2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Routine

Owners filed 120 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

93 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System48
020
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel29
000
Exterior Lighting8
000
Fuel System, Gasoline3
000
Vehicle Speed Control2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
000
Service Brakes2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V400000
Filed Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Steering09E005000
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Steering08E063000
Filed Oct 17, 20083,855 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Risk. IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 9, 2024NC

I have had numerous lights, noise, continuously for the last 7 years have replaced numerous parts, only to last awhile then the lights, noise return. Seems there is no cure for this malfunctioning problem, have heard GM is aware of these problems but have never received a letter regarding them, the anti-lock traction control braking system on these cars are headaches and troublesome, and expensive with no cure in sight, have spent tons of money on these problems, still keep having them.

Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 2019CA

THE PCM FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT OR DEFECTIVE AND FROM WHAT I'VE RESEARCHED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MONTE CARLO. CHEVROLET SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING A KNOWN DEFECTIVE COMPUTER!

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2019CA

TAKATARECALL STIL TILL I HAVE THAT PROBLEMS

Electrical System
Filed May 5, 201894,000 milesKS

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS CAR THE BOOST GAGE WAS NOT WORKING. A FEW DAYS LATER THE GAS OIL PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES STARTED GOING CRAZY. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDS TO WORK TO SHOW OVERHEATING OF ENGINE TO AVOID DAMAGE. INTERNET FORUMS SAY THIS ISSUE A VERY COMMON ISSUE. PICTURE SHOWS GAUGES ON LEFT AFTER CAR RUNNING 10 MIN WITH APPROX HALF TANK OF GAS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 9, 2017CA

THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH IS FAULTY. MY BLINKERS NEVER WORK RIGHT. SOMETIMES I HAVE RIGHT AND NO LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND MANY TIMES THE HAZARD LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN I USE TURN SIGNAL. THE TURN SIGNAL SOUND OF CLICKING NEVER STOPS, CONSTANT CLICKING THAT OFTEN STARTS BUZZING. QUITE OFTEN MY TURN SIGNALS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND I HAVE NO WAY TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS THAT I AM SWITCHING LANES. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVROLET AND GMC AND EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 24, 2017MI

FEUL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL #07E021000 FOR 2005 IMPALA, BUT NOT FOR MY MONIE CARLO , GAS SMELL WHILE DRIVING/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAKING.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 2017TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN OVER IN THE IGNITION SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO BE REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE THE RECALL REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 16, 2016115,000 milesTN

MY CAR HAS A STRONG GAS ODOR PARTICULARLY IN COLDER WEATHER. I NOTICED IT LAST WINTER AND IT WENT AWAY DURING THE SUMMER. NOW THAT THE TEMPS ARE GETTING COOLER, IT HAS STARTED AGAIN. I TURN ON THE HEAT AND HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN FOR VENTILATION. I'VE HAD THREE DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS CHECK IT OUT. NONE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE. IT IS EMBARRASSING IN THE SCHOOL CAR RIDER LINE OR IN A DRIVE THROUGH. SOMEONE ALWAYS COMMENTS ON IT. I AM WORRIED IT MAY CATCH FIRE.

Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2016NY

MY ENGINE (V6 3.8L 3800 SERIES) IS LEAKING OIL ON THE ENGINE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS YESTERDAY (11/2/16) WHEN HE REPLACED THE PLASTIC ELBOWS AS I HAD ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM THEM. HE SAID THE 3.8 L ENGINE HAS A RECALL FOR THIS, OIL LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKETS AND SAID CHEVROLET HAS A RECALL TO REPLACE THEM. I DO REMEMBER SEEING THIS RECALL ONLINE SOMEWHERE, BUT HAVE NOT SEEN IT WHILE SEARCHING THE LAST TWO DAYS. MY MECHANIC OLD ME IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE 87771 MILES ON MY CAR. I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I HAVE HAD TO DO THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR 6/2008. THE CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FOR AWHILE NOW.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 31, 2016138,000 milesKS

KEY FOB QUIT WORKING. I USE THE KEY TO MANUALLY UNLOCK CAR. HOWEVER, AFTER CAR IS PARKED AND OFF, THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK THEMSELVES. THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS FLASH WHILE DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING. THE OTHER NIGHT, IT WAS FLASHING MORSE CODE FOR OVER 24HOURS. I DO NOT HAVE ON STAR CONNECTED. HORN QUIT WORKING 4 MONTHS RIGHT BEFORE KEY FOB QUIT. I CAN'T USE MY BRIGHT LIGHTS, BECAUSE I LOSE DASH LIGHTS, HEAD LIGHTS. MY SON AND I SHARE THIS CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK. SINCE THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ALL DAY AND NIGHT, I FELT IT IS UNSAFE FOR HIM TO DRIVE TO WORK WHICH IS 40 MILES ONE WAY. WHY SO MANY ISSUES THAT ARE NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUS? I DRIVE MY CAR DURING DAY TIME. I PRAY I MAKE IT TO WORK. I HAVE TO DRIVE 9 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. HOWEVER, I DRIVE HIGHWAY 75 WITH SEMI TRUCKS GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR. IF THIS CAR LOSES POWER ON THAT HIGHWAY, I WILL PROBABLY NOT SURVIVE. UNSAFE AND NOT RELIABLE VEHICLE. CHEVY SHOULD HELP US MONTE CARLO OWNERS GET THEM FIXED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 201665,000 milesCO

I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT WITH THE LIGHTS ON BRIGHT, BECAUSE WHEN I DO THE LIGHTS SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON IS TO FLIP THE DIMMER SWITCH. I HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIGHWAY BOTH, DRIVING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS PROBLEM, IN MY OPINION IS A BIG HAZARD AND VERY UNSAFE. I HAD TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REPLACED, BECAUSE IT FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS GOING ON VACATION, I HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN MY CAR OR WHAT SPEED I WAS GOING ALL GAUGES WERE OUT OF WHACK. THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE, I'VE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER AUTO REPAIR SHOP, THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY COULD SMELL THE GAS BOTH ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF CAR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE KEY, I TOOK INTO DEALER AND THEY PUT A COVER OVER THE OLD KEY, I PERSONALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHERS ON HERE HAVE LISTED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR. WHAT I'D LIKE TO KNOW IS, IF THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ISSUED? I CAN'T SPEAK FOR ANYONE ELSE, BUT I PAID HARD EARNED MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND I'M SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO CONSTANTLY REPAIR STUFF, WHICH SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I THINK SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS

Electrical System
Filed Feb 29, 201680,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 14, 2016147,000 milesOK

SPEEDOMETER GOING NUTS. STUCK ON 85MPH WHILE IDLE AND OFF AS WELL. PERIODICALLY, THE TRAC AND ABS LIGHTS WILL COME ON. WHEN BACKING UP AND PUT IN DRIVE TO GO, THE TRACTION ACTIVE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR WILL LUG AND GRIND.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 30, 201595,400 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,400. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ UPDATED 4/30/18*JB *JS

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 2015FL

LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2005 CHEVY MONTE CARLO AIR BAG RECALL. *SMD THE DEALER CLAIMED THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE RECALL. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Nov 12, 201580,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 2015FL

PERIODICALLY THE CAR WILL NOT START. THERE WAS A RECALL THAT ONLY REPLACED A PORTION OF THE KEY. THE KEY WILL TURN AND ALL LIGHTS COME ON BUT IT WONT START. IF YOU WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND TRY AGAIN THE CAR STARTS EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING DIFFERENT. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY ARE STATING IT NEEDS A NEW IGNITION. I DO NOT HAVE A HEAVY KEYRING AND ONLY USE THE SINGLE KEY WITHOUT THE FOB OR ANYTHING AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 2015LA

2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL, THE ALARM NO WORKED. *JB UPDATED 09/02/15*LJ UPDATED 11/01/2017*CN

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 201580,052 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). A FEW DAYS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE PASS KEY LOCK SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MAGNET CONNECTION WAS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,052.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 16, 2015184,000 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAMS) STARTED FLASHING OFF AND ON THEN WENT COMPLETELY OUT, I HIT THE DIMMER SWITCH AND TURNED THE HI BEAMS ON AND THEY WORKED FINE. WHEN I SHUT MY HIGH BEAMS OFF MY LOW BEAMS CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON FOR THE REST OF MY 120 MILE TRIP. FOUR DAYS LATER ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE DARK THE SAME THING HAPPENED, THE FOLLOWING DAY MY LOW BEAMS WOULD NOT TURN ON AND I HAVE TO HOLD THE DIMMER SWITCH TO KEEP MY HIGH BEAMS ON OR I WILL HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS. ( ONE HAND ON THE DIMMER SWITCH ONE HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL). I SUSPECT IT IS THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH IS A $300 PART. BUT HAVE NOT HAD IT PROFESSIONALLY DIAGNOSED. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS!

20 of 120 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20102000Routine
20082000Routine
200742222Fatalities reported
2006113202Fatalities reported
2005 — this page120430Routine
20042307110Above average
20031589180Routine
20022307240High concern
20012768310High concern
20002338351Fatalities reported
1999125560Routine
1998100587Fatalities reported
1997164310Routine
1996155310Routine
1995169511Fatalities reported
19911100Routine
19900100Routine

Compare every Monte Carlo year →

Reading this record

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: Jul 3, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.