Lawsuit: Chevrolet Camaro Starter, Heat Shield Causing Problems for Drivers

A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging a defect in the 2010-present Chevrolet Camaros is causing a host of issues related to the starter that have led a countless number of drivers to complain that their cars won’t start.

The suit is looking to force General Motors (GM) to recall the cars, offer a fix for the starter issue and reimburse drivers for repair costs; however, more people are needed to come forward to help strengthen the case.

What’s the Problem with the Starters?

The class action lawsuit is alleging that the starters and heat shielding in 2010-present Camaros were defectively designed and improperly installed. Specifically, the suit claims the heat shields in the vehicles cannot properly protect the starter and surrounding components from absorbing heat, which can cause the starter to burn out.

As a result, drivers are experiencing instances in which their cars won’t start – especially in hot weather or just after driving. Oftentimes, the starter will click or the engine will crank, but the car still won’t turn on.

This is particularly concerning, the lawsuit says, as electrical system problems could cause the car to lose power while in motion and increase the driver’s risk of a collision. A dangerous situation could also arise if a driver is left stranded because his or her vehicle won’t start.  

What Are Drivers Saying About the Starter Problem?

The following is a sample of complaints posted online by Chevy Camaro drivers regarding the starter issue [sic throughout]:

My 2012 camaro sometimes does not start at all. When I get into my car and turn the key just a little bit, everything turns on as normal, but as soon as I turn the key to start the engine it dies completely and now I got a death car with the key stuck in it. The only way to start it up again is by jump starting the car. After that it starts normal for maybe 5 or six times and then it does the same thing over again.”
— Mario G., 2012 Camaro driver, AutoPartsRepair.com

So I was driving home from work one sunny afternoon and in mid drive, my car cut off. Luckily I was able to pull over to the side and get towed. I let it sit for a night and the next morning it started. Stayed on for 5 minutes and died again. Tried to start it and all I get is a clicking sound. Had AutoZone check the battery and it's good. Checked all fuses and they are good.”
— Hansolo79, 2012 Camaro 2LS driver, Camaro5.com

So this is the second starter that has been installed on my 16 ss. Now, this starter is starting to do the same thing as my first one did after 2 months of running great. When the new starter was installed my car would crank up in no time half a second now it takes about 2, have you all experienced this issue with your cars and if you have what should I do. I remember having this discussion a while back and someone said I should wrap my starter in this sort of heat blocking wrap but who knows”
— Lampslife, 2016 Camaro SS driver, Camaro6.com

Had the issue pop up 3 times so far since brand new…once right after I got the car. it was a hot august day driving around breaking in the engine, tranny, rear axle and brakes. Returned home and parked the car in garage; had to go right back out a few minutes later; slow turn over, pause and it started…Then again this year. A 2hr drive to the beach, really hot day, waiting in line to park, stalled car, restart and the starter just barely turned over, started on the 2nd rotation, if a 3rd was needed I don't think it would have done it. Seems like when the starter is heat soaked something goes wrong.”
— jreagle56, 2016 2SS M6 driver, Camaro6.com

Happens to us in AZ all the time. Starts fine to go to work in the morning... you pull into a convienence store on the way to work to get some caffeine and come out to click click click. Happened to me 4 times in 17 years.”
— 2015 2SS/RS driver, PostNUp, Camaro5.com

According to the class action lawsuit, GM is “well aware” of the starter problem from warranty information, calls to its customer service hotline and dealer audits. Despite possessing this information, however, GM continues to conceal the defect and place the blame on bad batteries and how drivers are caring for their vehicles, the suit says.  

When a car is still under warranty, GM is believed to instruct its dealers to replace the starter, wiring and any other damaged components. Unfortunately, because no improvement has been made to the heat shield, the same problems are likely to recur – often outside the warranty period – forcing drivers to spend thousands of dollars in repair costs.

How a Lawsuit Could Help

A class action lawsuit could help drivers get back the money they spent repairing their vehicles. It could also force GM to recall the cars and offer a fix.

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