Chevrolet El camino problems

General information about Chevrolet El camino
Chevrolet El camino years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–60 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.

Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero coupé utility, its first run, based on the Biscayne's B-body, lasted only two years. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.

Although based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified in the United States as a pickup. GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year.

photo of Chevrolet El camino car production

Social links

Reviews

Common Chevrolet El camino problems

The Chevrolet El Camino is a popular car/truck that has been around for several generations. While owning an El Camino can be a rewarding experience, there are some common issues that owners may encounter. Here are some of the most common problems with the Chevrolet El Camino based on complaints from owners:

Engine Issues

Lack of Power: Some El Camino owners have reported a lack of power when accelerating. This can be caused by several factors, including a clogged air filter, a dirty fuel injector, or a faulty ignition system.
Engine Misfires: Engine misfires can occur when the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders fails to ignite properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn spark plugs, faulty ignition wires, or a malfunctioning fuel system.
Overheating: Overheating can occur when the engine's cooling system is not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a damaged radiator, or a clogged cooling system.
Engine Stalling: Engine stalling can occur when the engine's fuel system, ignition system, or air intake system is not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a clogged fuel filter, a faulty ignition coil, or a dirty air filter.
Excessive Oil Consumption: Some El Camino owners have reported excessive oil consumption. This can be caused by several factors, including worn piston rings, a damaged crankshaft seal, or a leaking oil pan gasket.
Poor Fuel Economy: Poor fuel economy can occur when the engine is not running efficiently. This can be caused by several factors, including a clogged air filter, a dirty fuel injector, or a faulty ignition system.

Transmission Issues

Difficulty Shifting: Some El Camino owners have reported difficulty shifting gears. This can be caused by several factors, including low transmission fluid, a worn clutch, or a malfunctioning shift linkage.
Transmission Slipping: Transmission slipping can occur when the transmission's bands or clutches are worn or damaged. This can be caused by several factors, including low transmission fluid, a worn clutch, or a malfunctioning torque converter.
Transmission Leaks: Transmission leaks can occur when the transmission's seals or gaskets are worn or damaged. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard shift, or a malfunctioning transmission cooler.
Clutch Problems: Clutch problems can occur when the clutch's friction material is worn or damaged. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard shift, or a malfunctioning clutch master cylinder.

Suspension and Steering Issues

Steering Issues: Steering issues can occur when the steering system's components are worn or damaged. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard turn, or a malfunctioning power steering pump.
Suspension Noise: Suspension noise can occur when the suspension's components are worn or damaged. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard bump, or a malfunctioning shock absorber.
Body Roll: Body roll can occur when the suspension's components are not properly aligned. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard turn, or a malfunctioning sway bar.
Uneven Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can occur when the suspension's components are not properly aligned. This can be caused by several factors, including high mileage, a hard turn, or a malfunctioning suspension component.

These are some of the most common issues with the Chevrolet El Camino based on complaints from owners. By staying on top of regular maintenance and addressing any issues as soon as they arise, El Camino owners can help ensure that their vehicle remains in top condition for years to come.

Is the El Camino a good car?

From 1959-60 and 1964-87, the Chevrolet El Camino was a vehicle hybrid, combining the practicality of a pickup truck, passenger car comfort, stylish design, and, with the Super Sport package, high-performance muscle. According to The Drive, the El Camino is “the world's most loved car/truck.”

What was the best year of El Camino?

1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS454

This model is considered by many to be the most desirable El Camino due to its 454 cubic inch V8 engine and muscular styling. The 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS454 is a high-performance variant of Chevy's iconic muscle car-meets-pickup truck.

Why did Chevy discontinue the El Camino?

Orders plummeted by a third, to just 14,163, at which point Chevrolet discontinued the model; meanwhile, Ford moved 21,027 Rancheros, which were now based on the brand-new Falcon compact. The pioneering American sedan pickups just did not connect with enough car-buying Americans.

Are El Caminos valuable?

A: The average price of a Chevrolet El Camino is $30,249.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet El camino years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet El camino cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet El camino model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet El camino model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet El camino years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet El camino car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet El camino , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Tires problems
Unknown or other problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet El camino vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet El camino . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet El camino vehicles.

List of Chevrolet El camino complaints

Chevrolet El camino 1983

Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
Date Complaint: 2005-04-25
VIN: 1GCCW80H2DR
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 1983 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT AND ENGINE REVVING.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HOWEVER THE REAR WHEELS STARTED TO SPIN. WHEN THE CONSUMER SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE EVERYTHING RETURNED TO NORMAL. IN JUNE OF 2000 THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AND AGAIN IN 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS FOUND. THE CONSUMER DID GET A PARK NEUTRAL SWITCH FAULT CODE A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE LAST INCIDENT BUT IT WENT OUT. *JB *NM

Add Complaint

Chevrolet El camino 1984

Date Of Incident: 2004-11-11
Date Complaint: 2004-12-13
VIN: PLEASE PROV
Components: TIRES
Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BUBBLES ACCUMULATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. UNIROYAK, SIZE P205/75R14. *AK

Add Complaint

Chevrolet El camino 1986

Date Of Incident: 2003-10-10
Date Complaint: 2003-11-05
VIN: 3GCCW80H1GS
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILURE. DEALER DIDN'T CARRY PART ANY MORE. CONSUMER POSED A QUESTION, SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ITEM, WAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE TO FORCE MANUFACTURER TO SUPPLY CONSUMER PARTS? *AK *PH

Add Complaint

Chevrolet El camino 1978

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-17
Date Complaint: 2000-09-09
VIN: PLEASE FILL
Components: TIRES
Summary: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO BALANCE TIRES ON A 1978, CHEVROLET, EL CAMINO. AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT; P205/75R14; DOT# UNAVAILABLE. *AK BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRES COULD NOT BE BALANCED AND ARE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY REPLACING THE TIRES. *YH

Add Complaint

Chevrolet El camino 1980

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1998-07-05
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: OWNER FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALLS ISSUED DURING 1981, 1984 AND 1985 AND WANTS TO KNOW IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS TO HONOR THE RECALLS.

Add Complaint

Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet El camino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 15 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet El camino.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Chevrolet El camino 1984
Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
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.

Model: Chevrolet El camino 1978
Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
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.

Model: Chevrolet El camino 1980
Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
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.

Model: Chevrolet El camino 1983
Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
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.

Model: Chevrolet El camino 1986
Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
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.