1989 Chevrolet Camaro problems
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for 1967.
Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009.
The Camaro was discontinued at the end of the 2024 model year. Production ended in December 2023. However, Chevrolet has stated, "This is not the end of Camaro's story."
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Common 1989 Chevrolet Camaro problems
The 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is known to have several common problems, primarily related to electrical and engine issues.
Electrical problems are a significant concern for 1989 Camaro owners. One of the most common electrical issues is the battery discharging, which has been reported by three owners. This problem can cause the engine ignition to be affected, making it difficult or impossible to start the car.
Another electrical issue reported by a Camaro owner is the car choking and losing power when the gas pedal is stepped on. This issue has been addressed by replacing various components, including spark plug wires, fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors, alternator, timing chain and sprockets, distributor cap and rotor, temperature sensor, water temp. Sensor, battery and terminals. However, the problem persists, indicating a more significant electrical issue that needs to be addressed.
Engine problems are also common in the 1989 Camaro. One of the most significant issues is the car's inability to shift into overdrive, which can cause the engine to kill. This issue has been traced back to the ECM (Electronic Control Module), which needs to be replaced to fix the problem.
Another engine problem reported by a Camaro owner is the car misfiring at idle, which has been attributed to a few wires touching metal parts. This issue has been resolved by fixing the wiring, but it highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspection of the car's engine components.
In summary, the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is known to have common electrical and engine problems that can significantly impact the car's performance and reliability. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the car's longevity and safety.
Are 1989 Camaros reliable?
Reliablility: The 5.0L v8 TBI is an extremely reliable engine. I have owned two, selling the first with 150,000 miles on it.
What is the most common problem with Camaros?
Most of the time, the issue concerned the Camaro's water pump system. It's possible for fifth-gen engines to produce loud noises, stall or shut down completely due to a lack of coolant. You could notice this Chevy Camaro issue somewhere around the 80,000-mile mark.
Is the Chevy Camaro a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Camaro received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and an 80 out of 100 from J.D. Power. The Chevrolet Camaro also has average ownership costs and can last a good 100,000 miles if properly cared for according to Chevrolet's recommended maintenance schedule.
What year Camaro is most reliable?
Here are the most reliable choices available for the Chevrolet Camaro:
- 2000 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2001 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2020 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2021 Chevrolet Camaro.
1989 Chevrolet Camaro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Camaro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet Camaro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1FP2187KL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND NOTICED IT WAS ON FIRE. *KB ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE FIRE WAS PRESENT A THE LEFT REAR QUARTER OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FUEL FILL OPENING. IT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO ACTUAL CAUSE OF FIRE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-10
- VIN: 1G1FP21S0KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT, PASSENGER CANNOT USE THE SEAT BELT. *AK
PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: GMC REFUSES TO REPLACE MY FAULTY SEAT BELTS AND HAND BRAKE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-08
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION/BAT/SECURITY SYSTEM/WIRING/ALTERNATOR/BATTERY THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AND THE CAR WON'T START. SOMETIMES FOR HOURS. ONCE THE SECURITY SYSTEM RESETS IT WILL START. HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES. ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AT LEAST 2 TIMES A YEAR FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1FP21S4KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT DURING A COLLISION DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS BROKEN, AND DID NOT PROTECT DRIVER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1FP21S4KL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR YOKOHAMA MOHAWK MONTEGA A/S TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL AND PASSENGER DOOR WERE DAMAGED DUE TO ACCIDENT, TIRE SIZE P215/65R15, DOT # CCIHFH1488. *SLC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON HIGHWAY, APPLIED BRAKES, AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS VIBRATING, CONSUMER COULDN'T CONTROL VEHICLE. TIRE WAS SLIDDING FRONT TO BACK, TOUCHING THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. FRONT CROSS MEMBER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT WAS BROKEN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP2189KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE CALIPERS INOPERATIVE. TOOK CAR IN FOR EMISSIONS TESTING AND REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CAR WHILE REAR WHEELS WERE ON ROLLERS. REAR BRAKES WILL NOT STOP WHEELS WHEN REAR OF VEHICLE IS RAISED AND VEHICLE PLACED IN DRIVE. HAVE NOT HAD TO CHANGE REAR BRAKE PADS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO. PARKING BRAKE STICKS. HAVE TO MANUALLY RELEASE PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM. CAR SEEMS TO TAKE LONGER TO STOP THAN ANY REAR DRUM CAMARO I'VE EVER OWNED. HAVE ASKED AROUND ON VARIOUS CAMARO SPECIFIC WEB SITES AND HAVE FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM. ONLY SOLUTION FOR MANY IS TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET SETUPS. FIND IT RIDICULOUS TO HAVE TO BUY AFTERMARKET IN ORDER TO STOP SAFELY. VARIOUS LOCAL DEALERS CONTACTED WITH NO HELP.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP21E1KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THIS AUTO DEALER HAS USE MANY UNLAWFUL ACTS TO SALE THIS CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 1G1FP31FXKL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-05
- VIN: 1G1FP31EOKL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS BEEN CUTTING OFF FOR 3 YRS. AND NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE SPENT 1500.00 TRYING TO GET IT FIXED WITH NO LUCK. 10 GARAGES HAVE WORKED ON IT. GM MASTER TECHS. DID NOT FIX IT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP21S2KL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. ALSO, IGNITION CYLINDER AND SWITCH AND BATTERY REPLACED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP2185KL
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE BOLTS IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAVE LOOSENED, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- VIN: 1G1FP21SOKL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 10-30MPH THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE STEERING AND BRAKES TO LOCK UP, COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. OWNER STATED HE HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1G1FP21E0KL
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK LATCH UNLATCHES, ALLOWING THE SEATBACK TO FALL TO THE REAR. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-21
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVEN HOURS AND THEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. FIRE MARSHALL BELIEVES IT WAS ELECTRICAL AND NEAR THE ENGINE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-02
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL LINES RUSTED. RESULTING IN BOTH CONNECTIONS LEAKING. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-02
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL LINES RUSTED. RESULTING IN BOTH CONNECTIONS LEAKING. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-27
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS BROKEN. *SD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: 1G1FP2188KL
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: ELECTRICIAL SAFETY LATCH ON HATCHBACK WHEN VEHICLE IN DRIVE, SAFTEY DEVICE DOES NOT WORK, BECAUSE LATCH FLYS UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-15
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL IS LEAKING. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-29
- VIN: 1G1FP2184KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS LITTLE OR NO REAR BRAKES; FRONT BRAKES DOING ALL THE STOPPING; REAR BRAKES WORK ABOUT 30%; ROTORS TURNED, CALIPERS/PADS REPLACED; INCREASED STOPPING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-29
- VIN: 1G1FP2184KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS LITTLE OR NO REAR BRAKES; FRONT BRAKES DOING ALL THE STOPPING; REAR BRAKES WORK ABOUT 30%; ROTORS TURNED, CALIPERS/PADS REPLACED; INCREASED STOPPING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-29
- VIN: 1G1FP2184KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS LITTLE OR NO REAR BRAKES; FRONT BRAKES DOING ALL THE STOPPING; REAR BRAKES WORK ABOUT 30%; ROTORS TURNED, CALIPERS/PADS REPLACED; INCREASED STOPPING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-26
- VIN: 1G1FP2185KL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK
1989 Chevrolet Camaro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1989 Chevrolet Camaro.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FUEL FEED HOSES MAY PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IF THIS COUPLING SEPARATED, ALLOWING GASOLINE TO LEAK,AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REDESIGNED FUEL FEED HOSE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: PLASTIC COMPONENTS OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DO NOT CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES COULD WEAKEN THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICHCOULD PREVENT BUCKLE FROM LATCHING AND PROTECTING OCCUPANT IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE OR REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WEBBING ON THE BUCKLE PORTION OF THE REAR LAP/SHOULDER BELTS MAY BE TOO LONG.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE VEHICLE CRASH, THE EFFECTIVENESSOF THE LAP/SHOULDER BELT MAY BE REDUCED.
- Remedy: REPLACE REAR INBOARD SEAT BELTS WITH BELTS OF THE PROPER LENGTH.
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