27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems
32 of the 164 complaints (20%) are about the brakes.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes
19
0
0
0
Steering › Rack and Pinion
16
2
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine
13
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
7
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
6
0
0
0
Air Bags · airbags
6
1
0
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes
5
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
5
5
0
4
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
4
0
0
0
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
4
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Filed Dec 11, 2003750,283 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components01I014000
Filed Sep 24, 2001General Motors Corp.
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Z34 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS IS REDUCED MORE THAN A DRIVER WOULD EXPECT.
Risk. THE BRAKING COULD FEEL DELAYED MOMENTARILY WHEN LIGHT OR MODERATE FORCE IS APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH.
Remedy. DEALER WILL MODIFY THE FRONT FENDER LINERS TO REMOVE A PORTION OF THE CLOSEOUT PANELS IN THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 2004.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Dec 13, 2012220,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 85 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARING FOR THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 29, 2009IL
MY 97 MONTE CARLO Z34 STARTED DYING ON ME WHENEVER I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND AFTER I HAD BEEN DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. AND IT WOULD SHOOT FORWARD AFTER I STARTED IT AGAIN IN NEUTRAL(THE ONLY WAY IT WOULD START). PLACING MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS UNWILLINGLY, I WOULD HAVE TO START MY CAR AND MAKE SURE NO CARS WERE COMING ANY WAY OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED! NOW MY CAR IS COMPLETELY UNDRIVABLE AND DIES WHENEVER I HIT MY BRAKES, I TOOK THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICS SINCE THIS STARTED AND HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING CHANGED/REPAIRED: UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE GASKET SET, THROTTLE BODY GASKET, THERMOSTAT, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, AIR FILTER, NUMEROUS VACUUM LEAKS, VALVE COVERS. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 23, 2008119,000 milesMD
MY 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (DUE TO LEAKING OF ENGINE COOLANT). TWO MECHANICS INFORMED ME THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE BETWEEN $800-$1000. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED SEVERAL GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES BETWEEN 1996-2002 HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THOUGH NO OFFICIAL RECALL WAS DONE, GM DID PUBLISH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM A FEW YEARS AGO. I KNOW CANADA HAS FILED CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST CANADA GM CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 120K MILES ON IT, AND THE BLUEBOOK STATES THE VALUE TO BE AROUND $2200. DOES THE STATE OF MARYLAND HAVE INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE REQUIRING GM TO PERFORM THIS WORK UNDER SOME KIND OF WARRANTY? *TR
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Mar 16, 2008RI
MY 97 CHEVY MONTE CARLO HAS HAD NO LOWER BRAKE LIGHTS FOR SOME TIME . I HAD MY CAR CHECKED BY AN AUTO ELECTRICIAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SO SEVERE AND IT WOULD PROBABLY NEVER FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE BEING IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY SELF/FAMILY OR OTHERS. AS I DRIVE ON THE ROAD I NOTICE MANY AUTOS OF THE SAME YEAR AND TYPE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SO I KNOW ITS NOT ONLY MY VEHICLE .I THOUGHT IT COULD OF BEEN THE FACTORY INSTALLED SECURITY SYSTEM SO I HAD IT UNINSTALLED TO COME TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS NOT THE SECURITY SYSTEM AFTER ALL. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE . THIS IS MY ONLY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION AS I AM DISABLED AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE . I HAVE PUT CONSTANT REPAIRS ON THIS CAR , FUEL INJ TANK, ETC. AGAIN PLEASE ADDRESS THIS URGENT ISSUE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2007145,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ENGINE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE SUB FRAME BOLTS NOT BEING TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS WERE RE-ATTACHED. AS OF AUGUST 14, 2007, NO OTHER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Dec 27, 2006120,000 milesAR
THIS IS MY SECOND GM VEHICLE WITH THE SAME MALFUNCTION. FIRST, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. THEN THE RIGHT BLINKER WOULD NOT WORK (STAYS SOLID, DOESN'T FLASH). THEN THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ACCOMPANIED BY A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS A 1997 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. THE OTHER CAR I HAD WITH THE SAME MALFUNCTION WAS A 1995 CHEVY BERETTA. ALL REPAIRS ARE COSTLY. *JB
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Sep 19, 200655,000 milesIL
THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAS AN UNNATURAL TENDENCY TO FAIL ON ALL 95-99 MONTE CARLO AND 95- 00 LUMINA'S MADE BY CHEVROLET THIS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RESULTING IN THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. OLD PART NOT AVAILABLE. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Mar 16, 200696,450 milesNY
DECREASE BRAKING ABILITY ON WET PAVEMENT. *JB
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 8, 200565,000 milesVA
DT: 1997, MONTE CARLO, CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 68 MPH. CONSUMER WENT TO TURN OFF AT AN EXIT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. BECAUSE OF THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN ,CAUSING A COLLISION. CONSUMER AND OTHER OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. *AK THE DRIVER WAS BRAKING HARD BUT COULD NOT SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED.*SB
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 5, 2005127,000 milesIL
DT: CONSUMER HAD RECALL 03V527000 REPAIRS DONE IN FEBRUARY WHICH WAS SUPPOSE TO BE PREVENTIVE RECALL WORK. VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. CONSUMER SAID WHEN SHE TURNED LEFT THE VEHICLE DEMONSTRATED HIGH RESISTANCE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AFTER MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO TAKE IT TO ANY DEALER. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT SHE GO BACK TO DEALER WHO DID THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIRS. DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE AFTER SHE AGREED TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. MECHANIC CHECKED VEHICLE AND CLAIMED IT WAS RACK AND PINION PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Nov 1, 200492,000 milesMO
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR HOME ONE EVENING IT WAS IDLING HIGH AND AND EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL WAS ACTING LIKE IT WAS SHORT CIRCUTING AND THEN MY CAR DIED. THANK GOODNESS THAT NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME BECAUSE OF COURSE THE POWER STEERING THE FAILED AND THERE WAS A SOUND OF METAL AGAINST METAL. MY FATHER AND I THEN CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR THINKING THAT THAT MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT DIDN'T AND THE CAR HAS HAD THE PROBLEM MULTIPLE TIMES. NOW I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE IT FOR THE FEAR OF THIS HAPPENING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE AND ME BE STUCK THERE. THE PROBLEM IS NOT A FAULTY ALTERNATOR SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY CLUE AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE. *AK
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Sep 14, 200486,000 milesOH
THE TURN SIGNAL/BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
Steering › Rack and PinionCrash
Filed Sep 13, 2004121,000 milesKS
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, CAUSING THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO HIT A POLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO STEERING RACK FAILURE. *JB
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Sep 10, 2004120,000 milesMS
RECALL 03V527000 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR BEARINGS. CONSUMER HAD A CONCERN WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. ALSO, AIR CONDITIONER/ HAZARD LIGHTS, AND DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED TO OPERATE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 19, 2004IL
VEHICLE'S STEERING WENT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING. *MR RECALL #750283. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED HER MONEY BACK. *SC IN JAN. 2004 A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO SEND IN HER PAPERWORK AND A REIMBURSEMENT CHECK WOULD BE SENT TO HER, BUT INSTEAD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A DENIAL LETTER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE REASON FOR THE DENIAL OF REIMBURSEMENT WAS BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT A GM DEALER. *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 12, 2004PA
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jul 12, 200436,366 milesWI
1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO VIN#[XXX] MILES 36,366 DATE 04/12/02 HEAD GASKET BLOWN (RESEAL INTAKE MANIFOLD) SERVICE#47886 ANDREW CHEVROLET 1500 WEST SILVER SPRING MILWAUKEE,WISC. 53209 REPAIR COST $916.58 REASON GIVEN WHY IT WENT OUT BY SERVICE TECH ENGINE HEATS UP AND COOLS DOWN. 05/14/04 MILEAGE 48,933 SERVICE #89628 HEAD GASKET AGAIN BLOWN(RESEAL INTAKE MANIFOLD WANT ANOTHER $8-900 REFUSED TO PAY AGAIN CAR SITS AT HOME. *LA UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed May 20, 200494,000 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE SKIDDED ON AN ICY PATCH ON THE ROAD, DRIVER LOST CONTROL, AND VEHICLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NECK, AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND A BLACK EYE. DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK *LA
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed May 4, 200464,897 milesNY
CONSUMER'S CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE DONE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. *PH
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Apr 21, 2004IN
STEERING WHEEL DID NOT TURN UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND HE DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER TRIED TO UNLOCK IT BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A MEDIAN STEEL BARRIER. THEN, VEHICLE ROLLED THREE TIMES AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE, TO THE HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2004KS
COOLANT STARTING LEAKING WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT AND KEPT GETTING WORSE. WAS INFORMED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDS REPLACED. HEARD OF SEVERAL MONTE CARLOS AND LUMINAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed Apr 1, 2004KS
FUEL GUAGE DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *AK
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Mar 11, 2004TN
NHTSA RECALL# 03V527000 SUBJECT:STEERING GEAR BEARINGS. CONSUMER RECEIVED THE NOTICE FOR THE RECALL THE FIRST PART OF FEBRUARY. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER SIX TIMES. DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE TOOLS TO FIX THE RECALLED PART, AND TOLD THE CONSUMER TO CALL BACK IN APRIL. THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS.*AK
Steering
Filed Mar 8, 2004CO
CONSUMER DISSATISFIED WITH THE WORK DONE ON HER VEHICLE. *PH THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE STEERING PROBLEM SHE EXPERIENCED HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH RECALL 03V-527000. THE CONSUMER DISAGREES AND BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL BECAUSE SHE REFUSED TO LET THEM REPLACE OTHER ITEMS ON THE VEHICLE. *NM
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Feb 19, 200463,167 milesIA
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEALER IS REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION. *JB *NM
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Feb 18, 2004OH
HEARD A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Feb 18, 2004OH
CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD RUBBING NOISE WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING FRONT SUSPENSION:WHEEL BEARINGS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED WHEEL BEARINGS. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 17, 200447,000 milesIL
MY 1997 MONTE CARLO IS IN NEED OF AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACEMENT. WHY ISN'T THIS A GM RECALL? THE REPAIR COST IS $800 AND MY INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM IN GM CARS. MY CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE. THE ENGINE COULD CATCH FIRE OR FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC GASKETS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED! *JB
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jan 15, 200465,000 milesNY
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT, THE STEERING LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED *JB *NM
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jan 15, 2004IL
TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE ON THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO BRIGHTEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I LOOKED UP A FORUM TYPE WEBSITE "MYMONTE.COM" AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. ALL SAID THAT IT IS A FAULTY TURN SIGNAL SWITCH RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO 95-99 YEAR MODELS OF CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. A FEW OF THESE HAVE HAD REPEATED OCCURRENCES. IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON COMPLAINT WITH MANY MONTE CARLO OWNERS. *CB
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Jan 7, 200470,122 milesFL
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 MONTE CARLO. THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP AND/OR BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. PROBLEM ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, USUALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE.*AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 10, 2003100,000 milesOH
WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. AS A RESULT, THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP A CURB AND LAND IN A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK AND WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. *AK *SC *JB
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
Filed Nov 10, 2003IL
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING REAR AXLE SNAPPED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Oct 7, 2003IL
LEFT REAR BOLT THAT HELD THE CONTROL ARM ON TO THE AXLE BROKE OFF. IT WAS NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AT THE DEALER. AND NO EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS DAMAGE WAS FOUND.*AK
Air Bags
Filed Sep 23, 200367,158 milesCA
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE THE AUTOMOBILE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE AIR BAG BEGAN TO INFLATE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HOWEVER, ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IT DID NOT INFLATE, IT IS STILL INTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD NO ANSWER AS WHAT MADE THE AIR BAG INFLATE.*AK *TS *JB
Steering › Rack and PinionCrash
Filed Aug 15, 2003915,000 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK GM STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE RACK AND PINION BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE. *SCC *JB
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 15, 2003OH
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BE INOPERATIVE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Aug 1, 200350,000 milesMI
ABS LIGHT ON AND ABS SYSTEM FAILED AT 50,000 MILES.*AK
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
Filed May 11, 200367,035 milesFL
HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE. NLM
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Apr 29, 2003118,000 milesTX
POWER STEERING LOCKED UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. AT FIRST IT HAPPEN WITH MY SON DRIVING, WAS FINE ONE DAY, AND LIKE SOMETHING BROKE THE NEXT. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC, THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN 3 MONTO CARLO'S THAT MONTH HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS VEHICLES IN MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THEN WHEN DRIVING IT TO MY MECHANIC, THANK GOD MY SON WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME, AND HELPED ME MUSCLE THE CAR THROUGH THE TURN, OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ALSO THE GAS GAUGE HAS NEVER GIVEN A ACCURATE READING. WHEN MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY HAD BEEN SEEING A LOT OF MONTE CARLOS WITH THIS PROBLEM, IT ALERTED ME THAT THERE MUST BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING, AND I STARTING CHECKING THE RECALLS, AND SURE ENOUGH, GM HAS RECALLED 96 - 98'S CHEVROLET LUMINAS, WHICH IS A SISTER CAR TO THE MONTO CARLO, THE ONLY MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO CARS IS THE BODY STYLE COUPE (2 DOOR) TO SEDAN (FOUR DOOR). THEY HAVE THE SAME MECHANICAL WORKING PARTS. HOPEFULLY THEY'LL GET THE MONTE CARLO RECALLED SOON BEFORE THERE ARE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. *JB
SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 27, 2003CA
I AM A VICTIM OF A REAR-END MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE SEATS ARE DESIGNED TO LATCH WHEN THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES ARE SUDDENLY APPLIED AND/OR THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY COMES TO A STOP (AS PER THE OWNERS MANUAL). IN MY CASE, MY VEHICLE WAS ALREADY AT A STOP AND THEREFORE THE SEAT NEVER LATCHED. CONSEQUENTLY, THE SEAT CAME FORWARD AND THE HEAD REST STRUCK ME LIKE A TWO BY FOUR. MY INJURIES WERE MORE SEVERE BECAUSE OF THIS SECONDARY IMPACT FROM THE HEAD REST. MY HUSBAND HAS A 1996 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE PICK-UP TRUCK THAT HAS THE SAME SEAT DESIGN. IN ADDITION, IN BOTH VEHICLES EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE SEATS BACKS STILL COME FORWARD SEVERAL INCHES BEFORE EVENTUALLY LOCKING. *JB
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 200375,000 milesOH
DOOR AND ELECTRICAL WINDOW . MY POWER WINDOW'S WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. THE CONTROL BUTTON WILL NOT EVEN MOVE. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO LIFT MY PASSENGER DOOR TO CLOSE IT. I ALSO HAVE PAINT CHIPPING OFF OF MY WIPER ASSEMBLY AND THE BODY OF MY CAR. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 6, 200368,000 milesFL
BLOWN MOTOR. WHEN CAR WAS TAKEN APART TO REMOVE ENGINE THE BOLTS ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE NOT TIGHT AND WERE REMOVED BY HAND, NO TOOLS NEEDED.
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2003PA
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ROTATE BACK TO STANDARD POSITION. THE WHEEL CONTINUES TO ROTATE AROUND IN A CIRCLE. PH
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control ModuleCrash
Filed Jan 27, 2003132,013 milesNY
DURING A SNOW STORM I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME ABRUPTLY STOPPED AND BECAUSE OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS I WAS UNABLE TO DECELERATE FAST ENOUGH AND I TRIED TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING THE OTHER CAR BUT I STILL SLID INTO THE OTHER CAR AND THEN HIT A TREE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE(APPROX $5,000) DONE TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR AND MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
Service Brakes, Air
Filed Jan 21, 2003MI
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT BRAKE PAD BROKE. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. PH
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Dec 31, 2002MO
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT THE RACK AN PINION STEERING BROKE. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE WHICH IT COMPLETELY LEFT THE CONSUMER WITH NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE WERE CONTACTED AND HAVE A RECALL AND THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. TS
Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Caliper
Filed Dec 23, 2002MI
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FRONT BRAKES. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT BRAKE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. TS
Child Seat › Tether › Strap/Webbing
Filed Dec 9, 2002NY
WHEN THE CHILD IS PLACED IN THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT AND HAS ON A COAT, THE HARNESS STRAPS ARE THE LAST ADJUSTMENT NOTCH AND THERE IS HARDLY ENOUGH ROOM TO PLACE THE CHILD'S ARMS THROUGH THE STRAPS. THE CHILD IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AS THE HARNESS IS VERY TIGHT. TS SCC
Complaints 1-50 of 164, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.