NHTSA Complaint #11660111 — 2023 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Over a year ago, my car developed an intermittent slow crank/starting issue. After driving 20–30 minutes and turning the engine off, it often wouldn’t restart on the first try, sometimes requiring 2–5 cranks. From my research (forums, Reddit, Facebook), I suspected heat soak affecting the starter, which can eventually harm the battery, alternator, or starter itself. About six months ago, the battery was replaced under warranty, though I don’t know the full details of what the dealership diagnosed back then. On April 25, 2025, a more dangerous incident occurred: while driving on the highway, my engine suddenly lost all power without warning, right as I tried to accelerate to merge lanes. I had to coast in neutral onto the shoulder, narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation on a busy road. There were no warning lights or advance signs. After getting towed, I suspected the alternator had failed due to the long-term starter heat soak issue. Both the tow truck driver and dealership technician thought the same, especially after the dealership checked the OBD2 and only saw low-voltage-related codes. After 1-2 weeks of diagnostics, the dealership shocked me with their findings: the engine had catastrophically failed. They suspect metal shavings, possibly due to a rod bearing or crankshaft failure, but the exact cause is still under investigation. They are going to replace the engine and will provide the full details once the work is done. What’s concerning is that the slow crank issue had been happening for over a year, yet no clear signs pointing to impending engine failure. Only hints were a static (not flashing) check engine light that came on and off a few times over the past year, usually disappearing after 1-2 days and not returning for months. The LT1 6.2l V8 in my 23 Camaro is essentially the same engine found in GM’s recent massive recall for L87 6.2l V8 engines in trucks/SUVs. This calls for investigation into the LT1 engines.