2011 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro marked the second year of the fifth-generation revival of the iconic muscle car. It was available with three engine options: a 3.6L V6 producing 312 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2L LS3 V8 (manual transmission) making 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2L L99 V8 (automatic transmission) producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Camaro’s aggressive styling and strong performance. Common complaints include limited visibility, a large turning radius, and some interior material quality issues.

Engine

3.6L V6 (LLT)

• Timing Chain Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the timing chain, leading to a stretched chain. Symptoms include a check engine light with codes related to camshaft/crankshaft correlation (P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018), rough running, misfires, and potential engine damage if left unaddressed. No audible noise is present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1800
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: High pressure fuel pump can fail, triggering a check engine light and causing performance issues
  • Solution: Replacement of the high pressure fuel pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L LS3 V8 (Manual Transmission)

• No Common Issues Found

6.2L L99 V8 (Automatic Transmission)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AFM system deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Lifter failure can occur in the AFM cylinders, leading to a ticking noise, misfires, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters and often the camshaft as well. Some owners choose to delete the AFM system entirely.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6L80)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially during light acceleration at lower speeds. Can also manifest as harsh shifting or slipping.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter and potentially flushing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission can sometimes shift harshly and irregularly, particularly during stop and go type traffic.
  • Solution: The shift solenoids need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Spring Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the car sits noticeably lower than the front, especially when loaded. Can affect handling and ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or popping sounds coming from the front suspension, especially when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains even when the car is off. This can be caused by an electrical fault.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty module and repair the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver Information Center (DIC) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Display malfunctions, flickering, or complete failure of the DIC.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DIC.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sun Visor Sagging/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The sun visors lose their ability to stay in the up position and sag down, obstructing the driver’s view.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sun visors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Lid Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The latch on the center console lid breaks, preventing the lid from staying closed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the center console lid or the latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, while a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The V6 engine is prone to timing chain issues, and the automatic transmission can experience torque converter problems. The V8 with AFM is prone to lifter failures. Electrical issues and suspension concerns like spring sag also appear. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix (sun visors), others can be costly (engine or transmission repairs). These issues are moderately concerning and require potential buyers to carefully inspect the car and review its maintenance history.