The sixth-generation Camaro (2016-2024) stops hard, and that performance has a price tag when the pads wear out. If you're used to commuter-car brake bills, the first Camaro quote can be a jolt. Here's what's behind it and how to keep it reasonable.
What brakes your Camaro has
When GM launched the 2016 Camaro, Brembo announced it was supplying brakes for the LT and SS:
| Trim (2016 launch) | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| LT with Brembo | 12.6 in. rotors, 4-piston aluminum calipers | Not detailed by Brembo |
| SS | 13.6 in. rotors, 4-piston calipers | 13.3 in. rotors, 4-piston calipers |
Performance packages like the 1LE and the ZL1 get even bigger hardware, and those parts cost more. When you shop parts, match your exact trim and package. An SS pad will not fit a base car, and track-package parts are their own thing.
Year-by-year cost (RepairPal)
| Model year | Pads, estimated (RepairPal) |
|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | $704-$761 |
| 2020-2021 | $988-$1,045 |
| 2022 | $1,160-$1,217 |
| 2023 | $1,190-$1,247 |
| 2024 | $933-$990 |
These are RepairPal's fair-price estimates at certified shops, and they shift with your location. RepairPal doesn't break out parts versus labor or say whether a figure covers one axle or both, so ask your shop exactly what's in its quote. A good independent shop that knows performance cars is often cheaper than the dealer for the same parts.
Recalls worth checking
No sixth-gen Camaro brake recall shows up in NHTSA's data, but a few recalls affect how the car stops or rolls:
- 25V148000 (2020-2022 Camaro with the 10-speed automatic): the transmission may be damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock up. Free dealer repair.
- 21V188000 (2021 Camaro): an axle shaft may be missing a retaining ring and could separate while driving.
- 21V211000 (2017-2021 Camaro): the "Camaro" emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover may come loose during deployment.
Put your VIN into nhtsa.gov/recalls before paying for any driveline or brake-related work. Recall repairs are free.
Signs your Camaro needs brakes
- Squeal under light braking (wear indicators).
- Grinding or a scraping noise. Stop driving on it and get it checked.
- Shaking or pulsing when braking from speed. Usually rotors.
- Brake dust suddenly changes or one wheel stays much cleaner than the others. Could mean a caliper isn't working evenly.
- A firm pedal that won't stop the car, or a brake assist warning. NHTSA complaints for 2017 and 2018 Camaros describe exactly this, and it's an immediate shop visit.
Easy things to check first
- Look through the wheel. Thin pads or a lip on the rotor edge means it's time.
- Check the fluid level and color. Dark fluid absorbs water and boils sooner.
- Electronic parking brake warnings. A 2016 owner reported the electronic parking brake staying on and wearing the rear brakes. If you see that warning, get it scanned before replacing pads.
DIY or shop?
Pads on a Brembo four-piston caliper are actually straightforward: pins out, pads out, push pistons back evenly, new pads in. But rotors are big and heavy, the hardware needs correct torque, and the rear electronic parking brake needs a service mode. If you're not set up with a torque wrench, jack stands and a scan tool, let a shop do it.
What to ask the shop before paying
- "Is this price for one axle or both? Pads only, or rotors too?"
- "OE-style pads or performance pads? What's the noise and dust tradeoff?"
- "Is my brake fluid due? What type are you using?"
- "Did you check my VIN for the 10-speed lock-up recall (2020-2022)?"
- "What's the warranty on the parts and labor?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes. It's a sports car, and brakes are the one thing you can't skimp on. To keep costs down, get quotes from independent shops, don't let worn pads chew through the rotors, and ask whether rotors can be reused before agreeing to replace them.
More help on our Chevrolet Camaro repair page. Tires wearing out fast too? See our Camaro tire guide. Prices checked October 14, 2026.
