1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 164 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2012
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2009
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007
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“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2006
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2006
“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”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2005
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2004
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2004
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Z34 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS IS REDUCED MORE THAN A DRIVER WOULD EXPECT.
Remedy: DEALER WILL MODIFY THE FRONT FENDER LINERS TO REMOVE A PORTION OF THE CLOSEOUT PANELS IN THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 2004.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
How other years compare
Check your exact Monte Carlo by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliable?
NHTSA has 164 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 86,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.