RoadVitals

1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
100
Latest Oct 10, 2017
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
21

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes2520.5%
  • Engine2117.2%
  • Steering1613.1%
  • Airbags97.4%
  • Interior & seats64.9%
  • Visibility54.1%
  • Driver assistance43.3%
  • Suspension43.3%
  • Body & structure32.5%
  • Exterior lighting32.5%
  • Transmission21.6%
  • Powertrain (other)21.6%
  • Heating & air conditioning10.8%
  • Seat belts10.8%
  • Tires & wheels10.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10640636 · filed Oct 1, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10133717 · filed Aug 22, 2005
All 25 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10913415 · filed Oct 10, 2017

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

NHTSA ID 10937463 · filed Dec 26, 2016
All 21 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10937463 · filed Dec 26, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10640636 · filed Oct 1, 2014
All 16 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10937463 · filed Dec 26, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID 10265252 · filed Apr 14, 2009
All 10 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10786395 · filed Oct 27, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID 10191557 · filed May 23, 2007
All 9 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10937463 · filed Dec 26, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10162286 · filed Jul 13, 2006
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10038837 · filed Sep 13, 2003

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.

NHTSA ID 868795 · filed Aug 26, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10040851 · filed 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.

NHTSA ID 702818 · filed Feb 1, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10149506 · filed Feb 6, 2006

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

NHTSA ID 8021135 · filed Oct 18, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10937463 · filed Dec 26, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10066936 · filed Apr 12, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10054187 · filed Jan 15, 2004

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- )

NHTSA ID 725071 · filed Jul 7, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10394502 · filed Apr 7, 2011

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

NHTSA ID 10250009 · filed Nov 27, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 8021135 · filed Oct 18, 2002

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- )

NHTSA ID 725071 · filed Jul 7, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 8003622 · filed Feb 6, 2002

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- )

NHTSA ID 725071 · filed Jul 7, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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- )

NHTSA ID 725071 · filed Jul 7, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 8024191 · filed Dec 11, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10185656 · filed Mar 20, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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