2012 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car known for its aggressive styling and performance. It was available with a range of engines and transmissions. The base engine was a 3.6L V6 producing 323 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 6.2L V8 was available in the SS model, producing 426 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque with the manual transmission, and 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with the automatic. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners typically appreciate the Camaro’s powerful engines, sporty handling, and iconic design. Common complaints include limited rear visibility, a cramped back seat, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, check engine light illuminated with codes related to timing issues (P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018), rattling noise from the front of the engine.
  • Solution: Replace timing chains, guides, tensioners, and potentially camshaft actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on how many injectors need replacing)
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

• Lifter Failure (particularly AFM lifters)
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, check engine light, loss of power, potential for internal engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace failed lifters, potentially camshaft, and related components. Disable Active Fuel Management (AFM) system to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ (depending on the extent of damage)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups. Blue smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: The fix for this depends on the cause, some have reported replacing the PCV Valve fixes the issue. Others have reported that piston rings are defective.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Both V6 and V8)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual (Both V6 and V8)

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal sticking or making noise.
  • Solution: Replace clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing. Resurface or replace flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+ (depending on location and brand)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic draw. Common causes include faulty aftermarket accessories, retained accessory power (RAP) issues, or failing modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, or complete failure of the radio/infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight/Taillight Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights or taillights stop working.
  • Solution: Replace the bulb or headlight/taillight assembly. Check the fuses, wiring harness, and electrical connectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $800+ (Depending on the light assembly)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked or Broken Fog Lights
  • Description/Symptoms: Fog light lenses are easily cracked or broken by road debris.
  • Solution: Replace the fog light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per fog light
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Lubricate sunroof tracks, replace sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, while offering a compelling blend of performance and style, can be susceptible to several common issues. Engine problems, particularly timing chain wear in the V6 and lifter failure/oil consumption in the V8, can be costly to address. Transmission issues, such as torque converter failure in the automatic, are also worth noting. Electrical gremlins and suspension wear can further add to the ownership experience. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite significant, making it crucial to inspect a potential purchase thoroughly and factor in potential maintenance costs.