NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 holds a clean recall record, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, which places it in the Strong band. This score is further anchored by a perfect rollover resistance rating from federal safety tests. However, the absence of full crash-test data and the limited array of advanced crash-avoidance technologies prevent a higher overall assessment for the model year.
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 7 Coupes from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.3% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 7 Coupes tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1?
The 2021 Camaro ZL1 lacks standard forward collision warning, a notable omission for a performance coupe in its segment. This contributes to its 4.5 out of 10 score in crash-avoidance technology, with lane departure warning absent entirely. Electronic stability control is the only standard active-safety feature on the vehicle. Overall, the ZL1 registers an 85 out of 100 Safety Index, a modest two-point increase over the 2020 model's 83 out of 100, placing both within the Strong band. Crash protection contributes 62.2 out of 70 to this score, supported by a 4-star frontal crash rating and a 5-star rollover performance. A zero-recall record for the model year underpins the strong defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 points. While not impacting the Safety Index, the 15 owner complaints on file show a concentration of alleged powertrain and fuel-system issues.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 perform in crash tests?
For the 2021 Camaro ZL1, NHTSA published a 5-out-of-5 rollover rating, indicating strong performance in that specific test. This included an 8-percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic assessment. The frontal crash rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. However, NHTSA did not rate the side protection or provide an overall star rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15196
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly with NHTSA, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1?
Fifteen unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently reported components are Power Train, cited in 6 alleged reports, followed by Engine with 3 and Fuel System and Fuel/Propulsion System categories accounting for additional reports. One alleged crash and 3 alleged injuries appear in the dataset.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no campaigns have been added since initial sale. Verify that the optional forward collision warning system, if present, was actually installed and is functioning as intended.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Camaro ZL1, producing a near-maximum defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 and directly supporting the two-point Index gain over 2020.
- NHTSA's rollover test awarded the 2021 ZL1 a 5-out-of-5 star rating with an 8-percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic maneuver, the strongest single crash-test result in this year's data.
- Side protection and the overall NHTSA star rating are not rated for this model year, meaning shoppers have no federal crash-test data covering side-impact performance.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard for the 2021 ZL1, and lane departure warning is not available, holding the crash-avoidance technology sub-score to 4.5 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 places
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Camaro Zl1 years
Rivals in Coupe (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Mustang Gt500 | 90/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Lt1 | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 4 |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 80/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15196), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 5 of 7 in the Coupe class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.