NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A Strong NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 defines the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, an increase of two points from the 2020 model's 82. This assessment reflects its crash-test performance while acknowledging the limitations imposed by its standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA crash, 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 ranks 6 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 6 of 7 Coupes tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro delivers robust crash protection, evidenced by its near-perfect sweep of NHTSA star ratings. This performance underpins a significant 65 out of 70 points for crash protection in our NHTSA Safety Index. The overall Safety Index for the 2021 model year stands at 84/100, placing it within the Strong band, an improvement from the 2020 model's 82/100. Despite strong passive safety, the Camaro's active safety features present a weaker area. The avoidance technology score registers only 4.5 out of 10. This is attributed to forward collision warning being an optional feature and the complete absence of lane departure warning. Standard electronic stability control provides a foundational layer of active safety, but the vehicle's approach to advanced driver-assistance systems is notably conservative. The defect record contributes 14.75 out of 20 points, influenced by four recall campaigns. Of particular note for the 2021 model year is the axle-shaft retaining-ring recall, which exclusively impacts this production year. Additionally, the airbag emblem recall, while spanning multiple model years, remains relevant for 2021 owners. Prospective buyers are advised to verify the vehicle's VIN for any open recalls before acquisition. The 2021 Camaro thus presents a safety profile characterized by substantial crash resilience, tempered by limited standard crash-avoidance technology and a recall history requiring due diligence.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Camaro coupe achieved a 5 out of 5 star Overall Safety from NHTSA. While its side protection and rollover resistance both earned the maximum 5 stars, with an 8 percent rollover risk and a no-tip dynamic test result, its frontal protection was 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15193
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Camaro. One targets a missing axle-shaft retaining ring exclusive to this model year, a structural concern worth prioritizing. A second addresses the steering-wheel Camaro emblem potentially interfering with frontal airbag deployment across 2017-2021 models. A third involves automatic transmission concerns on select 2020-2022 Camaros. A fourth seat-belt campaign extends from adjacent GM vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION25V148000
Risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242480630.
Reported 2025-03-06
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL21V211000
Risk: In the event of a crash, plastic pieces of emblem may act as projectiles from deployment of the driver air bag can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the frontal driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212327220.
Reported 2021-03-25
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT21V188000
Risk: A separated axle shaft can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212331000.
Reported 2021-03-18
SEAT BELTS20V811000
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Reported 2020-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
Fifteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Camaro, including alleged reports of 1 crash and 3 injuries. Unverified allegations cluster around Power Train (6 reports) and Engine (3 reports), with additional unverified claims touching Fuel System and Fuel/Propulsion System components. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
Four recalls have been issued for the 2021 Camaro, necessitating VIN verification for any prospective buyer. The axle-shaft retaining ring recall applies specifically to this model year, while a separate airbag emblem recall impacts vehicles from 2017 to 2021. Ensuring all four recall campaigns have been remedied is the most critical safety precaution for a used-market purchaser.
- The 2021 Camaro is the only model year in the listed recall campaigns to carry the axle-shaft retaining-ring recall, making VIN-specific remedy verification especially important for this year.
- The Safety Index rose two points to 84/100 versus the 2020 model's 82/100, driven primarily by a strong crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70.
- Lane departure warning is not available on the 2021 Camaro, and forward collision warning is optional rather than standard, which holds the avoidance-technology sub-score to 4.5 out of 10 and limits the overall index ceiling.
- Fifteen unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA include alleged reports of one crash and three injuries, with Power Train and Engine as the most frequently cited components in those unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro places
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Camaro safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro. 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 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 Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 80/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15193), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Camaro 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 6 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.