1999 Chevrolet Camaro
1999 Chevrolet Camaro
The 1999 Chevrolet Camaro is a powerful and sporty muscle car that has been a popular choice among enthusiasts for decades. It is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 5.7L V8 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
Drivers appreciate the Camaro’s sleek styling, powerful engines, and responsive handling. However, it has also been known to have some issues.
Engine
3.8L V6
Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and oil leaks. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, and difficulty starting. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
5.7L V8
- Opti-spark distributor failure: The Opti-spark distributor can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rough idle, misfires, and difficulty starting. The solution is to replace the Opti-spark distributor. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $700+
- Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and oil leaks. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Transmission
4-speed Automatic
- Transmission slipping: The transmission can slip, causing a loss of power or a delay in shifting. Symptoms include difficulty accelerating, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
5-speed Manual
Shift linkage problems: The shift linkage can become worn or damaged, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting, grinding noises, and a loose shifter. The solution is to replace the shift linkage. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the car to lose power or become difficult to drive. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, a burning smell, and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
Driveline
Driveshaft vibration: The driveshaft can vibrate, causing a shaking or humming noise at certain speeds. Symptoms include a vibration felt throughout the car, particularly at highway speeds. The solution is to balance or replace the driveshaft. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
Suspension
Struts and shocks failure: The struts and shocks can fail, causing the car to ride rough and reduce handling. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and difficulty maintaining control over the car. The solution is to replace the struts and shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+
Sway bar end links failure: The sway bar end links can fail, causing a rattling or clunking noise from the suspension. Symptoms include a rattling or clunking noise, particularly over bumps or rough roads. The solution is to replace the sway bar end links. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Electrical
Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the car to lose power. Symptoms include flickering headlights, dimming gauges, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the car to lose power. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, dimming headlights, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Exterior
Door lock actuator failure: The door lock actuator can fail, causing the doors to become inoperable from the inside or outside. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, or doors that lock or unlock by themselves. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $150 - $300+
Trunk latch failure: The trunk latch can fail, causing the trunk to become inoperable. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the trunk, or a trunk that opens or closes by itself. The solution is to replace the trunk latch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Interior
HVAC control panel failure: The HVAC control panel can fail, causing the climate control system to malfunction. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the temperature or fan speed, or a lack of response from the HVAC controls. The solution is to replace the HVAC control panel. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Instrument cluster failure: The instrument cluster can fail, causing the gauges and warning lights to malfunction. Symptoms include flickering gauges, dim or inoperable warning lights, or a complete loss of function. The solution is to replace the instrument cluster. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+ Summary The 1999 Chevrolet Camaro is a powerful and fun-to-drive muscle car. However, it is also known to have some reliability issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain failure (3.8L V6), Opti-spark distributor failure (5.7L V8), transmission slipping (4-speed automatic), and alternator failure. The cost to fix these issues can range from $200 to over $3,000. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in the cost of repairs when considering purchasing a used Camaro.