MODEL
Chevrolet Camaro
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Camaro model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Chevrolet Camaro we cover (2019 to 2022), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 82. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Camaro is an American muscle coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want rear-wheel-drive performance and bold styling in a two-door package. Competing against the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the Camaro targets buyers who prioritize driver engagement above all else. Our 2019-2022 safety review cuts through the performance hype to tell you what the federal crash data actually shows.
The Chevrolet Camaro earns a respectable safety profile for a performance coupe, peaking at an 88 out of 100 MotorCaliber Safety Index in its 2022 model year, which places it in our Strong band. NHTSA crash-test results tell a mostly encouraging story: the Camaro posts a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side-impact and rollover resistance, reflecting a stiff body structure and competent engineering. The frontal score is a solid but not perfect 4 out of 5, a number shoppers should note when comparing against rivals. Across the 2019 through 2022 model years, NHTSA records 9 recalls, a figure that sits on the moderate side for a four-year production window. Owner complaints total 110 across those years, with 12 reports alleging crash involvement and 9 citing injuries. It is important to emphasize that these are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed findings. No fatalities and no fire-related complaints appear in the dataset, which is a meaningful data point. The honest bottom line: the Camaro is a genuine performer in side and rollover protection, and its 2022 peak score shows incremental improvement. The frontal rating and the recall count deserve attention before you sign. If maximizing crash-test scores is your priority, shop the 2022 model year first.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Camaro for its sharp handling, powerful engine options, and driver-focused cockpit, positioning it as one of the more engaging choices in the American muscle segment. They frequently note that the low roofline and thick pillars create meaningful visibility limitations, and some flag the cramped rear seating as a practical drawback for a daily-use vehicle.
- The 2022 Camaro earns the strongest safety score in the covered range at 88 out of 100, so if safety performance is a priority, the newest model year in this window is your best choice.
- NHTSA crash testing shows a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for both side-impact and rollover protection, but the frontal crash rating comes in at 4 out of 5, which is worth factoring into any head-on collision scenario.
- Nine recalls were issued across the 2019 to 2022 model years. Before purchasing any used Camaro from this range, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm all open recalls have been completed.
- Owner-submitted complaints include 12 crash allegations and 9 injury allegations across the covered years. These are unverified reports, but shoppers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's website to understand which model years and systems are most frequently mentioned.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro with 4 recalls.