Chevrolet Monte Carlo Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 44 safety recalls and 2,147 owner complaints across 34 model years of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1970–2010). The most-complained-about year is 2001.

Pick your Chevrolet Monte Carlo model year

• 1970
• 1973
• 1974
• 1975
• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
• 1980
• 1981
• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987
• 1988
• 1990
• 1991
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2010

What Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 2,147 complaints with NHTSA. The 2001 model year has the most, with 276.

• Electrical system371
• Engine196
• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip133
• Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel94
• Steering90
• Engine and engine cooling72
• Power train: automatic transmission65
• Engine and engine cooling: engine61

All Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls (44)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (engine and engine cooling) and engine (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 15V701000 Reported October 26, 2015 1,003,556 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

   General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the…

   Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are…

   Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

2. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 15V201000 Reported April 6, 2015 330,742 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

   General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23,…

   Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April…

   Model years: 2004

3. Ignition (electrical system)

   NHTSA 14V400000 Reported July 3, 2014 5,877,718 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

   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…

   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…

   Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

4. Ignition (electrical system)

   NHTSA 14V355000 Reported June 23, 2014 3,141,731 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

   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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse,…

   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 23, 2014. Owners may contact…

   Model years: 2006, 2007

5. Engine and engine cooling

   NHTSA 09V116000 Reported April 8, 2009 1,497,516 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engine’s plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The…

   Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

6. Service brakes, hydraulic

   NHTSA 04V287000 Reported June 23, 2004 47,991 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles were produced with lower than specified torque on both front brake caliper to steering knuckle attachment bolts. With improper torque, the clamp load at the joint may not be adequate to prevent movement between the caliper bracket and knuckle.

   Remedy: Dealers are to tighten both bolts to the specified torque. Owner notification began on june 28, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac 1-800-620-7668.

   Model years: 2004

7. Delivery (fuel system)

   NHTSA 04V090000 Reported February 24, 2004 910,873 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a…

   Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. Owners should…

   Model years: 2000

8. Rack and pinion (steering)

   NHTSA 03V527000 Reported December 11, 2003 750,283 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   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.

   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…

   Model years: 1997, 1998

9. Owners/service/other manual (equipment)

   NHTSA 03V250000 Reported July 15, 2003 1,707,825 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

   Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or…

   Model years: 2003

10. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 03V051000 Reported February 14, 2003 130 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On certain MINI vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

    Model years: 2003

11. Air bags: frontal

    NHTSA 02V329000 Reported December 9, 2002 272 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and MINI vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began december 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

    Model years: 1999

12. Air bags: frontal

    NHTSA 02V222000 Reported August 9, 2002 133,221 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Certain passenger, MINI vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…

    Model years: 2002, 2003

13. Air bags

    NHTSA 00V244000 Reported August 29, 2000 580 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The air bag sensing and diagnostic modules (sdm) could experience a memory error resulting in the air bags not deploying in a crash situation.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module.

    Model years: 2001

14. Seat belts

    NHTSA 00V228003 Reported August 7, 2000 156,305 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

    Model years: 2000, 2001

15. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 97V065000 Reported April 18, 1997 50,709 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.

    Model years: 1995

16. Structure

    NHTSA 97V058000 Reported April 8, 1997 676,535 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

    Model years: 1990, 1991

17. Switch/wiring (visibility)

    NHTSA 97V017000 Reported February 11, 1997 349,331 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.

    Model years: 1995

18. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 96V122000 Reported July 1, 1996 3,591 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.

    Model years: 1996

19. Suspension: lower ball joint

    NHTSA 94V230000 Reported November 21, 1994 221 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A right-hand lower control arm tapered ball joint mounting hole was incorrectly machined. Movement within this attachment can allow the ball joint stud to fatigue and fracture.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-hand lower control arm and ball joint stud on all involved vehicles.

    Model years: 1995

20. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported June 16, 1989 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

    Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.

    Model years: 1984

21. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 87V168000 Reported October 26, 1987 11,936 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.

    Remedy: Replace the manual valve detent lever link.

    Model years: 1987

22. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V131000 Reported September 19, 1986 106,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

23. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V056000 Reported April 28, 1986 93,317 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

24. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V048000 Reported April 29, 1985 1,810,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.

    Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

25. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 84V149000 Reported November 24, 1984 3,100,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

26. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 84V011000 Reported February 6, 1984 76,586 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.

    Remedy: Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.

    Model years: 1984

27. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V106000 Reported October 13, 1983 4,667 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The master cylinder rear brake pipe, which carries brake fluid to the rear brakes, may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket.

    Remedy: If upon inspection the dealer finds that there is inadequate clearance, the pipe will be reformed to obtain the necessary three quarter inch space. Only those pipes showing signs of wear will be replaced.

    Model years: 1983

28. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V012000 Reported January 3, 1982 79,686 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

29. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 81V025000 Reported February 25, 1981 5,821,160 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.

    Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

30. Wheel bearing (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V175000 Reported July 23, 1979 1,896,222 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front wheel spindle nut.

    Remedy: The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be…

    Model years: 1978

31. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported June 6, 1979 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

32. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 78V138000 Reported June 13, 1978 265,068 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal. This flaw could allow the shaft to break and the tire and wheel assembly to separate.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace one or both rear axle shafts, if necessary, free of charge.

    Model years: 1977

33. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported June 13, 1978 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

34. Head restraint (seats)

    NHTSA 78V115000 Reported May 24, 1978 1,643 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Incorrect head restraints may have been installed on the involved vehicles. This fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts".

    Remedy: Dealer will replace incorrect head restraints with improved head restraints.

    Model years: 1978

35. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 77V181000 Reported October 17, 1977 636 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear brake wheel cylinder retainer on the involved vehicles may not have been properly installed. Should the wheel cylinder retainer become completely disengaged, the wheel cylinder could move outboard causing a loss of brake fluid and a loss of rear braking action.

    Remedy: The dealer will reposition the rear wheel brake cylinder retainers, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1978

36. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported September 7, 1976 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

37. Wheels

    NHTSA 76V098000 Reported July 2, 1976 938 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

38. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 76V038000 Reported March 11, 1976 16 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

39. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V214000 Reported December 19, 1975 39,278 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

40. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 75V032000 Reported February 19, 1975 220,982 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

41. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 74V027000 Reported February 15, 1974 1,218,387 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

42. Retractor (seat belts)

    NHTSA 74V016000 Reported January 25, 1974 26,421 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

43. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported December 27, 1973 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

44. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 70V032000 Reported April 3, 1970 16,712 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

Other Chevrolet models

• Malibu19,364 complaints
• Silverado 150018,029 complaints
• Impala10,434 complaints
• Tahoe10,032 complaints
• Equinox9,161 complaints
• Silverado8,799 complaints
• Blazer8,192 complaints
• Suburban8,164 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.