CONSUMER STATES STEERING IS SHIMMYING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WHEELS ARE PITTING.
2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Monte Carlo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
164 reports with mileage · 112 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
276 reportsTHE PROBLEM IS THE THE ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE RESURFACED AT 11,000, 22,000 MILES AND NOW AT 30,000 I HAVE TO REPLACE ROTORS OUT OF MY POCKET. THEY GET HOT AND DO NOT COOL DOWN BEFORE NEXT TIME YOU SEP ON BRAKE. CHEVE. DID PAY FOR THE RESURFACING ON THE FIRST 2 TIMS, BUT WILL NOT FIX THEM ANYMORE TIME. LES SCHWAB IS DOING THE REPA…
Read full complaint
THE PROBLEM IS THE THE ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE RESURFACED AT 11,000, 22,000 MILES AND NOW AT 30,000 I HAVE TO REPLACE ROTORS OUT OF MY POCKET. THEY GET HOT AND DO NOT COOL DOWN BEFORE NEXT TIME YOU SEP ON BRAKE. CHEVE. DID PAY FOR THE RESURFACING ON THE FIRST 2 TIMS, BUT WILL NOT FIX THEM ANYMORE TIME. LES SCHWAB IS DOING THE REPACEMENT WORK NOW AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ONE THEY HAVE DONE, FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CHEVE. DEALER DID TELL ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE MALIBU ROTORS BUT NOT THE MONTE CARLO. WHEN THE ROTORS START GOING YOU GET A PLUSING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THEY GET REALLY BAD YOUR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE ROTORS, WHY IS CHEVROLET NOT COMING FROWARD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM RIGHT?*AK
STEERING WHEEL VIBERATES AND VISIBLY SHAKES FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE AFTER REACHING A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. VEHICLE PULLS SLIGHTLY IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS. STEERING COLUMN IS NOT CENTERED, AND HAS NOT BEEN SINCE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED TO THESE DEFECTS, BUT HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS. SERV…
Read full complaint
STEERING WHEEL VIBERATES AND VISIBLY SHAKES FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE AFTER REACHING A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. VEHICLE PULLS SLIGHTLY IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS. STEERING COLUMN IS NOT CENTERED, AND HAS NOT BEEN SINCE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED TO THESE DEFECTS, BUT HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS. SERVICE CALL WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED IN APRIL OF 2001, BUT DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT FURNISH COURTESY TRANSPORTATION. THEREFORE VEHICLE WAS NOT LEFT FOR SERVICE/INSPECTION. VIBRATION WORSENS AT HIGHER SPEEDS SUCH AS HIGHWAY DRIVING. DIFFICUL TO CONTROL AND IS THROWN WHEN HITTING FLAW IN ROADWAY. *AK
UPON CHANGING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR GEARS STICK/RPMS REV, AND VEHICLE JERKS VERY HARD UPON CHANGING GEARS. COMPUTER COMPLETELY SHUTDOWNS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.*AK
WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR TRAILER END TIE ROD BROKE, CAUSING ROD TO CUT INTO TIRE, WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE BEING NOISY. *AK. ALSO THE FRONT STEERING SHAFT BEGAN MAKING NOSIE, BUT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.*SLC
VEHICLE WANDERS VERY BAD,AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION. WHEN COLD STEERING WHEEL IS GOING OFF CENTER AND THE VEHICLE PULLS VERY BAD TO THE LEFT. SO FAR VEHICLE HAS HAD NEW ENGINE CRADLE AND NEW STEERING RACK.PROBLEM IS STILL THERE, DEALER HAS NOT BEEN HELPFULL AT ALL. UPON NUMEROUS…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE WANDERS VERY BAD,AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION. WHEN COLD STEERING WHEEL IS GOING OFF CENTER AND THE VEHICLE PULLS VERY BAD TO THE LEFT. SO FAR VEHICLE HAS HAD NEW ENGINE CRADLE AND NEW STEERING RACK.PROBLEM IS STILL THERE, DEALER HAS NOT BEEN HELPFULL AT ALL. UPON NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING,AND CHIRPING NOISE UNDER HOOD. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING THE ENGINE STOPPED AND VEHICLE LOST POWER, VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ACTUAL LOSS OF POWER. *JG
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 1.5 HOURS WHEN A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. BYSTANDERS REPORTED HORN AND HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED BEFORE FIRE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT, CHEVROLET REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED VEHICLE AS WELL, BUT HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK WITH CONSU…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 1.5 HOURS WHEN A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. BYSTANDERS REPORTED HORN AND HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED BEFORE FIRE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT, CHEVROLET REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED VEHICLE AS WELL, BUT HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK WITH CONSUMER ON THE FINDINGS.*AK
HORN IS VERY HARD TO LOCATE ON STEERING WHEEL IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
DRIVERS SEAT SEPARATES FROM WHERE THE SIDE AIR BAG IS STORED. HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR. THEY SAY THAT THERE COULD BE A RECALL BUT CHEVROLET DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CONTACED CHEVROLET SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULTS, THE LAST TIME I CA…
Read full complaint
DRIVERS SEAT SEPARATES FROM WHERE THE SIDE AIR BAG IS STORED. HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR. THEY SAY THAT THERE COULD BE A RECALL BUT CHEVROLET DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CONTACED CHEVROLET SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULTS, THE LAST TIME I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT CONSIDED THE MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM. *AK
Official recalls
515V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
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 possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
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 engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
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 possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
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 engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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 possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
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 engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Apr 8, 2009
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 EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
00V244000 · Air Bags
Aug 29, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SERIOUS INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
00V228003 · Seat Belts
Aug 7, 2000
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 ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Illustration