1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
178
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
STEERING
25 complaints
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.
Dec 13, 2012
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
Jul 05, 2005
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
Sep 13, 2004
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
Jul 19, 2004
CONSUMER'S CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE DONE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. *PH
May 04, 2004
+ 20 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
25 complaints
DECREASE BRAKING ABILITY ON WET PAVEMENT. *JB
Mar 16, 2006
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Apr 03, 2001
ABS PREMATURELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT ONLY 38,000 MILES. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK
Feb 23, 2001
REAR BRAKE SHOES OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING A THUMPING NOISE TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, LESS THAN A MONTH LATER THUMPING BEGAN AGAIN. NLM
Aug 21, 2000
CAR SIMPLY HAS NO BRAKES IN HEAVY RAIN. PROBLEM MAY BE RELATED TO EA98-019, BUT MY CAR IS THE LS MODEL, NOT Z34 WHICH HAS FOUR WHEEL DISC BRAKES. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE OWNER JUST DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN. *ML
Dec 08, 1999
+ 20 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
23 complaints
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
Aug 29, 2009
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
Jun 23, 2008
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.
Aug 14, 2007
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)
Jul 12, 2004
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
Apr 01, 2004
+ 18 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
13 complaints
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
May 20, 2004
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
Sep 23, 2003
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.
Jan 27, 2003
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO CONSUMER'S LANE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 09, 2001
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION OF 20-25 MPH WITH A STONE WALL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Mar 01, 2001
+ 8 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaints
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
Nov 01, 2004
BATTERY WAS LEAKING ACID DOWN ONTO THE WIRING, WHICH POSSIBLIY SHORTED OUT THE AIR CONDITIONING AND BLEW A HEADLIGHT. *JB
Apr 12, 2001
PROBLEM 1--AN IGINITION WIRE SHORTED OUT WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASE AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME, DEALERSHIP SERVICE INFORMED ME THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THIS PART BUT DEALERSHIP COULD ONLY REPLACE ONE WIRE AT TIME. WITHIN THREE WEEKS, ANOTHER WIRE SHORTED OUT. THIS TIME THE ENTIRE SET OF IGINITION WIRES WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 38500 MILES ANOTHER IGINITION WIRE FROM THE NEW SET SHORTED OUT AND WAS REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, AT 38900 MILES ANOTHER IGINITION WIRE IS SHORTED OUT. DEALERSHIP NOW CLAIMS THERE ARE NO TECHNICAL BULLETINS ON THIS PART---ESPECIALLY SINCE THE WARRANTY IS OUT. IGINITION WIRES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AFTER MARKET. PROBLEM 2. ALTERNATOR BURNED UP AT 38775 MILES. I WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE IT WAS PLACED ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE ENGINE WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS DESIGNER, IT IS COMMON FOR THIS PART TO BURN OUT DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. IT WOULD SEEM THIS WAS INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED THIS WAY.
Apr 07, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE MANUFACTURER RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, REIMBURSEMENT IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR WORK COMPLETED, DENIED FULL REIMBURSEMENT (C99021)SPARK PLUGS AND WIRING.
Jan 04, 2000
SPARK PLUG WIRES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE. MJS
Oct 29, 1999
+ 5 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
TWICE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, SLIPPING BACK AND FORTH INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN SLAMMED BACK INTO GEAR. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH THE REPLACEMENT. OWNER HAD PIECES OF TRANSMISSION THAT CAME FROM TRANSFER CASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Aug 01, 2002
A GEAR EXPLODED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION, DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IF THIS IS THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, HE WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE METAL DAMAGE DUE TO FAILURE. *YH
Jul 03, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Oct 13, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTD FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 13, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
May 20, 2000
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
7 complaints
I HAVE HAD THREE (3) SETS OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS INSTALLED DUE TO ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT SETS FAILURE TO RETRACT. THIS WAS DEMONSTRATED TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ON ALL OCCASIONS AND SHE AGREED WITH THE FAILURES. THE SERVICE MANAGER NEVER (REPEAT) NEVER EXAMINED MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED NHTSA VIA ODI NUMBER 714613 AND THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER (WHO ESTABLISHED MY FILE AS 990575015), NEITHER OF WHICH HAS SEEN FIT TO AGAIN, REPLACE MY CURRENT BELTS--WHICH ALSO FAILED TO RETRACT!! I AM BEING TOLD BY EACH PARTY THAT THE RESTRAINTS DO NOT/NOT PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD, AND AS SUCH, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THEM! I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND HOW THESE RESTRAINTS ARE NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. I DO NOT WISH TO WAIT UNTIL AN ACCIDENT TO FIND OUT THAT THEY FAIL TO SECURE EITHER THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER IN THEIR SEATS OR THE SEATS THEMSELVES IN THE VEHICLE! FURTHER, I HAVE ALREADY WITNESSED A FRIEND OF OURS (WHO WAS A PASSENGER AT THE TIME) FALL WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FAULTY BELTS DID NOT RETRACT AND RATHER BECAME CAUGHT ON HER PERSON AND CAUSED HER TO FALL! TO FURTHER THE PROBLEM IS THAT NEITHER THE MANAGER OF GUNN CHEVROLET OR THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER HAVE HAD THE CURTESY TO VERBALLY CONTACT ME ON MY CONCERNS THAT THERE REMAINS A CHANCE THAT THE FIRST THREE SETS OF BELTS WERE THEMSELVES FAULTY AND ANOTHER SET MAY SOLVE THIS CONTINUAL PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND AT THE VERY LEAST WOULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE SOMETHING IN WRITING STATING THAT ALL PARTIES AGREE THAT THE RESTRAINTS ARE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND AS SUCH, I WILL JUST HAVE TO BE SATISFIED WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS FAULTY!!! I WOULD HONESTLY FEEL MUCH BETTER OFF IF THIS ISSUE WERE RESOLVED. I KNOW THAT I CAN NOT BE THE ONLY MONTE CARLO OWNER WITH THIS PROBLEM! SINCERELY, ROGER K. LAUGHLIN. *AK
Feb 15, 2000
HAVE HAD THREE (3) SETS OF SEATBELTS INSTALLED ON BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE (FRONT). THE LATEST SET OF BLETS, LIKE THE OTHER, CONTINUES NOT, REPEAT NOT TO RETRACT. WE USE THE BLETS ALWAYS, BUT AGAIN, WHEN LOOSENED THEY WILL NOT RETRACT. I AM GOING TO THE FURTH SET OF BELTS THIS WEEK. ARE THE BELTS AT FAULT OR IS THEIR A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH PROHIBITS THE BELTS FROM RETRACTING. I AM ELEVATING THE PROBLEM TO GUNN CHEVROLET'S MANAGER'S THIS TIME AS I AM TIRED OF THE PROBLEM!!!!!!
Nov 10, 1999
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS.
Sep 08, 1999
SEAT BELT FAILED.
Feb 01, 1999
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED.
Jan 13, 1998
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
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
Jul 08, 2005
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE IN REVERSE AT HIGH SPEEDS . CONSUMER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Jul 24, 2002
FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, MY CAR ENGINE RACES FROM 3000 TO 5000 RPM MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND STOP. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE COME CLOSE TO GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO STOP OR WANTS TO LUNGE FORWARD WHEN I AM STOPPED AT A LIGHT. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO MY DEALER FOUR TIME SINCE DECEMBER. WHEN I BRING IT THERE - THE CAR IS ACTING NORMAL SO THEY CLAIM THE CAR IS ACTING AT FACTORY SPEC. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER ON 4/14/2000 - I HAD IT IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT 3000 RPM. THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE CAR BECAUSE HE HAD NO MECHANICS. I TURNED OFF THE CAR, STARTED IT UP AGAIN, AND THE CAR RAN NORMALLY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE FOR FEAR THAT I WILL GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. MY DEALERSHIP IS NOT HELPING ME. *AK
Apr 15, 2000
THROTTLE IS STICKING AT IDLE WHEN VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED OR COMES TO A STOP. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 14, 1999
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSES CRUISE CONTROL NOT TO WORK WHEN IT WET OUTSIDE. *AK
Jul 20, 1999
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
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
Feb 18, 2004
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
Nov 10, 2003
BALL JOINT FAILURE, BROKE FROM LACK OF LUBRICATION, ON LEFT SIDE WHILE MOVING AT LOW SPEED OF 3-5 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF IT OCCUR ON HIGHWAY. *YH
Apr 19, 2001
WHILE DRIVING FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM/BALL JOINT BROKE, CAUSING SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE, AND A LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Aug 22, 2000
I AM ATTEMPTING TO NOTIFY YOU OF A PROBLEM THAT I BELIEVE IS VERY PREVALENT AMONG THE 1996-1997 MONTE CARLOS. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN NUMEROUS SHOPS TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND I AM OFTEN TOLD THAT IT IS A "MONTE CARLO" PROBLEM. THERE IS A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT OCCURS WHENEVER A STRONG LEFT TURN IS MADE WITH THE VEHICLE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE LEFT UPPER BEARING PLATE, ALTHOUGH IT IS UNCLEAR EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO PINPOINT. WHEN ONE TURNS A LEFT CIRCLE AND ROCKS THE STEERING WHEEL, THE NOISE WILL OCCUR AND STOP WITH THE ROCKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT, THE NOISE OCCURS, WHEN THE WHEEL IS STRAIGHTENED OUT, THE NOISE CEASES. MANY OF THE MECHANICS I HAVE VISITED REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY TELL ME THAT IT MAY NOT BE FIXED JUST BY REPLACING THE BEARING PLATE AS THEY ARE UNSURE OF THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD NOW THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER CONTROL ARM (TO THE BALL JOINT) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THIS IS WHAT MOST OF THE MONTE CARLOS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH. I ALSO SEE THAT THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL-JOINT STUDS ON THE 1995 LUMINAS AND MONTE CARLO'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED. IS IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ALL OF THE MONTE CARLO'S IN NORTHERN IOWA? MY APOLOGIZES TO YOU FOR HAVING TO READ THIS AS I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE MECHANICS AND STRUCTURES OF AUTOS, BUT MY THANKS TO YOU FOR LISTENING. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR OCCURRENCE AS EVERY MONTE CARLO OWNER I HAVE MET SEEMS TO HAVE THE SAME NOISE WITH THEIR VEHICLE. *AK
Apr 08, 1999
SEATS
5 complaints
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
Mar 27, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON STRAIGHT ROAD DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE AT ADJUSTMENT HINGES. ONE OCCUPANT,NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES. *AK
Feb 28, 2001
THE DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. WHEN TAKEN TO BE REPAIR WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE COLLAPSING WAS A NORMAL FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. NLM
Feb 07, 2000
SEATBACKS DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE, IN ONE INSTANCE WHEN HAD TO BRAKE FAST, THE SEATBACKS FLEW BACKWARD. *MJS
Jun 30, 1998
DURING HARD BRAKING, THE SEATS FOLD FORWARD THROWING THE OCCUPANTS TOWARD THE DASH. DEALER STATED THAT THE CONDITION WAS NORMAL AND THE SEAT WOULD LOCK DURING A CRASH.
Feb 27, 1997
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
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
Sep 19, 2006
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.
Sep 14, 2004
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
Jan 15, 2004
LIGHTING SYSTEM FAILED.
Mar 12, 1997
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
4 complaints
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
Jul 12, 2004
FUEL TANK IS RUSTING AT THE STEM AND CAUSES FUEL LEAKAGES. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Aug 28, 2002
I BOUGHT THIS CAR NOV OF 1999. I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR DYING WITHOUT WARNING ANYWHERE FROM 30-70 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAS DONE IT TO ME WHILE CROSSING TRAFFIC TO ENTER A PARKING LOT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO A DEALER, CENTRAL CHEVROLET OF NORTH BRANCH, TO BE FIXED. THEY FOUND SEVERAL EMISSION PCS BAD AND REPLACED. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IMMEDIATLY WENT BACK IN AND THEY HAVE YET TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED BY GM THAT THIS CAR WAS REPURCHASED BACK FEB 4 1998 AND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL REPAIRS DONE TO IT AND THEM BEING THE SAME PARTS. I CALLED THEM ANOTHER DAY AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS NOT TO HAVE GOTTEN THAT INFO AND THEY COULD HELP ME NO FURTHER WITH THE PROBLEM. I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THIS HAD I KNOWN THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT IS APRIL 5 2000 AND MY CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED! IT IS NOW AT 2ND DEALER, JOHN HIRSHES OF CAMBRIDGE, WHO IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE CAR WITHOUT THE HISTORY OF THE REPAIRS. GM WILL NOT PROVIDE THAT INFO TO ANYONE. IM TRYING TO RETURN THE CAR TO BROOKDALE HONDA BECAUSE THEY DID NOT TELL ME IT WAS REPURCHASED AND ALSO THAT THE CAR CANT BE FIXED. AT LEAST NOT BY TWO OF THE LOCAL DEALERS. THEY DONT KNOW WHATS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL OUT AND QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. IF YOU COULD HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE DO SO. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL IF ANY ADDITIONAL INFO IS NEEDED. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY ONLINE TO GIVE THIS INFO TO YOU SO YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME. *AK
Apr 05, 2000
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
SUNVISOR RETAINER FAILED. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS WERE A DIFFERENT SHADE THAN THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.
Apr 12, 1998
DRIVER'S DOOR HAS BEEN REPAIRED SIX TIMES AND IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS DUE TO WEAK DOOR PILLAR SUPPORT.
Feb 10, 1998
WIDE C-PILLARS RESULT IN REDUCED VISIBILITY.
Dec 30, 1997
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Dec 07, 2004
DOOR LOCKS FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
DRIVER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED WITH KEY.
Dec 27, 1997
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BE INOPERATIVE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 15, 2003
OUTSIDE AIR IS ALLOWED TO ENTER VEHICLE THROUGH AIR CONDITIONER VENTS EVEN WHEN FAN IS OFF. AFTER TURNING AIR CONDITIONER OFF MUSTY AIR COMES IN VENTS ALONG WITH EXHAUST FROM OTHER VEHICLES.
Jul 05, 1998
WINDOWS FOG EVEN WITH FAN ON CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING.
Dec 30, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
3 complaints
ABS LIGHT ON AND ABS SYSTEM FAILED AT 50,000 MILES.*AK
Aug 01, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT BRAKE PAD BROKE. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. PH
Jan 21, 2003
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
Dec 23, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
FUEL GUAGE DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *AK
Apr 01, 2004
FUEL TANK SENSOR (K13.107) FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
ENGINE LEAKS OIL OUT OF THE TOP SOME WHERE AND THE ABS HAS FAILED ABS LIGHT IN DASH STAY'S ON ALL THE TIME COST TO FIX BOTH PROBLEMS IS VERY HIGH FOR A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 38,000 MILES ON IT. *AK
Feb 15, 2001
BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST 6 TIMES THIS TIME THEY TOTALLY LOCKED UP AND WERE SMOKING AT THE SERVICE DESK. I ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY ENGINE OIL AND ENGINE RUNNING RUFF AND HARD TO START. A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS STARTED WHERE I HAVE LOST MORE THAN 15QTS OF OIL WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND THE ENGINE IS OUT. *AK
Jun 22, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
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
Mar 16, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
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
Dec 27, 2006
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
Sep 10, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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
Apr 20, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
LTR FM JAMS M. CLARK (MD) RE THE DEFECTIVE 4L60 ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 4 SPEED TRANSMISSION W/OVERDRIVE IN HIS 1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN, REPLY IN DUPLICATE ATTN DENISE NOOE/ANNAPOLIS OFC. *PH THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FULL BRAKE REPLACEMENT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. *JB (1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN)
Mar 05, 2004
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Dec 10, 2003
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
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
Oct 07, 2003
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
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
Apr 29, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Mar 22, 2003
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
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
Dec 09, 2002
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING IN A RURAL HOUSING AREA 30 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED TO DETERMINE CAUSE. THE OWNER STATES THAT THE ENTIRE BALL JOINT BROKE FROM THE VEHICLE AND BOLT AND COTTER PIN WORE OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DEAILS TS
Nov 22, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THERE IS NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW.*JB
May 02, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ENGINE LOSES POWER, AND ABS BRAKING SYSTEM BECOMES INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTATCED. RESULTS FROM COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP WHERE THAT VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS DUE TO A LOW BATTERY CELL. CONSUMER REPLACED BATTERY, AND I WAS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEMS AS BEFORE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHUR DETAILS.*AK
Jun 26, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
FIRST, THE A/C WENT OUT. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE, SUDDENLY, WHILE DRIVING, ALL THE POWER WENT OUT. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER CARS WERE ON THE ROAD, AND I WAS NOT TRAVELING VERY FAST. MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW, BUT I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. AS I PULLED INTO A SPACE, I TRIED TO STEP ON MY BRAKES, BUT THEY DIDN'T WORK. IT TURNS OUT THAT MY ALTERNATOR WAS OUT, SO I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER. BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THERE SHOULD BE A BACK-UP SYSTEM FOR THE BRAKES, SO THAT THEY WOULD STILL WORK IN THIS SITUATION (OR IN A MORE DANGEROUS SITUATION, E.G., IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY). THE PARKING BRAKE IS A BACK-UP OF SORTS, BUT, REALLY, I DON'T BELIEVE THE BRAKES SHOULD FAIL WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT.*AK
Nov 07, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
COMPONENT #1 - ABS - MECHANIC TOLD ME TO CONTACT YOU...SCAN ABS SHOWS CODES 1221, 1225, 1232 LEFT WHEEL SENSOR INTERMITTANT PROBLEM - POSSIBLE SENSOR OR COMPUTER. GIVING CONTRADICTORY READING. RESET COMPUTER DID NOT HELP. COMPONENT #2 - SUSPENSION OR STRUT ASSEMBLY. MAKES SCRUNCHING NOISE WHEN TURNING. COMPONENT #3 - FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND IS MAKING THE NOISE AGAIN. STRAINING NOISE QUITS WHEN YOU TURN ON REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER TO OVERLOAD SOMETHING OR OTHER. HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS PART SINCE 1998 ACTUALLY.*AK
Jul 23, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAR STARTS HARD AND IDLES ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ON. REPLACED PARTS WERE SPARK PLUGS. SPARK PLUG WIRES AND FUEL INJECTORS. *AK
Jun 04, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE FROM MAUFACTURER. DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW WILL NOT COME UP AT ALL, IT STAYS OFF TRACK. DEALERSHIP REPLACED WINDOW ONCE,BUT IT STILL IS HAVING PROBLEMS. CIGARETTE LIGHTER COLUMN WAS CRACKED, THE OUTSIDE WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. DEALER REPLACED IT/ ARM REST CRACKED, IT WAS PLASTIC, AND ENGINE FLYWHEEL BROKE. ALSO, AT 2200 MILES THE DUAL CAM ARE VERY LOUD AND ARE RATTLING. CAR PAINT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS TURNING BLUE. *AK
Feb 10, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
SIX REWIRINGS AND CAR STILL STALLS AND SHUTS OFF, ABS FAILS ON WET ROADS, FUEL GUAGE FAILS, SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, ETC.
Jan 03, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
PROBLEM HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH IDLE OR NOT STARTING.IN THE CASE OF THE FUEL PUMP ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS NOT ON AND WE WERE TOLD THERE COULD NOT BE ANYTHING WRONG.BROKE DOWN ON WAY HOME.HAD SPARK PLUG WIRES/ ALTENATOR AND.FUELPUMP REPLACED.SPARKPLUGS HAVE ONLY BEEN CLEANED. *AK
Nov 15, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I TOOK MY CAR TO BOB MCDORMAN CHEVROLET IN JANUARY (VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) ABOUT SEVERAL CONCERNS I HAD. ONE CONCERN I POINTED OUT WAS THAT MY CAR "CRANKED" A LONG TIME TO START. I ALSO HAD THEM REPAIR MY DRIVER SEAT BELT, THAT WOULD NOT CONTRACT, HAD THEM CHECK MY BRAKES BECAUSE THEY WERE TAKING LONGER TO STOP ON WET PAVEMENT AND THEY WERE SQUEAKING. WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG WITH ANYTHING EXCEPT MY SEAT BELT. I ALSO REPORTED THAT THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND IN THE MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME SOME TICKING IS NORMAL ON A COLD START. ON 03-29-99 I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT KEPT FLASHING AND STAYING ON, THE IDLE WAS VERY ROUGH, CAR WAS MISSING TERRIBLY, SULFUR SMELL WAS PRESENT. BOB MCDORMAN CHEVROLET REPLACED THREE PLUGS AND WIRES. I TOOK MY CAR BACK ON 4-14-99 BECAUSE THE CAR WAS "RUNNING ROUGH" AGAIN. BOB MCDORMAN CHEVROLET REPLACED THE OTHER THREE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. ON JULY 26, 1999 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY @ APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. I LOST ALL POWER AND MY CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I CALLED CHEVY ON 07-27-99. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR INTO A DEALER AND THEY "MAY" ASSIST WITH REIMBURSEMENT BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE IT. I CALLED SEVERAL CHEVROLET DEALERS BUT COULD NOT GET MY CAR IN FOR A WEEK. BOB MCDORMAN WAS CALLED AND I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER (STEVE ALEXANDER). HE TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDNOT GO BACK ON THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS WAS A NEW PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT MY CAR WAS RUNNING ROUGH ALL ALONG LIKE BEFORE IN "SPURTS" AND I FELT THE WARRANTY SHOULD COVER WHAT I HAD IT IN FOR BEFORE. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I TOOK MY CAR TO A GARAGE, THEY SAID IT WAS THE ALTERNATER ($453.16). NOW, IN THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER, MY CAR MISSES AFTER IT IS STARTED AND STILL IDLING ROUGH. TOOK IT BACK TO THE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD IT IS NOW MY FUEL PUMP. I CONTACTED
Sep 16, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
BRAKES REQUIRE EXCESSIVE STOPPING DISTANCES WHEN WET, CREATING FOR VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS WHEN CONDITIONS ARE WET. YOU APPLY BRAKES AND THERE IS NOTHING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND CONDITIONS WORSEN WITH TIME. DEALER WAS CONTACTED THEY SAY EVERYTHING OK NO PROBLEMS THEY SAID THEY ADJUSTED REAR BRAKES NO DIFFERENCE. ALSO ALL LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING RANDOMLY.
Mar 16, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, INTERMITTENTLY STARTS HARD OR RIDES ROUGH. DEALER CONTACTED AND SERVICE PROVIDED SEVEN TIMES. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. WARRANTY EFFECTIVE. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
Feb 02, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
ODOMETER & FUEL GAUGE EXPERIENCING FAILURE. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER SMELLS GAS WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, FUEL PUMP MAKES NOISE. ALSO, CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WIT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. BRAKES DON'T STOP WHEN THEY SHOULD. THE DEFECT DESCRIBED ABOVE COMPLIES WITH INVESTIGATION NUMBER EA98019. *AK
Nov 20, 1998
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
READING LAMP DRAINS BATTERY WHEN LEFT ON.
Dec 30, 1997
WHEELS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HEARD NOISE AS IF SOMETHING ROLLING AROUND INSIDE TRUNK, SUBSEQUENTLY, RIGHT REAR WHEEL BROKE/DISCONNECTED FR OM FR AME, CAUSED ACCIDENT. VEHICLE'S FRONT END HIT BANK ON SIDE OF ROAD, WHEEL TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Jul 29, 1997
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ENGAGED STRONG ODOROUS FUMES COME FROM THE VENTS, AND MAKE THE OCCUPANTS VERY SICK. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE HEADACHES/NAUSEA AND BLURRED VISION. *AK
Jul 25, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo have?
The 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo currently has 178 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - CHEVROLET Monte Carlo
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
Other CHEVROLET Models
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models