1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

88

Owner Complaints

16 Crashes 3 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

The 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO has received a total of 88 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EQUIPMENT. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (6 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (5 complaints), and Air Bags (3 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO, potentially affecting up to 247,600 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 07E088000 — EQUIPMENT

| 121,680 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 HP4 AND...

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 06E065000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 3,593 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 96V219000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

| 1,573 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

88 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 4 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10816172 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 152,690 miles
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.
#10510671 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 39,000 miles
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
#10352906 | VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | | 117,345 miles 1 Injury
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
#10124635 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | | 19,000 miles
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.
#10103349 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | | 90,000 miles Fire
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

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

General Motors, LLC has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

3144 — TIRES

SLIGHT PULL LEFT OR RIGHT, TIRE WANDER. *TC UPDATED 6/4/10. *PE

99083 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN FOR THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. *TT

831512 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

ON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM BINDS OR STOPS WHEN HALFWAY OPEN OR CLOSED. *TT

971101777170 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO A TCC SLIPS AND/OR DTC P1870.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO.

Investigation EA97024 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILURE

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET CAMARO

View all CHEVROLET CAMARO model years →

Other CHEVROLET Models

View all CHEVROLET models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report