How long does a 2013 Camaro last?

A well-maintained 2013 Camaro can reasonably reach 150,000–200,000 miles, with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles if routine maintenance is kept up.

This article examines how long the car tends to last, what factors influence its lifespan, and practical steps owners can take to extend its service life, including model-specific notes for the V6 and V8 versions from that year.

How long you can expect the Camaro to last (by mileage)

These ranges reflect common real-world experience for the 2013 Camaro when maintained on schedule, with attention to cooling, fluids, and drivetrain wear. Individual results vary based on driving habits and climate.

• Well-maintained V8 Camaros (LS3/L99) commonly reach about 150,000–200,000 miles, and many owners report 200,000+ miles with careful maintenance and gentle use.


• V6 Camaros (LFX) often achieve similar lifespans, with 150,000–180,000 miles typical and 200,000 miles possible with diligent care.


• High-performance or track usage can shorten life if components are repeatedly stressed, but with proper cooling, maintenance, and timely part replacements, longer service life remains feasible.

Note that longevity depends on regular maintenance, driving conditions, and how early and thoroughly issues are addressed. Proactive care typically yields the best outcomes.

What influences longevity in the 2013 Camaro

Several factors determine how long a 2013 Camaro lasts. Engine design, maintenance history, and climate/storage all play a role. Below are the main categories to consider.

• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes (synthetic recommended), timely coolant changes, transmission fluid changes, and spark plug replacements are critical for long engine life.


• Driving style and usage: Daily commuting and gentle driving extend life, while frequent high-revving, aggressive starts, towing, or track use can accelerate wear.


• Climate and storage: Corrosion risk in humid or salty environments and exposure to extreme heat can affect cooling systems and metal components.


• Component aging: Gaskets, hoses, seals, suspension bushings, and rubber parts degrade with time and mileage, potentially requiring replacements.


• Recall and service campaigns: Check the VIN for any open recalls and ensure corrective work is completed by a dealer.

Good maintenance and attentive care are the strongest predictors of long life for a 2013 Camaro.

Maintenance practices to maximize life

Following a disciplined maintenance plan tailored to your Camaro’s engine (V6 or V8) helps maximize longevity and reliability.

• Oil and filter every 5,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil (per owner's manual guidance) or as recommended by Chevrolet for your driving conditions.


• Coolant and cooling system: inspect hoses, replace coolant at intervals recommended by GM, and promptly address overheating.


• Transmission and fluids: service the transmission according to the owner's manual; check for proper shifting and fluid color/odor.


• Air and fuel systems: replace air filter as needed; keep fuel system clean with quality fuels and consider injectors cleaning if performance declines.


• Brake system: inspect pads, rotors, and brake fluid; bleed and replace brake fluid as required.


• Gaskets and seals: monitor for leaks in valve covers, rear main seal, and coolant system; address leaks early to prevent damage.


• Suspension and steering: inspect shocks/struts, bushings, tie rods, and alignment; replace worn components to prevent wear on other parts.


• Battery and electrical: test battery health, replace as needed, inspect charging system.

Sticking to a maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly helps ensure the car remains reliable for many more miles.

Model-specific notes and buying tips

The 2013 Camaro offered two 6.2-liter V8 variants (LS3 and L99) and a 3.6-liter V6 (LFX). Although drivetrain choices differ, the common core is a robust Chevrolet platform. When shopping for a used 2013 Camaro, verify service history, inspect for rust, check the cooling system, and perform a thorough test drive to assess transmission behavior and engine smoothness. Be mindful of recalls and open service campaigns for the vehicle's VIN; dealers can confirm status via VIN lookup.

Understanding which engine and transmission your car has helps tailor maintenance expectations and parts replacement intervals for longevity.

Summary

With proactive maintenance, a 2013 Camaro can reasonably last well into the 150,000–200,000 mile range, with many examples reaching or exceeding 200,000 miles. Longevity is driven by maintenance discipline, driving conditions, and timely repairs. For buyers and current owners, focusing on routine oil changes, cooling system care, transmission service, and addressing leaks or worn components early is the most reliable path to a long-lived Camaro.

Appendix: Quick buying checklist for longevity

Use this quick checklist when evaluating a used 2013 Camaro to gauge potential longevity. This is not a comprehensive diagnostic, but it helps flag common risk areas.

• Ask for full maintenance records and proof of regular oil changes.


• Check for any history of overheating, coolant leaks, or oil leaks; inspect gaskets and seals.


• Inspect the cooling system: radiator, water pump, hoses; ensure fans engage properly when hot.


• Test drive to observe transmission shifting, clutch operation (if manual), and braking performance.


• Look for rust on underbody, frame rails, floor pans, and wheel arches.

These checks can help assess overall condition and potential longevity before purchase.

What year of Camaro to stay away from?

Years to generally avoid include 2016-2017 for potential 8-speed automatic transmission shudder and oil pump failures in ZL1 models, 2010-2015 due to widespread issues like coolant leaks and electrical problems, and 2020 for clutch and build quality issues, with 2022-2023 models experiencing missing features. While the 1980s were generally underpowered, the 1970s also saw reduced performance due to emissions regulations. 
This video explains the best and worst years for Camaros and why: 1mKelmar GarageYouTube · Jan 2, 2025
Specific years to be cautious about

• 2016-2017: Often cited as years to avoid due to issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission, which can cause "shuddering". ZL1 models from these years also reportedly suffered from oil pump failures. 
• 2010-2015 (5th Gen): This generation is known for having multiple common problems, including coolant leaks in V6 models, electrical issues, and a shuddering steering wheel at high speeds. 
• 2020: Owners have reported clutch issues and other problems with build quality. 
• 2022-2023: Some models may be missing features due to supply chain issues, such as the performance data recorder or aluminum pedals. 

This video discusses the common problems with the 5th generation Camaro: 51sAutoMotivateYouTube · Nov 5, 2020
Other years and generations

• 1970s: Performance was significantly neutered by emissions regulations, with some engines producing very low horsepower. 
• 1980s: The base model featured an underpowered four-cylinder "Iron Duke" engine, and early Z28s also had weak performance. 

This video explains the best and most reliable 6th gen Camaros: 57sRace Car FriendsYouTube · Oct 20, 2022
What to do when buying a used Camaro

• Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to identify any potential issues. 
• Check service history: A well-maintained car with a good service history is more likely to be reliable. 
• Consider a manual transmission: If you want to avoid the 8-speed automatic issues, a manual transmission is a good option. 

How many miles can a 2013 Camaro last?

You can get well over 200,000.

How many miles do Camaro engines last?

A Camaro engine's lifespan is generally 150,000 to 200,000 miles, but it can last much longer with proper care. Key factors include consistent maintenance like timely oil changes, avoiding aggressive driving, and addressing issues as they arise. With excellent maintenance, some engines can surpass 300,000 miles. 
Factors affecting engine life

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and following the recommended service schedule are critical for longevity. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, or constant racing will cause more wear and tear and shorten the engine's life. 
• Climate: Colder climates with road salt can accelerate rust and corrosion, which can impact the overall life of the vehicle. 
• Age and usage: Older engines may need more frequent checks and potential repairs, even with perfect maintenance. 

Tips for extending engine life

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Stick to the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer for oil changes, filter replacements, and other vital fluid services. 
• Avoid aggressive driving: Drive smoothly and avoid frequent hard launches or high-stress driving situations to reduce engine strain. 
• Address issues promptly: Don't ignore warning lights or strange noises. Small problems can become major issues if left unfixed. 
• Stay on top of wear-and-tear items: Pay attention to other parts like hoses, belts, and suspension components, as their failure can also put a strain on the engine. 

Is the 2013 Camaro reliable?

The 2013 Camaro generally has good reliability, with positive ratings from consumer review sites and mechanics. However, there are some common issues to be aware of, such as potential coolant leaks in V6 models, faulty light sockets, and a dirty throttle body that can cause stalling. Overall, while repairs may be more severe than average, they are uncommon, and the vehicle can last a long time with proper maintenance. 
This video discusses common issues with the 5th generation Camaro, including the paint and light sockets: 1mAutoMotivateYouTube · Nov 5, 2020
Reliability ratings

• Positive consumer reviews: Many sources give the 2013 Camaro high marks for reliability, with some ratings as high as 4.7 or 4.8 out of 5 stars. 
• Above average rating: RepairPal gives it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is considered above average for the segment, and ranks it 21st out of 24 midsize cars. 
• Average ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is estimated at $585, which is considered average for its class, though major repairs are uncommon. 

Common issues

• Engine and fluids:
  • Coolant leaks: V6 models may experience coolant leaks, often from the thermostat housing gasket.
  • Stalling/rough idle: Can be caused by a dirty throttle body, which is an easy fix.
• Electrical:
  • Faulty light sockets: Can cause dim or non-functional tail and brake lights.
  • Trunk not opening: A common issue caused by frayed wiring in the trunk release.
• Other common problems:
  • Warped brake rotors: May cause vibrations during braking.
  • Paint chipping: The paint is prone to chipping from road debris.
  • Broken lug nuts: Can occur if low-quality replacements are used. 

What to do

• Regular maintenance: Consistent oil changes and other recommended services are key to longevity. 
• Inspect for leaks: Check for any signs of coolant or oil leaks, especially from the intake manifold and thermostat housing. 
• Check lights: Test all exterior lights, including the brake and tail lights. 
• Clean throttle body: If experiencing stalling or a rough idle, cleaning the throttle body is a simple DIY fix. 
• Use high-quality parts: When replacing lug nuts or other components, opt for high-quality replacements to prevent future issues.