1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo Problems

102

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

16 complaints

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE SPINS OUT OF CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE SPINS OUT OF CONTROL THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE NORMAL. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE DOES MAKE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES SINCE THEN. THE VEHICLE SPINS OUT OF CONTROL DURING NORMAL BRAKING PROCEDURES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THAT THE BRAKES ARE WEARING UNEVENLY. *AK

Aug 22, 2005

ON JUNE 1, 2000 I WAS GOING TO WORK, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I REALIZED I WAS GOING A LITTLE FASTER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT AND PRESSED THE BRAKES. AT THAT POINT IN TIME MY 1998 MONTE CARLO LS VEERED TO THE LEFT AND I HAD NO CONTROL. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE MEDIAN TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE I REGAINED CONTROL. THE MARKS ON THE ROAD WERE FELT TO SHOW THAT MY BRAKE SYSTEM HAD LOCKED UP. (I DO HAVE THE POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE SCENE). *JB

May 04, 2003

Crash: 1

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HIGHDROPLANED INTO A DITCH AS A RESULT. PH CONSUMER COMPLAINED PREVIOUSLY OF DELAYED STOPPING ESPECIALLY IN WET WEATHER. *TT

Dec 09, 2002

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Nov 18, 2002

NO BRAKES WHEN HIGHWAY IS WET EVEN AFTER RECALL WAS DONE. *AK

Apr 28, 2002

+ 11 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

12 complaints

1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER REQUESTS INFORMATION ON VEHICLE RECALL POLICY. *SMD

Jul 23, 2013

1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE RECALL NOTICE AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A JUNK YARD.

Feb 07, 2013

Fire: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REMEDY REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE, WHICH THE CONTACT STATED COULD POTENTIALLY START A FIRE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE RECENT RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

Jun 03, 2010

WHILE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) DOWN THE INTERSTATE I-20 RETURNING HOME FROM A WEEKEND VACATION, MY CAR (1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO) HAD A SLIGHT PUTTER AND SMOKE STARTED ROARING OUT THE REAR. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE ALL OVER THE BACKSIDE OF THE ENGINE. I CALLED 911 TO COME PUT THE FIRE OUT. NO PERSON WAS INJURED BUT MY ENGINE IS TOTALED. THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY BURNED UP AND MELTED. *TR

Mar 18, 2010

Fire: 1

THE VEHICLE HAS AN INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE LEAK OCCURRED BECAUSE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS MADE WITH A THIN MATERIAL WHICH DISINTEGRATED AND CREATED AN ORANGE SLUG IN THE ENGINE, PER THE DEALERSHIP. *JB

Apr 05, 2004

+ 7 more complaints for this component

STEERING

12 complaints

WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT 5 MPH VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Sep 21, 2004

CONSUMER WAS PULLING INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO STEER. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SOLENOID SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Sep 08, 2004

HAVE GM PRESS RELEASE ON 1997-1998 MONTE CARLO ON STEERING GEAR PROBLEM STATING THAT GM WOULD BE RECALL SOME 824,000 CARS. MY 1998 MONTE CARLO IS EXPERENCING THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE REPEATLY TRIED TO GET GM TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ON 24 FEB. 2004 WHEN I WAS TOLD TO BRING IN MY CAR TO MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THE CAR WOULD BE FIXED. ONE WEEK HAD PASSED AND I HEARD NOTHING FROM GM SO I CALLED AND NOW THEY TELL ME IT IS NOT THIER PROBLEM. HOWEVER THEY STILL HAVE AN ACTIVE RECALL BUT STATE MY CAR IS NOT IN THE RECALL.*AK

Mar 02, 2004

WHEN MAKING A LEFT/RIGHT TURNS STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY LOCKED UP. DEALERSHIPS MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Jan 13, 2004

1998 MONTE CARLO :COMPLAINED OF GROWLING NOISE AT LOW SPEED TURNS; ALSO, NOT MENTIONED TO SHOP BUT WAS TOLD BY FRIEND THAT HE THOUGHT THE WHEEL WAS HARDER TO TURN THEN OTHER VEHICLES. SHOP INFORMED ME THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CHECKED THE SERVICE MANUAL TO FIND OUT WHY IT COULD NOT BE RECONDITIONED BUT STOPPED AFTER SEEING THAT THERE WAS A EXISTING PROBLEM BEING INVESTIGATED ABOUT FAULTY RACK AND PINIONS. NOTE THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 26000 MILES ON IT. *LA

Oct 25, 2003

+ 7 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

7 complaints

FUEL TANK IS LEAKING DUE TO RUST. THE SEEM IN THE REAR PORTION OF THE TANK IS RUSTED THOUGH. THE CAR HAS ONLY 70000 MILES. THE TANK STARTED LEAKING AT 62000 MILES. *JB

Jul 13, 2006

THE GAS TANK RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *PH THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AND VIEWED GAS LEAKING. *SC *JB

Apr 01, 2004

THE FUEL TANK CRACKED WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE MORE OFTEN. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *NM *MR

Mar 17, 2004

I HAVE HAD 4 DIFFERENT FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED IN 2 YEARS I AM SO DISSAPOINTED IN THIS CAR I COULD CRY. IT'S A PIECE OF CRAP.

Jan 15, 2004

THE GAS TANK ON MY 1998 MONTE CARLO HAS RUSTED THROUGH ,I HAVE CHECKED AT NHTSA WEB SITE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PROBLEM, I HAVE ALSO CHECK AT A JUNK YARD AND THIS WAS ALSO THE CASE THE GAS TANK WAS RUNTED THROUGH . I MADE COMPLAINT TO CHEVY BUT WAS TOLD CAR TO OLD AND WARRENTY HAD RUN OUT, I FEEL THIS IS A REAL BIG PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE DRIVING THSES CARS SHOULD THEY EVERY BE IN AN ACCIDENT IT WOULD PROABLY GO UP IN FLAMES THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. *AK

Jan 11, 2004

+ 2 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Oct 27, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF AN APPROACHING CURVE. SHE OVERCORRECTED THE TURN, STRUCK THE GUARD RAIL, SPED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE HEAD, CHEST, AND NECK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

May 23, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DASH HAS LIFTED UP - THE VINYL COVER HAS LIFTED OFF. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR ANY OTHER REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THE AIR BAG IS STILL IN THE DASH AND HAS NOT IMPLODED BUT I AM FEARFUL THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN. CHEVROLET HAS SAID THEY WILL REVIEW THE PROBLEM AND PERHAPS MAY OR MAY NOT PAY 50% TO HAVING THE AIR BAG REPAIRED WHICH THEY SAY MEANS INSTALLING AN ENTIRE NEW SYSTEM. I CONTEND THAT THIS IS A DEFECT AND CHEVROLET SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. CHEVROLET SAID BECAUSE OF THE YEAR AND MILEAGE (62,000) THAT IT IS NOT UNDER WARRENTY AND THEY CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE.

May 12, 2004

CONSUMER STATE AS A RESULT OF HIGHDROPLAINED INTO A DITCH AT 40 MPH VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

Dec 09, 2002

Crash: 1

PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO STATED CONSUMER NEEDED TO DO MAINTENANCE ON AIRBAGS. *AK

Jul 02, 2002

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE AT A STOP SIGN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY WIRES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 198,000.

Apr 14, 2009

Fire: 1

ARRIVED AT WORK AFTER ABOUT A 20 MINUTE DRIVE. WENT TO CHANGE INTO MY UNIFORM AND MY SUPERVISOR PAGED ME OVER THE INTERCOM SYSTEM TELLING ME I HAD TO GET TO MY CAR IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I ARRIVED A CO-WORKER WAS STANDING THERE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AS MY CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TRIED TO RELEASE THE HOOD BUT THE CABLE HAD MELTED THROUGH. WHILE WAITING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ARRIVE, THE CAR ATTEMPTED TO START ITS SELF CAUSING THE FLAMES TO GET BIGGER AS IT WAS SHOOTING SMOKE OUT OF THE TAILPIPES. AFTER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THEY PRECEDED TO GET INTO THE HOOD BY TAKING AN AX AND SAW TO THE HOOD. FIRE FIGHTER SAID IT LOOKED LIKE A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FIRE SINCE THERE WAS NO SMELL OF FUEL OR OIL. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE CAR IS TOTALED BECAUSE THE ENGINE MELTED, MY WINDSHIELD WAS BLOWN OUT FROM THE HEAT AN SO WAS THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. *TR

May 01, 2007

Fire: 1

CIGARETTE LIGHTER FAILS TO FUNCTION- FUSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED- EVEN THO' NOT INDICATED AS FAULTY. ENTIRE UNIT [INNER] HAS BEEN REPLACED AND OUTER LIGHTER PIECES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ALSO - BOTH MULTIPLE TIMES. NEW UNIT WILL FUNCTION FOR SHORT TIME BUT THEN FAILS AGAIN.*AK

Feb 16, 2004

GM NEW CAR AND PRE-OWNED BUYER BEWARE. I PURCHASED A 1999 MONTE CARLO IN AUGUST 2001 FROM MONDAY CHEVROLET IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. THEY INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY BEFORE I COMPLETED THE PURCHASE. I ASSUMED THAT THE 6-YR WARRANTY ON THE BATTERY WAS IN FORCE. OBVIOUSLY, ACDELCO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE "POSITIVE POST" ON THEIR BATTERIES CORRODING AND CAUSING THE POST TO SEPARATE FROM THE BATTERY. THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS CHATTING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE WEB. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BATTERY IN MY CAR. IT APPEARS FROM THE POSITION THAT ACDELCO AND GM TAKE ON WARRANTIES THAT I HAVE NEVER OWNED THE BATTERY AND NEVER HAD A WARRANTY ON THE BATTERY. IN FACT, AS THEY EXPLAIN THEIR POSITION, THE PROPER THING FOR A CUSTOMER PURCHASING A NEW GM VEHICLE OR A PRE-OWNED GM VEHICLE THAT HAS A NEW ACDELCO BATTERY IN IT, IS FOR THE PURCHASER TO ASK THE DEALERSHIP TO TAKE OUT THE OE BATTERY, REDUCE THE VEHICLE PRICE IN THAT AMOUNT, AND INSTALL AN ACDELCO BATTERY THAT THE VEHICLE PURCHASER BUYS FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THAT WAY THE BATTERY WARRANTY IS IN THE NAME OF THE PURCHASER AND NOT GM OR THE DEALERSHIP. BECAUSE ON A NEW VEHICLE AFTER 3 YEARS, THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON A 6-YR WARRANTY BATTERY. OR ON A PRE-OWNED, THERE IS NO WARRANTY AFTER 6 MONTHS OR 1-YR (DEPENDS ON NUMBER OF MONTHS YOU GET FROM DEALERSHIP FOR THE ENTIRE VEHICLE)ON A 6-YR WARRANTY BATTERY. THERE MUST BE SOME WAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OR A REGULATORY AGENCY TO POLICE THIS PROBLEM AND FORCE THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE THE BATTERY WARRANTY IN THE NAME OF THE PURCHASER AT THE TIME OF SALE. ALSO TO LOOK INTO A RECALL OF ACDELCO BATTERIES. AS I EXPLAINED ABOVE AND THE ACDELCO REPRESENTATIVE AGREED TO, THAT THERE WOULD BE NO COST DIFFERENCE IF A PURCHASER DID THE "PROPER THING" THAT I EXPLAINED ABOVE. NEEDLESSLY TO SAY, I AM UPSET THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT BATTERY FOR A 6-YR WARRANTED BATTERY THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE ON RECALL. *LA

Nov 26, 2003

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ALTERNATOR,BATTERY KEEP ON DYING,THEN CAR WOULDN'T STAR.VEHICLE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH PCM WHICH WAS REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE STILL HAS PROBLEMS.DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. NLM

Sep 30, 2002

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SEATS

5 complaints

METAL BRACKET HOLDING DRIVERS SEAT SNAPPED CAUSING DRIVER AND SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. *JB

Sep 13, 2003

Injuries: 1

BOTH FRONT BACK REST WOULD MOVE WHILE TRAVELING (WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE) VEHICLE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENCE REPAIRS SHOP FOR REPAIRS; CONDITION WAS STILL REOCCURRING. INDEPENDENCE REPAIRS SHOP TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT ONLY WOULD LOCK WHEN BRAKE ARE APPLYED. CAN NHTSA SHARE SOME LIGHT ON THIS MATTER.

Aug 26, 2000

DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS DO NOT LOCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO ONLY LOCK UP UPON APPLYING BRAKES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Aug 23, 2000

THE FRONT PASSENGER BUCKET SEAT FELL FORWARD DURING NORMAL AND ABRUPT STOPS. THE SEAT BACK LOCKING MECHANISM WAS EITHER MISSING OR NOT WORKING PROPERLY.

Jun 25, 1998

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT LOCK, ALLOWING SEATBACK TO FALL FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. DEALERS NOTED THIS IS THE DESIGN OF VEHICLE, AND SEATBACK ONLY LOCKS IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Jun 15, 1998

ENGINE

4 complaints

1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HIS DISAPPROVAL OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE PLASTIC "BEAUTY" COVER. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE RECALL INCLUDED REMOVING THE BEAUTY COVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICE DOES SAY THAT THE COVER WILL BE REMOVED, BUT DOES NOT STATE THAT IT WOULDN'T BE RETURNED. UPDATED 10/10/2017*JS

Oct 10, 2017

ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR MONTE CARLO. UNBEKNOWN TO HER THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING UNDERNEATH, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WITH NEITHER STEERING NOR BRAKING CAPABILITY. OTHER DRIVERS, NOTICING THE SMOKE, WERE ATTEMPTING TO NOTIFY HER OF THE IMPENDING FIRE. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ABOUT ANOTHER MILE BEFORE LOSING CONTROL AND CRASHING INTO A TREE ON MY NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CAR BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. WERE IT NOT FOR SEVERAL GOOD SAMARITANS, AND POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. ALL DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.

Jun 29, 2016

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Jun 24, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO FURTHER DETAILS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/11/16*BF *TR

Dec 18, 2015

Fire: 1

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

LOWER REAR WINDOW CHANNEL IN DRIVERS DOOR RUSTED AND CAUSED CHANNEL BRACKET TO SEPARATE AND WINDOW TO COME OUT OF CHANNEL

Sep 28, 2003

THE CENTER/SIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS HAVE BLIND SPOTS. THERE IS AN AREA ON THE LEFT SIDE IN WHICH A VEHICLE APPROACHING FROM THE REAR LEFT SIDE IS NOT VISIBLE FROM EITHER THE CENTER OR LEFT REAR VIEW MIRRORS. THIS BLIND SPOT IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY SUCH THAT A VEHICLE LOCATED WITH ITS RIGHT BUMPER SIX FEET BEHIND AND SIX FEET TO THE LEFT OF MY LEFT REAR BUMPER IS NOT VISIBLE. THE ONLY WAY I CAN SEE A VEHICLE IN SUCH A POSITION IS TO TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD AND TURN MY HEAD TO THE LEFT. OTHERWISE, ANYTIME I MAKE A LEFT LANE CHANGE TO MY LEFT, THERE IS A RISK OF A COLLISION IN WHICH I NEVER SAW THE OTHER VEHICLE. THERE IS A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH THE CENTER/RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRRORS. I HAVE DETERMINED THESE FACTS BY MOVING MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT PAST STATIONARY VEHICLES AND OBSERVING THE IMAGE OF THE STATIONARY VEHICLE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRRORS. I ASSUME THAT THE MIRRORS ON THE MONTE CARLO ARE TYPICAL AND THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON ALL AUTOMOBILES. THE MIRRORS ON MY CAR ARE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER SO THAT THIS IS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO DESIGN DEFECT. THE PROBLEM CAN BE ELIMINATED BY CAREFUL LAYOUT OF THE MIRRORS AND EMPLOYING SIMPLE GEOMETRICAL OPTICS.

Feb 01, 1999

WINDSHIELD DESIGN ALLOWS FOR REFLECTION OF VENTS AND DASH EQUIPMENT TO DISTRACT FROM VIEW.

Feb 03, 1998

SUNROOF ACTUATOR REPLACED DUE TO SUNROOF RATTLING, STICKING AND BINDING.

Oct 28, 1997

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

HUB SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ITPRODUCED A CLICKING NOISE. *AK

Apr 12, 2004

CAR MAKES GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS. *AK

Nov 30, 1999

VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT . DEALER HAS ALIGNED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND PROBLEM STILLS EXISTS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Jun 23, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER TRIED TO BRAKE, BUT HER BRAKES DID NOT WORK. SHE REALIZED THAT HER FRONT BRAKE PADS WAS GONE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS & ROTORS. PH

Jan 21, 2003

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FRONT BRAKE PAD. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO BRAKE THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAVE REPLACED FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS. TS

Dec 23, 2002

THE ABS LOCKED UP( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/70 )

Feb 12, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

FATAL CAR ACCIDENT ON 270 ON MAY 18TH 2008 4 TEENS KILLED AND 3 OTHERS INJURED. WITH ALL THE GM RECALLS WE ARE CERTAIN THIS WILL END UP BEING PART OF THE RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR

Jul 03, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

IN 2008 A CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE TEENAGE CHILDREN AND A FRIEND WERE KILLED IN A MVC. NOW THAT ALL THE RE CALLS HAVE COME OUT WITH GM I OFTEN WONDER IF THIS CAR WAS PART OF THE RE CALL. MANY WITNESSES SAID, THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT LEFT. HTTP://WWW.DISPATCH.COM/CONTENT/STORIES/LOCAL/2008/05/20/I270CRASH.ART_ART_05-20-08_A1_8SA8GUF.HTML PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS CRASH. THANK YOU PLEASE NOTE: THIS WAS NOT MY VEHICLE, I AM WRITING AS A FRIEND AND CONCERNED PERSON. *TR

Jun 04, 2014

Crash: 1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

1998 MONTE CARLO 29,000 MILES, NO ACCIDENTS. BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING EXCEPT FOR THE THIRD LIGHT IN THE BACK WINDOW. READ ON FORUM A SIMILAR ISSUE, LIGHTLY MASSAGED THE WIRING HARNESS GOING FROM STEERING COLUMN TO TURN SIGNAL LEVER, BRAKE LIGHTS THEN BEGAN WORKING AGAIN. *TR

Apr 07, 2011

BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK IF THE TURN-SIGNAL/BRIGHT LIGHT/WIPER LEVER IS MOVED SLIGHTLY FORWARD OF ITS NORMAL POSITION. AFTER USING THE TURN SIGNALS OR BRIGHT LIGHTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE LEVER IS PULLED UP TOWARD THE DRIVER. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT, NOR HAS THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER BEEN REMOVED IN THE FIVE YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE SEEMS TO BE A RESULT OF DESIGN. THE LIGHT ON THE REAR DECK STILL WORKS. DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A REAR-END COLLISION IS POSSIBLE AS A RESULT OF SUDDEN BRAKING. PROBLEM WAS JUST DISCOVERED AND HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED.

Apr 29, 2004

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

IF THE TRUNK WAS IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE SLIGHTEST WIND BLEW, THE TRUNK SLAMMED DOWN ABRUPTLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB

Jan 15, 2004

THE SPRINGS ON THE TRUNK SEEM VERY WEAK AND HAVE HAD MY HEAD HIT BY TRUNK LID COMING DOWN WHILE LOADING IN A SLIGHT WIND. THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS SHOULD BE UPGRADED AS NEWER MODELS COME OUT

Sep 03, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

BRAKES FAILED AT 25 MPH CAUSING CONSUMER TO REAREND ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $2100. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES IN PAST, BEGINNING IN AUGUST OF 2000. DEALER REPLACED CALIPERS/PADS, AND TURNED ROTORS. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES. ALSO, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK *SLC

Feb 13, 2001

Crash: 1

REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE MANUFACTOR AS OF 3/31/99.*AK

Apr 09, 1999

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS/ CAR WANDERS FROM STRAIGHT LINE - LIKE TORQUE STEER/ CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATES CAR RADICALLY WHEN YOU PRESS "RESUME".

Mar 11, 1999

STEERING STIFF AND HEAVY, VEHICLE CONSTANTLY STEERS TO THE LEFT. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Jul 18, 1998

STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR MONTE CARLO. UNBEKNOWNST TO HER THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING UNDERNEATH, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WITH NEITHER STEERING NOR BRAKING CAPABILITY. OTHER DRIVERS, NOTICING THE SMOKE, WERE ATTEMPTING TO NOTIFY HER OF THE IMPENDING FIRE. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ABOUT ANOTHER MILE BEFORE LOSING CONTROL AND CRASHING INTO A TREE ON MY NEIGHBOR?S YARD. THE CAR BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. WERE IT NOT FOR SEVERAL GOOD SAMARITANS, AND POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE FOLLOWING IS A HISTORY OF ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, DOCUMENTED FULLY BY SERVICE RECORDS FROM ITS PURCHASE IN 1998. 1.BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. 2.TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. 3.UNABLE TO START DUE TO SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 4.WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACED. 5.POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED. 6.REAR SUSPENSION (PASSENGER'S SIDE) BROKEN. 7.PREMATURE ALTERNATOR FAILURE. 8.PREMATURE BRAKE REPLACEMENT, I.E., PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS. 9.TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE FROM HARD BRAKING (INCIDENT NOT CONNECTED WITH FIRE) 10.INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED DUE TO COOLANT FLOWING INTO CYLINDERS AND CRANKCASE. 11.PREMATURE RADIATOR REPLACEMENT. 12.ELECTRICAL SPIKE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH SYSTEM WHEN STARTING, CAUSING FULL-SCALE DEFLECTION OF INSTRUMENTATION AND LIGHTS TO BECOME EXTREMELY BRIGHT. *TR

Dec 26, 2016

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM I WAS DRIVING WITH THREE OTHER PEOPLE IN MY CAR ON THE STREET IN THE SOUTH SAINT LOUIS COUNTY(RAILROAD CROSSING WEBER RD AND CLOSE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE) AND WE WERE GOING ACROSS THE RAILROAD, WHEN ALL FUNCTIONS OF MY CAR DIED AND THE BRAKES .STEERING. ENGINE , ALL WENT OFF AND I GOT SCARED BUT IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT I PULLED MY EMERGENCY BREAK AND PULLED THE CAR TO A STOP. ALL THESE HAPPENED ON A VERY WELL PAVED STREET., AND ALL HAPPENED JUST WHEN I CROSSED THE RAILROAD TRACKS. I WAS VERY FRIGHTEN AS WELL ALL THE PEOPLE IN MY CAR. I WAS WONDERING IF ANY OF THIS THAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR HAS TO DO WITH THE RECALLS THAT HAPPENED WITH GM IGNITION SWITCHES. I ALSO TALK TO MY FRIEND AND HE SAID THAT HE USED TO HAVE A CHEVY LUMINA 1995 AND SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIM ON A HIGHWAY IN SOUTH SAINT LOUIS AND HE DID SAME THING AND NO ONE GOT HURT. WHEN WILL ANYONE CONTACT US THAT AND ALL OTHER PEOPLE THAT DRIVE THESE TYPES OF CARS AND CHECK THIS OUT AND FIX THIS PROBLEMS. *TR

Oct 01, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

MY BRAKE LIGHTS (EXCEPT FOR RAISED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT) HAVE STOPPED WORKING AND EVEN REPLACING A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE JUST LEARNT THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AND THIS IS AFTER SPENDING $100 AT A DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM! *TR

Nov 27, 2008

TIRES

1 complaint

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, AND WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE COPPER MASTER CRAFT SENSYS01 TIRE. WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WERE HOLES ON EACH SIDE OF THE INNER SIDEWALLS. THE TIRE WAS NOT IMPACT BY ANY ROAD HAZARD. THE REMAINING TREAD ON THE TIRE WAS AT 60%. TIRE SIZE WAS 225/60R16 THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT COULD PROVIDE PICTURES OF DEFECTIVE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRE WAS ABOUT 20,000 MILES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 25,000. *AK

Mar 20, 2007

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ENTERING A CURVE AND APPLYING NORMAL BREAK PRESSURE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM 40 TO 70MPH. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE ON THE ROADSIDE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV, BUT THE TREE WOULD NOT ALLOW ANY ADDITIONAL FORWARD MOTION. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF BEFORE PLACING THE SHIFTER INTO PARK. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEATBELT AND RECEIVED NO INJURIES. THE POLICE FILED A REPORT AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A WRECKING YARD WHERE IT WAS LATER INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED TO HELP DETERMINE A CAUSE IF IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY REMAINS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

Feb 06, 2006

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WHILE ON VACATION IN WILLIAMSBURG VA. HEARD ANNOUCMENT OVER THE INTERCOM AT A CRACKER BARREL RESTURAUNT .. OWNER OF WHITE CHEVY MONTE CARLO WITH MD TAGS GO TO YOUR CAR ASAP.. WHEN ARRIVED IN PARKING LOT.. MANAGER OF REST. WAS STANDING NEXT TO MY CAR WITH A FIRE EXT. AND THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ONLY ABOUT 4 MILES FROM THE HOTEL WE WERE STAYING AT, SO IT WAS NOT EXTREMELY HOT...THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ( YORK COUNTY) ARRIVED AND RIPPED OPEN THE HOOD BECAUSE THE HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE HAD BURNED THROUGH AND YOU COUND NOT GET THE HOOD UP.. THE CAR WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, ENGINE HAD BEEN RECENTLY DEGREASED AND LOOKED AND DROVE LIKE A NEW CAR... THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALLED OUT BY ERIE INS CO. AND LEFT IN VA. WE HAD TO GET A RENTAL BACK TO BALTIMORE.... THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL IN NATURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE AREA WORST BURNED ON THE HOOD WAS RIGHT OVER THE DISTIBUTOR. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR ANY INVESTIGATION... HAS THIS TYPE OF UNEXPECTED ENGINE FIRE OCCURRED IN OTHER 3.1 SERIES CHEVY ENGINE OR MONTE CARLO'S?

Jul 18, 2004

Fire: 1

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT FUNCTION. MR

Dec 11, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL BOGGLE DOWN CAUSING IT TO BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR CONSUMER STATED THAT PCM, OXYGEN SENSOR AND WIRES AROUND THE KNOCK SENSOR REPLACED AS A CAUSE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *YH

Oct 18, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEY CAUSE HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. ALSO, A CLICKING SOUND WOULD COME FROM DASHBOARD AND FRONT WHEELS WOULD LOCK UP MOMENTARILY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK LOW TRACK LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE IN DRY CONDITIONS. THE CLICKING AND DIMMING LIGHTS SEEMED TO BE A SHORT IN THE ABS, ABS RELUCTOR WAS CRACKED. CV AXLE WAS REPLACED. *JB

Feb 06, 2002

AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

HORN DOES NOT WORK AND THE AIRBAG IS LOCATED IN THE SAME POD. *AK

Jul 24, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

DOORS WILL NOT STAY OPEN AT POSITIONS LESS THAN FULL OPEN, AND EVEN THEN SLIGHT WIND WILL CAUSE THEM TO CLOSE. HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS !! BRUISES AND GOUGES TO LEGS MOSTLY , BUT SOME ARMS, FINGERS, AND OFTEN HURT BACK- DUE TO PREMATURE CLOSING OF DOOR. [IT CLOSES HARD TOO!] SUPPOSE HINGES INADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT/DIMENSIONS OF THE DOORS, OR MECHANISM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DUE TO SIZE/WEIGHT OF DOORS - IN TIGHT PARKING SPOTS - IT IS MOST OFTEN- IMPOSSIBLE- TO OPEN DOOR FULLY. HAVE HAD OTHER CARS SAME MODEL- NEVER THIS PROBLEM. DOORS SHOULD HAVE INTERIM POSITIONS WHERE IT WILL REMAIN OPEN WITHOUT EXERTING A CONTINUAL OUTWARD PRESSURE. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CHILDREN ARE PASSENGERS ENTERING OR DISEMBARKING FROM THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT AN ADULT IN IMMEDIATE PRESENCE.[COULD EASILY CASUE A BROKEN BONE BY PREMATURE CLOSING ON AN UNSUSPECTING CHILD. WOULD BE ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS IN RENTAL CAR SITUATION WITH ADULTS UNFAMILAR W/PROBLEM. HOOD OF TRUCK HAS SIMILAR SYMPTOMS- DOES NOT STAY IN OPEN POSITION IF SLIGHTEST WIND. TRIM AROUND ALL WINDOWS AND DOOR FRAMES IS NOT SECURE- MANY AREAS BREECHED. RECENTLY NOTICED FAILING OF THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN THE MANNER PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED WITH THIS CAR. INADEQUATE STOPPING POWER NOTICED ONLY RECENTLY - HAVE ENDED UP - MUCH TO MY SURPRISE- IN MIDDLE OF INTERSETIONS BEFORE COMPLETE STOP WAS ACHIEVED- FROM SPEED OF 40-45 MPH- NO "GRABBING" FEELING NOTICED AS PRESSURE APPLIED THE BRAKES WAS INCREASED. OR REALLY AT ONSET OF "STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Jul 15, 2000

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

REPEATED EFFORTS TO GET GM/MICHAEL'S CHEVY TO FIX THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: A.C. FAN ON HIGH RATTLES, INTERIOR TRIM PIECES (AFTER DEALER REPAIRS) DOES NOT FIT TOGETHER AND HANGS DOWN, CAUSING PROBLEM GETTING IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE,TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 11,500+/- MILES LEAVING FLOOR SHIFTER TO SLIP OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WITH EASE,TACHOMETER DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME AND THE TRIP O METER FAILS AT DIFFERENT TIMES,POWER DOOR LOCKS DON'T ALLOW ENTRANCE/EXITING(BOTH ACTURATORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED), ALL ATTEMPTS WITH DEALERS HAVE ENDED WITH " CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM" AND SEVERAL SUN TREATMENTS(NO EFFORT TO REPAIR OR FIND PROBLEM). I LEFT THE AUTO WITH DEALERSHIP FOR 2WEEKS AND IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. GM REFUSES TO APPLY ANY EFFORTS TO HELP IN RESOLUTIONS. I'M NOW AT THE POINT THAT I'M FORCED TO TRADE AWAY THIS AUTO BECAUSE I CAN'T GET GM/PENSKE DEALERSHIP TO HONOR THE WARRANTY( DOT NUMBER: NONE TIRE SIZE: P225/60R- )

Jul 07, 2000

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

WHEN OIL WAS CHANGED NOTICED LOTS OF FLUIDS LEAKING. DEALER STATED RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

May 30, 2000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

HVAC BLOWER MOTOR QUIET FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, BUT EVENTUALLY MAKES A LOUD ROAR, REPLACE MOTOR 5 TIMES. LOUD HUM EMINATING FROM FUEL PUMP BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AND WHILE DRIVING, REPLACE FUEL PUMP

May 20, 1998

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4.8/5.0

35 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo have?

The 1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo currently has 102 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 1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo?

The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1998 CHEVROLET Monte Carlo comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.