2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The failure involves the powertrain, specifically the 10-speed automatic transmission and its internal Transmission Control Valve (TCV) located within the valve body. The transmission has failed, and a GM dealership determined that the entire transmission requires replacement. The vehicle is currently inoperable, and the transmission is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk due to abnormal transmission behavior. GM issued a recall for this vehicle related to excessive wear of the Transmission Control Valve, which can cause abnormal downshifting and, in some cases, wheel lock-up during downshifts. Sudden or unintended downshifting at speed presents a serious safety risk to the driver and others on the road. The failure has been confirmed by an authorized GM dealership, which diagnosed the transmission failure and stated that a full replacement is required. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and the recall remedy was performed in July 2025. The recall consisted of a software update to monitor excessive TCV wear, not a mechanical repair. Prior to the complete failure, there were repeated warning signs, including check engine warning lights. The vehicle was brought to the dealership multiple times in March and April 2025 for check engine warnings. After the recall software was installed in July 2025, the vehicle was serviced again in September 2025 with no issues noted at that time. The check engine light returned in November 2025, and on November 11, 2025, the transmission failed completely, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Despite proper maintenance and multiple service visits addressing warning indicators, the transmission failed prematurely at approximately 74,000 miles. Given the known recall related to excessive TCV wear and the nature of the failure, this appears to be a defect-related powertrain failure rather than normal wear and tear.

My 2021 Chevrolet Camaro has experienced repeated transmission-related issues and has now suffered a complete transmission failure at approximately 74,000 miles. GM previously performed the Transmission Control Valve (TCV) recall on my vehicle, but the recall was only a software update to monitor for excessive valve wear. It was not a repair. The recall notice states that excessive TCV wear can affect hydraulic pressure, torque converter lockup, and downshifting behavior, and GM created software to continuously monitor for this excessive wear to prevent a potential wheel-lock condition. Despite this, my transmission has continued to have problems. In March 2025 I brought the vehicle in for a check engine light, and again in April 2025 for additional transmission-related issues. The service history does not clearly state what repairs were performed, only that transmission service was done. We have brought the vehicle in multiple times for check engine lights and for all recall updates.In Nov 2025, the transmission began to fail completely. The dealership has now advised that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. A transmission does not require full replacement unless significant internal wear or component failure has occurred. Excessive internal wear is the exact condition the recall software is designed to monitor for. GM has stated there are “no known failures after the recall,” but my case clearly contradicts that. The recall was primarily aimed at preventing a lock-up safety event, not mechanical deterioration. Excessive TCV wear can still cause progressive internal transmission damage over time, even after the recall software is installed. This failure affects the safe operation of the vehicle, including loss of power, unpredictable shifting, and potential inability to accelerate. GM is refusing to fully cover the repair and is only offering partial goodwill coverage despite the failure of the excessive wear condition identified in the recall.

The coolant thermostat is not working correctly and could possibly cause you to damage your car due to it not being the right operating temperature or over the normal operating temperature because it goes down into the 130 while I drive and goes up when I start slowing down.

* Initial Transmission Failure: -In February 2025 my vehicle began experiencing severe and rough shifting, which was quickly followed by a "Check Engine" light. I immediately took the vehicle to dealer for inspection. * Dealer Diagnosis and Repair: -The dealership diagnosed the issue as a worn-out transmission solenoid and valve body. They informed me that they had to install a newly redesigned valve body and replace the solenoid. The repair was completed at my expense, and I paid approximately [$3000]. The dealership had my car for over six weeks, during which I was not provided a courtesy vehicle. As a result, I incurred thousands of dollars in rental car fees. * Denied Reimbursement Claim: -The recall notice included information about reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. I was told by the dealership's service advisor that I would receive a reimbursement form, which I did. I meticulously filled out the form and submitted it with all the required documentation, including my repair invoice and proof of payment. The dealership rejected my claim, stating that my specific repair was not covered by the recall and that the recall was only for a software update. This is demonstrably false, as the recall notice itself links the software issue to premature component wear, exactly what I experienced. * Ongoing Safety Concerns: -To make matters worse, I am now experiencing new transmission issues, including slipping, just months after the "repair." I am terrified to take the vehicle back to the dealership, knowing I may have to pay thousands more for rental cars and another repair that may not even solve the problem. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road, as a failing transmission can pose a serious hazard. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter. It appears that GM and its dealerships are misleading consumers and failing to honor their responsibility to reimburse owners for expenses directly caused by a known defect.

* Initial Transmission Failure: -In February 2025 my vehicle began experiencing severe and rough shifting, which was quickly followed by a "Check Engine" light. I immediately took the vehicle to dealer for inspection. * Dealer Diagnosis and Repair: -The dealership diagnosed the issue as a worn-out transmission solenoid and valve body. They informed me that they had to install a newly redesigned valve body and replace the solenoid. The repair was completed at my expense, and I paid approximately [$3000]. The dealership had my car for over six weeks, during which I was not provided a courtesy vehicle. As a result, I incurred thousands of dollars in rental car fees. * Denied Reimbursement Claim: -The recall notice included information about reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. I was told by the dealership's service advisor that I would receive a reimbursement form, which I did. I meticulously filled out the form and submitted it with all the required documentation, including my repair invoice and proof of payment. The dealership rejected my claim, stating that my specific repair was not covered by the recall and that the recall was only for a software update. This is demonstrably false, as the recall notice itself links the software issue to premature component wear, exactly what I experienced. * Ongoing Safety Concerns: -To make matters worse, I am now experiencing new transmission issues, including slipping, just months after the "repair." I am terrified to take the vehicle back to the dealership, knowing I may have to pay thousands more for rental cars and another repair that may not even solve the problem. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road, as a failing transmission can pose a serious hazard. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter. It appears that GM and its dealerships are misleading consumers and failing to honor their responsibility to reimburse owners for expenses directly caused by a known defect.