Used Chevrolet / HSV Camaro (6th Generation) review

Exterior:

• Owners have reported water leakage issues in the boot, with potential causes ranging from clogged sunroof drainage holes to pinched boot cables interfering with the seal, or deteriorating weather seals, especially in cars that have spent more time outdoors. The problem? The stereo amplifier and main fuse box sit on the boot floor, meaning any water ingress could lead to expensive electrical failures. Lift the boot floor and check for signs of moisture as repairing water damage isn’t cheap and can run into the thousands.
• The performance brakes, particularly on the higher-spec models, are excellent, but as with most high-performance setups, they generate excessive brake dust. Not a fault as such, just something to keep in mind, especially if you like keeping your wheels clean.
• At over 1600 kg, the Camaro isn’t light, and driving it as intended will accelerate tyre and brake wear. Budget accordingly, as replacements, especially high-performance options, aren’t cheap.
• Australia never received the convertible, but overseas models have had issues with the roof trim and rear window seals, sometimes requiring full roof replacements. Best to avoid the convertible anyway, the coupe looks cooler and doesn’t have the same structural compromises.
• Paint quality is another weak point. Owners report the factory paint is thin and soft, making the Camaro particularly susceptible to stone chips. It also scratches and swirls easily when washing, so careful cleaning is a must. Many owners recommend paint protection film (PPF), particularly on the front bumper, bonnet, and rear wheel arch leading edges, which are prime targets for road debris.

Interior:

• One of the most commonly reported interior issues is the HVAC system, particularly in Australian-delivered cars due to the left-to-right-hand-drive conversion affecting the wiring harness. If the driver’s side vent is blowing hot air when it shouldn’t or the climate control system behaves erratically, it could be a sign of trouble. While some quick fixes exist, the only real solution, according to both owners and service techs, is a full HVAC wiring harness replacement. The catch? That requires the entire dashboard to be removed, making it a huge job.
• Some early owners reported waiting up to 12 months for parts, and if the repair isn’t done carefully, broken plastic clips and poor refitting can cause additional headaches. That said, most affected cars should have been sorted by now, and the fix is permanent. Parts availability has also improved.
• Headliner sagging was an issue on early-build cars but was addressed after 2018.
• The MyLink infotainment system is generally solid, but some owners report occasional quirks. Android Auto runs smoothly, but iPhone users may experience issues depending on iOS updates, more likely an Apple problem than a Camaro-specific one. For those wanting wireless Apple CarPlay, aftermarket solutions are available.
• Bluetooth connectivity issues are rare, though some owners have reported software updates making the system slower to respond.
• Seat bolsters, especially on the 2SS and ZL1 models, are known to wear over time. Large doors and tight parking spaces make entry and exit tricky, and the aggressive bolstering means wear is inevitable, particularly on the driver’s side.

Mechanically:

• The naturally aspirated 6.2-litre LT1 and the supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 have so far been considered reliable in stock form, but more recently, some 2023-24 models with low mileage have suffered unexpected engine failures. A known issue is oil starvation leading to failed bearings, which can be catastrophic if not caught early.
• The AFM (Active Fuel Management) or DOD (Displacement On Demand) system can also cause trouble. Hydraulic lifter failure and camshaft issues have been reported, often necessitating a full cam, lifter, and pushrod replacement. In some cases, this can escalate into serious engine damage.
• Engines built in 2020 have been known to suffer from valve spring failures, though outside of that year, this isn’t a common issue.
• Valve guide wear is another potential concern, if it progresses too far, it can lead to valve seat and sealing issues, causing compression loss and performance problems.
• Timing chain wear and stretching have been reported, though it’s rare in standard engines. Higher mileage cars or those with poor maintenance history are more at risk, but outright timing chain failure leading to catastrophic engine damage is highly unlikely.
• Oil pump failure, particularly in modified cars or those subjected to sustained high RPM, has been an issue. The LT uses a vane-style variable displacement oil pump rather than the older gear-style pump, and while more efficient, it’s also more susceptible to failure if oil pressure drops.
• Both the high- and low-pressure fuel pumps can cause problems, leading to misfires, rough running, or complete fuel delivery failure.
• Cooling system issues aren’t unheard of. A faulty coolant temperature sensor can cause the cooling fan to run at full speed even when the engine isn’t hot, and thermostats have been known to get stuck open or closed, potentially leading to overheating.
• Early-model LT4 superchargers had occasional bearing failures, though an updated design was introduced in 2017, improving durability. Cooling system upgrades also helped mitigate heat soak issues, which were a problem in early builds.

Transmission:

• The early eight-speed automatic has been a mixed bag. Some units have suffered from valve body and clutch issues, while torque converter failures are a common complaint. One of the biggest frustrations for owners is transmission shudder, which can sometimes be improved with a fluid flush and renewal, though in severe cases, a full torque converter or transmission replacement has been required.
• The later ten-speed auto is generally regarded as a better unit, with improved shift quality and fewer reported failures, though as with any high-performance transmission, regular maintenance is crucial.

Parts Availability:

• Factory parts availability in Australia can be a challenge, and some owners have faced long wait times for certain components. However, sourcing parts from the USA through owners’ groups and specialist suppliers can often be faster and more cost-effective. Forums and Camaro owner communities are a great resource for advice on where to find parts and which suppliers to trust.