2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 120 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (63% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have had numerous lights, noise, continuously for the last 7 years have replaced numerous parts, only to last awhile then the lights, noise return. Seems there is no cure for this malfunctioning problem, have heard GM is aware of these problems but have never received a letter regarding them, the anti-lock traction control braking system on these cars are headaches and troublesome, and expensive with no cure in sight, have spent tons of money on these problems, still keep having them.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2024
“The pcm for the transmission is out or defective and from what I've researched this is a very common problem with the monte carlo. Chevrolet should be responsible for selling a known defective computer!”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2019
“When I first bought this car the boost gage was not working. A few days later the gas oil pressure and temperature gauges started going crazy. The temperature gauge needs to work to show overheating of engine to avoid damage. Internet forums say this issue a very common issue. Picture shows gauges on left after car running 10 min with approx half tank of gas”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Feul pressure regulator recall #07e021000 for 2005 impala, but not for my monie carlo , gas smell while driving/fuel pressure regulator leaking.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that the key failed to turn over in the ignition so the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was waiting to be referred to an authorized dealer to diagnose the failure and provide the recall remedy. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
“My car has a strong gas odor particularly in colder weather. I noticed it last winter and it went away during the summer. Now that the temps are getting cooler, it has started again. I turn on the heat and have to drive with the windows down for ventilation. I've had three different mechanic shops check it out. None have been able to find the cause. It is embarrassing in the school car rider line or in a drive through. Someone always comments on it. I am worried it may catch fire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2016
“My engine (v6 3.8l 3800 series) is leaking oil on the engine. My mechanic told me this yesterday (11/2/16) when he replaced the plastic elbows as I had antifreeze leaking from them. He said the 3.8 l engine has a recall for this, oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets and said chevrolet has a recall to replace them. I do remember seeing this recall online somewhere, but have not seen it while searching the last two days. My mechanic old me it will cause a fire. I have 87771 miles on my car. I have to add a quart of oil in between oil changes. I have had to do this since I purchased the car 6/2008. The car has been leaking oil for awhile now.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2016
“Speedometer going nuts. Stuck on 85mph while idle and off as well. Periodically, the trac and ABS lights will come on. When backing up and put in drive to go, the traction active light comes on and car will lug and grind.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving 35 mph, the headlights cut off without warning. The contact stated that the headlights flashed off and on intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 95,400. Updated 02/23/16*lj updated 4/30/18*jb *js”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2015
“Letter from senator nelson on behalf of constituent re 2005 chevy monte carlo air bag recall. *smd the dealer claimed they did not have any information on the recall. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
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.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
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 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliable?
NHTSA has 120 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The most complained-about area is electrical system (63% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. 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.