I needed a new engine. I filed a complaint with the bbb (#chv0230345) and it was accepted for arbitration but the manufacturer never contacted me as they were supposed to and I can not get a response. I have had to replace the motor and the catalytic converter twice and now the car will not even start. I always took my car to the dealership so that it would be properly serviced, and I am very upset and am planning on seeking reimbursement, compensation and a vehicle that works. I see that there were many bulletins sent out regarding the same issues and have spoken to other 1997 camaro owners who are also very upset and have the same issues, and we are seeking to file a class action suit. ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Leak in rear main seal
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
The camaro, firebird, corvette, and some gm minivans use the front turn signal lamps for daytime running lamps. When one of these fails, the other bulb IS continuously illuminated, which can be miscontrued as a faulty turn signal. Such confusion on the part of other motorists or pedestrians can…
The camaro, firebird, corvette, and some gm minivans use the front turn signal lamps for daytime running lamps. When one of these fails, the other bulb IS continuously illuminated, which can be miscontrued as a faulty turn signal. Such confusion on the part of other motorists or pedestrians can easily lead to a crash. Suggested course of action: recall all such 1997-2003 vehicles and disconnect drls or rewire drls such that a single bulb outage will extinguish both lamps. The same applies to the gm full size trucks, but to a lesser extent because they use dedicated function white lamps for drls instead of the amber turn signals. Dt
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
#5 fuel injector failed for the 3RD time while driving, causing vehicle to slow down considerably, almost having a collision. consumer this was3rd failed fuel injector in 5 years.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
During repairs technician informed consumer of a melted furl pump wire within tfuel tank which could cause a possible fire. Dealer and manufactuere were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Engine stalled intermittently. vehicle taken to the repair shop, and consumer was informed that problem was a malfunctioning fuel pump. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Since I bought the car new, it has gone through 4 sets of rear disc pads. the pads have uneven wear from top to bottom which make the car have a "not smooth" stopping feel. the most recent incident on 6/2002 was the rear brakes making a loud squeeling noise when stopping at a traffic light. the…
Since I bought the car new, it has gone through 4 sets of rear disc pads. the pads have uneven wear from top to bottom which make the car have a "not smooth" stopping feel. the most recent incident on 6/2002 was the rear brakes making a loud squeeling noise when stopping at a traffic light. the rear wheels are more dirty than the front wheels. normally, the fronts would be more dirty than the rears. this leads me to believe the rear brakes are "hanging up" on the rotor (not releasing). the dealer insists there IS nothing wrong with the rear brakes.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle was leaking coolant. Took vehicle to dealer and dealer indicated engine coolant was breaking down and malfunctioning different parts in engine.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
GMC paper work admits a design defect, looking for other power transmission failures. *Ak
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Driveshaft failed immediately after purchase, possibly related to the installation of unbalanced driveshaft. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Excessive rust in the cooling system possibly due to dexcool coolant. Causing overheating, false instrument readings, and gumming up the thermostat causing it to stick.
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
This IS a general observation of the 1997 and newer camaro and firebird. If a bulb burns out in the turn signal drl system, the remaining bulb can be misinterpreted as a turn signal instead of a drl. I suggest recalling all such vehicles and disconnecting the drls or require the manufacturer to wire such drls in series. I've filed a similar comment in docket 4124.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tube retaining clip failure
Most of the reports reviewed in this investigation are fire incidents in which fuel leakage has been alleged as the cause or the area of origin IS consistent with the alleged defect.there IS no evidence that the subject clip was a factor in any of these fire incidents and nhtsa testing indicates thatbroken or…
Most of the reports reviewed in this investigation are fire incidents in which fuel leakage has been alleged as the cause or the area of origin IS consistent with the alleged defect.there IS no evidence that the subject clip was a factor in any of these fire incidents and nhtsa testing indicates thatbroken or dislodged retention clip does not result in significant movement of the fuel line bundle toward the left secondary air injection check valve.failure of the clip places the fuel line bundle assembly in the same configuration as the 1993 model year lti vehicles.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Fuel tub retaining clip failure
Owners have reported failures of the fuel tube retention clip that attaches to the plastic throttle linkage cover.according to gm, the subject retention clip (p/n 12048089) was implemented in production on october 12, 1993, to address a concern with incorrect assembly plant fuel line routing.mis-routed fuel tubes may…
Owners have reported failures of the fuel tube retention clip that attaches to the plastic throttle linkage cover.according to gm, the subject retention clip (p/n 12048089) was implemented in production on october 12, 1993, to address a concern with incorrect assembly plant fuel line routing.mis-routed fuel tubes may fail from contact with a hot air check valve, creating a fire hazard in the engine compartment.gm maintains that no problems should occur if the clip IS properly installed and isn't mishandled during subsequent service operations.some owners have alleged to odi that the subject clip becomes brittle over time and may also pull free of the throttle linkage cover attachment hole.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10017070Rear suspension clunk noise.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10010619Driveshaft ping ting clang snap or click noise.
- 10010180Slight pull left or right, tire wander. Updated 6/4/10.
- 10009370The engine does not stall when performing a p1870 diagnostic test with the tech 2 scan tool or when commanding the torque converter clutch enable solenoid on applications that do not have the p1870 diagnostic test listed. 4L60e or 4l65e transmissions.
- 100087666SP manual transmission stuck in fourth gear will not shift out of fourth.
- 10007576Roll-out for the gen III small block engines with iridium spark plugs. Also includes 2003/2004 M/L vans.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 6092567Voluntary emission campaign involving the air injection reactor (air) pump emission control system which may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 6091560On some vehicles the air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump emission control system may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 6089940Special policy adjustment regarding spark plug wire replacement.
- 6088977Special policy adjustment for spark plug wire replacement on vehicles equipped with 3.8L engine.
- 636700Service manual advises incorrect usage of convertible top fluid.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634815Some customers may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated and diagnostic trouble code p1870 set.
- 632306Some owners may comment on a buzz or rattle sound from the door panel or rear quarter panel trim speaker locations.
- 627839Information regarding harsh 1-2 upshift, service engine soon, malfunction indicator lamp, or cel illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p1870 set. (1996-2000 chevrolet and GMC light duty truck models)
- 622930Some owners with vehicles built before january 15,1999 may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and may also have a check engine light.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619008On certain vehicles, the air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump emission control system may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 618141A no reverse, no second gear, or no fourth gear condition. Updated
- 618109Vehicles may experience exhaust gas recirculation valve failures.
Every Chevrolet Camaro model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.