CarBrief

Owners filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Camaro, and air bags are the biggest group[1][2]. Two recalls apply, one for the ignition key and one for the power seat bolt[3][4].

194owner complaints[1]
2recalls[5]
19–22MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 194 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Camaro[1]. Of those, 15 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 11 injuries in total[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Here is how the named component groups look. Another 17 complaints fall under unknown or other[7].

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Air bags[2] 69 48,000
Engine[8] 33 41,879
Electrical system[9] 29 43,000
Power train[10] 18 16,000
Seats[11] 15 54,000
Steering[12] 14 12,398
Structure[13] 9 6,900

Air bags. This group has 69 complaints, with 8 crashes and 7 injuries[2]. In the sample of 12 complaints we read, 7 describe a passenger air bag off light or a service air bag warning that came on, sometimes on and off, and repairs that did not settle it[2]. Two describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash, and two describe air bags that deployed when the owner thought they should not have[2].

Engine. There are 33 complaints, with 3 crashes and 1 fire[8]. In a sample of 12 we read, 3 describe shaking or rough running, and 2 describe low oil or oil loss[8].

Electrical system. There are 29 complaints[9]. In a sample of 12 we read, 7 are about the ignition key recall[9]. Owners describe waiting for parts or disliking how the new key hangs near the knee. Two describe convertible top trouble[9].

Power train. There are 18 complaints, none with a crash, fire or injury, and the median mileage at failure is 16,000[10]. In a sample of 12 we read, 4 describe manual transmission shifting trouble, including second gear grinding[10]. Two describe a clutch that stuck or burned out, and 2 describe a coolant leak or overheating with a fogged windshield[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Camaro[5].

Fuel economy

EPA lists five versions of the 2011 Camaro, all rear-wheel drive and all on regular gas.

Engine and transmission City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[14] 19 / 29 / 22 $3,050
3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[6] 18 / 28 / 22 $3,050
3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[15] 17 / 27 / 20 $3,350
6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd[16] 16 / 24 / 19 $3,550
6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6)[17] 16 / 24 / 19 $3,550

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. The 6.2L engine costs $500 more per year than the best 3.6L version in EPA's estimate[17][14].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's rollover rating is 5 stars for both versions listed, with a rollover risk of 8.7%[18][19]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

EPA test vehicles list 304 hp for the 3.6L 6-cylinder[20] and 420 hp for the 6.2L 8-cylinder[21].

The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications, so they can differ slightly from US models. All four listed versions share the same length, width, height and wheelbase.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door coupe LS/LT[22] 191 in 76 in 54 in 112 in 3,748 lb
2-door coupe SS[23] 191 in 76 in 54 in 112 in 3,869 lb
Convertible LS/LT[24] 191 in 76 in 54 in 112 in 3,750 lb
Convertible SS[25] 191 in 76 in 54 in 112 in 3,860 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

1995: 216 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 116 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 69 complaints, 1 recalls19971998: 173 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 90 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 76 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 48 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 68 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 295 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 194 complaints, 2 recalls19420112012: 113 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 187 complaints, 3 recalls2014: 188 complaints, 3 recalls20142015: 206 complaints, 1 recalls2016: 141 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 189 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 81 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 53 complaints, 1 recalls2020: 32 complaints, 3 recalls20202021: 20 complaints, 4 recalls2022: 14 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 15 complaints, 0 recalls2024: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2024
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Camaro model year. The 2011 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952161
19961160
1997691
19981730
1999901
2000760
2001480
2002681
20102952
20111942
20121134
20131873
20141883
20152061
20161411
20171893
2018812
2019531
2020323
2021204
2022141
2023150
202440

The 2011 Camaro has 194 complaints and 2 recalls on file[5]. The 2010 model has 295 complaints and 2 recalls[5]. The 2012 has 113 complaints and 4 recalls[5]. The 2013 has 187 and 3, and the 2014 has 188 and 3[5]. The 2015 has 206 complaints and 1 recall[5].

Among model years 2010 to 2024, only 2010 and 2015 have more complaints than 2011[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so a higher count does not by itself mean a worse car.

Should you buy a used 2011 Camaro?

The 2011 Camaro has a visible complaint history, led by air bag warning lights in the sample we read[2]. Check that the air bag light stays off with and without a passenger in the seat, and ask whether the ignition key recall (14V346) and the seat bolt recall (14V447) were done, since both have a dealer remedy and the seat bolt repair is free of charge[3][4]. If you want a manual, ask about shifting and clutch feel, because some power train complaints describe those[10]. Budget for fuel too, since EPA's annual estimate runs from $3,050 to $3,550[6][17]. Our data does not cover price, reliability scores or maintenance costs, so use a pre-purchase inspection to fill those gaps.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro?
Air bags are the largest NHTSA complaint group at 69 of 194 complaints, followed by engine with 33 and electrical system with 29[1][2][8][9].
Does the 2011 Camaro have any recalls?
Yes, 2 recalls are listed: 14V447 for a power seat height adjuster bolt and 14V346 for the ignition key[3][4][5].
What gas mileage does the 2011 Camaro get?
EPA combined ratings run from 19 mpg for the 6.2L 8-cyl to 22 mpg for the 3.6L automatic versions[6][16][17][14].
How much horsepower does the 2011 Camaro have?
EPA test vehicles list 304 hp for the 3.6L 6-cylinder and 420 hp for the 6.2L 8-cylinder[20][21].
Is the 2011 Camaro a safe car?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars for rollover with an 8.7% rollover risk[18][19]. Our data has no other star ratings.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 194 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro (15 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 69 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 14V447, filed July 23, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 14V346, filed June 20, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Camaro model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Camaro, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 17 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 33 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,879). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 29 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 15 complaints name the seats component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 14 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,398). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 9 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Camaro, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Camaro, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Camaro, 6.2L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Camaro, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 304 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 420 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMARO 2DR COUPE RWD LS/LT: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,748 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMARO 2DR COUPE RWD SS: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMARO CONVERTIBLE RWD LS/LT: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,750 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMARO CONVERTIBLE RWD SS: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,860 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.