Within 5 months of purchase (the mileage was 59585 when issues began) I began having issues with the engine, and took my car to the dealership over 10 times over the next year, and was charged $500 every time for them to put new spark plugs and wires and send me home only to come back a month later with the same problem only worse. This lasted until my warranty expired and then I was told I needed a new engine. I filed a complaint with the bbb (#chv0230345) and it was accepted for arbitration but the manufacturer never contacted me as they were supposed to and I can not get a response. I have had to replace the motor and the catalytic converter twice and now the car will not even start. I always took my car to the dealership so that it would be properly serviced, and I am very upset and am planning on seeking reimbursement, compensation and a vehicle that works. I see that there were many bulletins sent out regarding the same issues and have spoken to other 1997 camaro owners who are also very upset and have the same issues, and we are seeking to file a class action suit. Ts
1997 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems
13 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 59,585.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 59,585
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine6
- Engine: gasoline3
- Cooling system3
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Exhaust system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Camaro engine problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Chevrolet Camaro owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Leak in rear main seal
Center bearing broken inside motor. *ak *ts *nlm *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemist*762837
Vehicle was leaking coolant. Took vehicle to dealer and dealer indicated engine coolant was breaking down and malfunctioning different parts in engine.
Excessive rust in the cooling system possibly due to dexcool coolant. Causing overheating, false instrument readings, and gumming up the thermostat causing it to stick.
Dealer has been jerking me around. Replaced the intake manifold gasket once. Year went by, got another oil leak and the water pump went up. Took to the dealership, they replaced water pump, but didn't fill the coolant back up. They alleged to have fixed the intake manifold gasket again. Still getting an oil leak. Checked the problem myslef and found oil coming from pinion seal. Dealership said that it wasn't leaking when I just had the water pump fixed. They charged me to replace the pinion seal, even after talking to the service manager, chevrolet and gmpp, the extended warrenty provider. After the seal was replaced I notice a hum at 35mph+. Dealer says it's normal, even though I've never had it before. I checked the fluid level in the rear, and it was a quart low on oil. Noone seems to want to do anything to help me.
In regard to this vehicle, chevrolet has been contacted and not much is being done about the situation. I believe that chevrolet should support their consumers, as they should be dedicated to their products and the people who purchase them. I am noy getting much support from either the dealership or chevrolet personally. Anything you can assist in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated. I believe that chevrolet should extend the warranty on the problems my vehicle has had, as it came from the manufacturer defective. Thank you for your time.
Engine cuts out when hood gets wet, whether by rain or by washing the car. I took the car to the dealer and was told that the system worked as designed. They said, "it is typical for this type vehicle to miss and run rough if water gets onto distributor asm under front of vehicle." there is no fix for this problem. You have to park the car and wait for it to dry out to be able to drive the car again.
Oxygen sensor in gas filler tube failed. Yh
Air intake manifold/ air intake boot failed; air leaks out. Also, there is an oil leak.
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro engine
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro have engine problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro, 19% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Camaro engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 59,585 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Camaro have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Camaro model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (84 complaints), 2011 (33 complaints) and 2012 (26 complaints).
Other 1997 Chevrolet Camaro problems
Brakes 10Airbags 8Lights 7Transmission 7Electrical 6Steering 5Body 4Fuel system 4Suspension 4Visibility 4Seat belts 2Seats 2Acceleration 1Tires 1
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