2018 Chevrolet Camaro: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Sixth-gen still working through 8-speed automatic shudder and intermittent power-steering-assist loss. Sharp handling and strong engines, but inspect the transmission and steering before buying. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ranged from $25,905 to $67,500 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Sixth-gen still working through 8-speed automatic shudder and intermittent power-steering-assist loss. Sharp handling and strong engines, but inspect the transmission and steering before buying.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cam…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/camaro
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-camaro-grap…
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/critics-disagree-least-reliable-sixth-gen-chevro…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/chevrolet-camaro-buying-guide
Known issues
-
Intermittent loss of electric power-steering assist with a 'Power Steering Reduced / drive carefully' warning, sometimes accompanied by a momentary electrical power loss while driving; steering becomes heavy and hard to turn.
commonly reported · 44 NHTSA complaints · steering
-
8-speed automatic transmission shudder, vibration and harsh shifting at roughly 40-80 mph, traced to the torque converter / transmission fluid (dealer TSB 18-NA-355); some cars needed transmission replacement.
commonly reported · 34 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cam…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cam…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cam…
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/critics-disagree-least-reliable-sixth-gen-chevro…
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-camaro-grap…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Composed, reasonably comfortable ride for a sports coupe
- Excellent handling and steering response from the Alpha platform; among the best-driving modern pony cars
- Wide, strong engine range from an efficient turbo-four to muscular V6 and V8 SS/ZL1 power, with strong performance-per-dollar used
Cons
- Interior materials and some controls feel low-rent for the price
- Discontinued after the 2024 model year with no direct successor yet
- Cramped, hard-to-access rear seat best left to small children or cargo
- Small trunk with a narrow opening and high liftover, the tightest cargo space in the segment
- Poor outward visibility: a high beltline and small windows create large blind spots
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $25,905 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| 1LT | $26,700 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| 2LT | $30,500 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| LS Convertible | $31,905 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| 1LT Convertible | $32,700 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| 2LT Convertible | $35,700 | discontinued | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) | 23 |
| 1SS | $37,000 | discontinued | 6.2L V8 (455 hp) | 19 |
| 2SS | $42,000 | discontinued | 6.2L V8 (455 hp) | 19 |
| 1SS Convertible | $43,000 | discontinued | 6.2L V8 (455 hp) | 19 |
| 2SS Convertible | $48,000 | discontinued | 6.2L V8 (455 hp) | 19 |
| ZL1 | $61,500 | discontinued | Supercharged 6.2L V8 (650 hp) | 16 |
| ZL1 Convertible | $67,500 | discontinued | Supercharged 6.2L V8 (650 hp) | 16 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (5)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-chevrolet-camaro-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/38821
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro_(sixth_generation)
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/38817
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/38816
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,905). Higher trims started higher (up to $67,500), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2018 loses roughly another 17% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/camaro/depreciation
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 23 MPG) | ≈ $1,670/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/camaro
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-camaro-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro have?
Documented issue patterns include: Intermittent loss of electric power-steering assist with a 'Power Steering Reduced / drive carefully' warning, sometimes accompanied by a momentary electrical power loss while driving; steering becomes heavy and hard to turn; 8-speed automatic transmission shudder, vibration and harsh shifting at roughly 40-80 mph, traced to the torque converter / transmission fluid (dealer TSB 18-NA-355); some cars needed transmission replacement. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
Sixth-gen still working through 8-speed automatic shudder and intermittent power-steering-assist loss. Sharp handling and strong engines, but inspect the transmission and steering before buying.
How much did the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro cost new?
Between $25,905 and $67,500 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Camaro expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.