MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
15Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged, high-performance muscle coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want serious straight-line speed and track capability in a two-door American package. Sitting at the top of the Camaro lineup, the ZL1 competes with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Dodge Challenger Hellcat, appealing to buyers who prioritize performance above all else.

VERDICT

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Camaro ZL1 for its exceptional performance credentials and driver engagement, often describing it as one of the most capable American performance cars available. Most acknowledge that the driving experience is thrilling but demanding, and that the interior and outward visibility can feel compromised compared to everyday vehicles. Reviewers tend to recommend it specifically to committed enthusiasts.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
Frontal
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 8.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15196

Index breakdown

Crash protection62.2/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record18.75/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 6Engine 3Unknown Or Other 3Fuel System 2Gasoline 2Fuel/Propulsion System 2

Other Camaro Zl1 years

Rivals in Coupe (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15196), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 2021. Class rank 5 of 7 in Coupe 2021. Methodology · Disclosure