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Chevrolet Camaro transmission failure problems

36 of the 2,968 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Camaro describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
36
worst model year
2021
typical repair cost reported
$5,400
typical mileage
19,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2021
    6
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2010
    3
  • 2002
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    4
  • 1992
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

The automatic transmission power train and electrical software system failed, and components are currently disassembled and available for inspection at Legacy Chevrolet. Safety was put at risk due to a sudden loss of reverse gear and erratic shifting while operating, creating an immediate crash hazard. The problem was explicitly confirmed by an authorized dealer technician who diagnosed code P0746 and found catastrophic mechanical failure, including completely sheared and stripped metal teeth on the internal clutch hub assembly. Total transmission replacement is required at a cost of $5,400. This failure occurred after the mandated Safety Recall N242480630 software update was completed on June 25, 2026. GM is currently denying coverage under Special Coverage N242480631. GM Corporate Case #115531429.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · FL

I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding the well documented transmission shudder issue affecting my 2018 Chevrolet Camaro LT. My vehicle currently has only 29,800 miles, yet it has begun experiencing the same symptoms described in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-NA-355. The vehicle's RPM gauge fluctuates noticeably, moving up and down while driving, and the car develops a significant shudder or vibration that can be felt throughout the vehicle. The issue is most noticeable during steady acceleration and cruising speeds. Not only does this affect the driving experience, but it also raises concerns about the long term reliability and safety of the vehicle. What is particularly troubling is that this problem has been widely reported by numerous Chevrolet owners and acknowledged by General Motors through TSB 18-NA-355. Despite the widespread nature of the defect, there has been no recall issued. As a customer, I find it difficult to understand why owners are expected to bear the financial burden of repairing a problem that appears to stem from a known manufacturing or design issue. A vehicle with fewer than 30,000 miles should not experience transmission problems of this magnitude. Many owners face costly repairs, including multiple transmission fluid exchanges, torque converter replacements, and in some cases transmission replacement. These expenses can be significant and create a negative ownership experience. General Motors has built its reputation on quality and customer loyalty, but issues like this damage consumer confidence. When customers encounter known defects and are left responsible for expensive repairs, it discourages future vehicle purchases and harms the brand's reputation. Many current owners, myself included, are reconsidering whether we would purchase another Chevrolet vehicle in the future. I respectfully request that General Motors review this issue and consider issuing a recall or extending warranty coverage for affect

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed, at under 100k miles. Reached out to Chevy after seeing all the transmission issues in the news, they were no help, they did not offer any type of warranty or recall, and we all know they have an issue. M06y vehicle is within the years of the recall, but they would not cover anything. Had to go an independent auto shop to have a new one installed.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Transmission · GA

On XXX my 2021 Camaro developed excessive transmission whine and intermittent harsh shifts. Capital Buick GMC ([XXX]) diagnosed “worn internal fluid pump” and quoted $8,263.46 for complete transmission replacement. This vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Recall 25V148 (GM N242480630) for 2020-2022 Camaro 10-speed transmissions where the control valve “may be susceptible to excess wear… causing harsh shifting” and potential wheel lock-up. GM TSB 22-NA-232 also specifically lists pump noise as a known diagnostic condition for this transmission. Despite the recall, the dealer attributes my failure to internal pump wear and GM has denied warranty coverage, offering only 25% goodwill. This is the 5th major powertrain failure on this vehicle in 32k miles (engine replaced at 45,172 mi, cylinder head replaced after 36 days out of service in 2025). I am reporting because a worn pump causing pressure loss is the exact failure mode described in the recall, and presents a safety risk of sudden loss of propulsion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS equipped with an automatic transmission. Before the recall for “Momentary Wheel Lock-Up” was performed, my vehicle began experiencing harsh shifting, harsh engagement into Drive and Reverse, and the transmission would occasionally lock up while backing up, making it feel like the brakes were suddenly applied. On one occasion, the vehicle also attempted to move forward while still in Park. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership because these symptoms were similar to the recall description. The dealership completed the recall software update, but the symptoms did not improve. The dealer later diagnosed the vehicle as needing a complete transmission replacement due to internal transmission damage and stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The dealership recommended replacing the transmission at my expense. My concern is that the safety-related symptoms existed before the recall repair, continued after the recall was completed, and still create a potential safety hazard. The vehicle can unexpectedly engage harshly, lock up in reverse, and behave unpredictably during low-speed maneuvering. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall remedy did not resolve the safety concern, and I would like the federal safety agency to review whether the recall adequately addresses this condition

Filed May 6, 2026 · Transmission · FL

I've submitted a safety complaint #11733895. I wanted to give an update regarding GM Goodwill Assistance, which is 10% of $10,000 transmission replacement per Chevrolet. This is a known documented transmission defect from GM manufacturing, it is a major safety issue, the car was sold to me with GM/Chevrolet knowing about this issue, but they are putting the financial burden on the consumer. Diagnostic from Chevrolet confirms this defect and they basically are saying they won't help. This transmission should be 100% recalled for safety issues and I am just speechless it has not been. The random acceleration alone is extremely scary and totally unsafe. What do consumers have to do to get this recalled? Have a collision and kill or injure someone or myself? Something needs to be done. GM needs to take accountability and do the right thing RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS and fix the ones that need to be fixed.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Vehicle does a vibration at high way speeds of 40 to 80 mph. Found several threads online stating the same issue. Found a technical service bulletin regarding this issue (18-NA-355). My vehicle needs a new transmission stated by the service shop.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · FL

Transmission Failures.The issue initially presented as intermittent trasmision shuddering, hesitation during accelaration, harsh and delayed shifting, and noticeable vibration, particularly at low speeds and during gear changes. These symptms progressively worsened over time and affected drivability and safty. Prior the failure, there were no warning lights or dashboard messages displayed. Based on professional diagnosis, they are consistent with internal transmission defects commonly reported for this model.(GM's-8 speed automatic transmition 8L45/8L90)Technical Service Bulletins TSB18-NA-335 and TSB16-NA-175. Chevrolet has denied reimbursement. The repairs performed to date have only provided temporary remedy, the issue remains ongoing and consistent with the known defects associated with the transmission.

Filed Jan 19, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed and need to be replaced at about 60,300 miles, just after the warranty expired. Told by the dealership multiple times the hard downshifts and odd shift patterns were normal and not an issue. Turns out it was the transmission valve body failing, causing the entire transmission to fail. Components are not available for inspection. I was able to limp the car home and to the dealership as failure was mainly slippage. There were no warning lights. The transmission was serviced in at approx. 25,000 miles and wiring harness replaced.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Transmission · LA

The failure involves the powertrain, specifically the 10-speed automatic transmission and its internal Transmission Control Valve (TCV) located within the valve body. The transmission has failed, and a GM dealership determined that the entire transmission requires replacement. The vehicle is currently inoperable, and the transmission is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk due to abnormal transmission behavior. GM issued a recall for this vehicle related to excessive wear of the Transmission Control Valve, which can cause abnormal downshifting and, in some cases, wheel lock-up during downshifts. Sudden or unintended downshifting at speed presents a serious safety risk to the driver and others on the road. The failure has been confirmed by an authorized GM dealership, which diagnosed the transmission failure and stated that a full replacement is required. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and the recall remedy was performed in July 2025. The recall consisted of a software update to monitor excessive TCV wear, not a mechanical repair. Prior to the complete failure, there were repeated warning signs, including check engine warning lights. The vehicle was brought to the dealership multiple times in March and April 2025 for check engine warnings. After the recall software was installed in July 2025, the vehicle was serviced again in September 2025 with no issues noted at that time. The check engine light returned in November 2025, and on November 11, 2025, the transmission failed completely, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Despite proper maintenance and multiple service visits addressing warning indicators, the transmission failed prematurely at approximately 74,000 miles. Given the known recall related to excessive TCV wear and the nature of the failure, this appears to be a defect-related powertrain failure rather than normal wear and tear.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 6, 2025 · 90,081 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242480630.

Recall number 25V148000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported March 18, 2021 · 8 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The left or right axle shaft may be missing a retaining ring, which could allow the axle shaft to separate while driving.
Risk
A separated axle shaft can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N212331000.

Recall number 21V188000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported August 27, 1999 · 69 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch master cylinder may have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.
Risk
This may not allow the clutch system to disengage the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed, resulting in unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distances, engine stalls, and difficulty in shifting.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch master cylinder with a new cylinder.

Recall number 99V239000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 23, 1992 · 43,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The automatic transmission shift control cable can separate.
Risk
Separation of the transmission shift cable can preventthe transmission from being shifted into the proper position. This condition cancause unexpected vehicle movement when the transimission indicator is in park orneutral position and the transmission is in a drive mode; this could result ina vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
The dealer will replace the shift cable.

Recall number 92V154000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Camaro transmission failure

Which Chevrolet Camaro years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (6 complaints), 1995 (4 complaints) and 2017 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Chevrolet Camaro?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,400 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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