2018 Chevrolet Camaro Safety Report

2018 Chevrolet Camaro faces steering assist failure and airbag emblem projectile recalls amidst numerous owner complaints.

75Complaints
2Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Steering (12)Power Train (10)Engine (6)Electrical System (6)Unknown Or Other (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Visibility/Wiper (4)Electrical System,Structure (3)Air Bags (3)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro presents a mixed safety picture, with notable concerns primarily around steering and potential airbag issues, despite a strong rollover rating. With 75 total complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries reported to NHTSA, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported component issues are STEERING (12 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), which align with the two recalls issued for this model. The electric power steering (EPS) assist failure recall directly addresses a significant safety risk, as a loss of power steering can increase crash risk, especially at low speeds. Several complaints explicitly detail sudden loss of power steering, sometimes mid-turn, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. Beyond steering, the second recall addresses a potential hazard with the 'Camaro' emblem on the steering wheel air bag cover, which could become a projectile during deployment, increasing injury risk. While the overall NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for frontal or side impact, the vehicle did receive a 5-star rollover rating, indicating good performance in that specific area. However, the lack of comprehensive crash test data makes a full assessment of occupant protection challenging. Common complaint patterns also include engine issues (6 complaints), with specific mentions of lifter collapse and oil pump failures, some leading to engine replacement. Electrical system problems (6 complaints) are also prevalent, often linked to water intrusion in the trunk affecting the battery and fuse box, or 'shift to park' messages preventing the car from turning off. Transmission shuddering and 'shift to park' messages are also frequently cited under power train complaints. These issues, particularly the steering and airbag recalls, highlight critical safety vulnerabilities that potential owners should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electric Power Steering (Eps) Assist Failure
Sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to steer, especially at low speeds or mid-turn, increasing crash risk. Subject of a recall.
High Common varied miles
Airbag Emblem Projectile Risk
The plastic 'Camaro' emblem on the steering wheel air bag cover may separate during deployment, acting as a projectile and increasing injury risk. Subject of a recall.
Medium Rare N/A miles
Transmission Shudder/Failure
Vehicle experiences shuddering, particularly with 8-speed transmissions, or 'shift to park' messages preventing the car from fully turning off, indicating transmission control issues.
High Occasional 14000-75000 miles
Engine Lifter/Oil Pump Failure
Premature failure of engine lifters or oil pump, sometimes leading to catastrophic engine damage and replacement.
High Occasional 11000-60000 miles
Water Intrusion/Electrical System Failure
Water leaks into the trunk, affecting the battery compartment, fuse box, and amplifier, leading to electrical system shutdowns or failures.
Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro:

Steering 16% of complaints

Frequent reports of power steering assist failure, leading to difficult steering and increased crash risk, addressed by a recall.

Power Train 13% of complaints

Issues include transmission shuddering, 'shift to park' messages, and general transmission failures.

Engine 8% of complaints

Complaints about lifter collapse, oil pump failure, and complete engine replacement due to these issues.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Problems range from general electrical failures, sensor malfunctions, to complete system shutdowns often linked to water intrusion.

Air Bags 4% of complaints

Concerns about non-deployment in crashes and the steering wheel emblem becoming a projectile during deployment, subject to a recall.

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

Reports of fuel pump failure, leading to loss of power, stalling, and difficulty starting.

Structure 4% of complaints

Issues with convertible rear window separation and water leaks into the trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro has a 5-star rollover rating, but lacks comprehensive frontal and side crash test data. It has two significant safety recalls concerning electric power steering assist failure and potential airbag emblem projectiles. With 75 total complaints, including 5 crashes and 5 injuries, there are notable safety concerns, particularly regarding steering control.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro are related to STEERING (12 complaints), often involving sudden loss of power steering assist, and POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), including transmission shudder and 'shift to park' messages. Other common problems include ENGINE issues like lifter and oil pump failures, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions, sometimes due to water intrusion.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro?

Yes, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro has two recalls. One addresses electric power steering (EPS) assist failure, which can increase crash risk. The second recall is for the plastic 'Camaro' emblem on the steering wheel air bag cover, which may separate during deployment and act as a projectile, increasing injury risk.

How does the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro received a 5-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA. However, specific overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings are not available from NHTSA for this model year.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Camaro?

When considering a used 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, pay close attention to the steering system for any signs of intermittent power assist loss. Check for any 'service power steering' messages or unusual stiffness. Also, inquire about transmission performance, specifically for shuddering or 'shift to park' issues. Verify that both recalls (steering and airbag emblem) have been addressed by a dealership.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant recalls for steering and airbag safety, along with frequent complaints about power train and engine issues, thoroughly inspect service records and ensure all recalls have been completed before purchasing a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. The data includes 75 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.