2021 Chevrolet Camaro: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

One of the best used Camaros: the sixth-gen's early transmission and steering bugs are behind it, reliability complaints are minimal, and it drives brilliantly. Packaging compromises (visibility, rear seat, trunk) are the only caveat. New, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ranged from $25,000 to $69,000 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Strong track record

One of the best used Camaros: the sixth-gen's early transmission and steering bugs are behind it, reliability complaints are minimal, and it drives brilliantly. Packaging compromises (visibility, rear seat, trunk) are the only caveat.

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

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

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
1LS $25,000 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
1LT $25,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
2LT $27,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
3LT $31,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
1LT Convertible $31,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
2LT Convertible $33,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
LT1 $34,000 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
1SS $37,500 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
3LT Convertible $37,500 discontinued 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (275 hp) 22
LT1 Convertible $40,000 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
2SS $42,500 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
1SS Convertible $43,500 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
2SS Convertible $48,500 discontinued 6.2L V8 (455 hp) 19
ZL1 $63,000 discontinued Supercharged 6.2L V8 (650 hp) 16
ZL1 Convertible $69,000 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.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (4)

Depreciation

$7k $14k $20k $27k 2021202320252027202920312033
2021 entry trim from new

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $69,000), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 24% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (1)
  • caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/camaro/depreciation

Cost to own

Routine maintenance≈ $750–800/yr
Insurance (high tier)≈ $2,500–2,600/yr
Fuel (12k mi/yr, 19 MPG)≈ $2,463/yr

Requires premium fuel

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?

One of the best used Camaros: the sixth-gen's early transmission and steering bugs are behind it, reliability complaints are minimal, and it drives brilliantly. Packaging compromises (visibility, rear seat, trunk) are the only caveat.

How much did the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro cost new?

Between $25,000 and $69,000 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. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Is the Chevrolet Camaro expensive to maintain?

Estimated routine maintenance runs about $750–800/year. Note: it requires premium fuel.

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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.