2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 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
- Engine9524.2%
- Electrical7519.1%
- Steering389.7%
- Exterior lighting369.2%
- Brakes328.2%
- Airbags266.6%
- Fuel system205.1%
- Transmission123.1%
- Interior & seats92.3%
- Driver assistance71.8%
- Other / unspecified71.8%
- Visibility61.5%
- Powertrain (other)61.5%
- Body & structure61.5%
- Suspension61.5%
- Seat belts51.3%
- Tires & wheels30.8%
- Heating & air conditioning30.8%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEAKS TIMING AND HEAD GASKETS
CECKING THE FUSES, NONE OF THEM WERE BLOWN. GAUGE WOULD BE READING HOT TEMPERATURE, WOULD CHECK THE HOSES AND RADIATOR NOTHING. FUEL SYSTEM IS DOWN NOW.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2001 MONTECARLO WAS HIT IN FRONT WITH FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T GO OFF CAUSING MY GIRL FRIEND TO HAVE A BROKEN NOSE ..THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN THE TURNING LANE *TR
CECKING THE FUSES, NONE OF THEM WERE BLOWN. GAUGE WOULD BE READING HOT TEMPERATURE, WOULD CHECK THE HOSES AND RADIATOR NOTHING. FUEL SYSTEM IS DOWN NOW.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING OFF THE ROADWAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED BUT NO FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR A KEY FOB, BUT NOT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V70100 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ELEVATED CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE BLOOD AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL DETAILS FOR THE KEY FOB WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000. UPDATED 06/28/17*LJ UPDATED 9/28/18*JB
DID A REPORT WITH THE DEALER 3 MONTHS AGO AND HAVEN'T HAD A CALL BACK YET ABOUT BRINGING MY CAR IN TO FIX THE PROBLEM WONDERING HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BE CALLED IN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE AND FUEL GAUGES DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. IN ADDITION, THE LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE VEHICLE SAT FOR TWO DAYS, THE BATTERY WAS DRAIN AND DIE. HIS MECHANIC STATED IT WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ALSO ,THE REAR DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK, THE FAN SWITCH DID NOT WORK RIGHT AWAY, AND THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT DID NOT WORK UNLESS HE TAPPED THE DASHBOARD, AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD. UPDATED 10/13/16. *JB
TURN SIGNALS ONLY WORK SOME OF THE TIME AND MAKE A LOUD BUZZING NOISE SOMETIMES YOU CAN MAKE THEM WORK BY PUSHING THE FOUR WAY FLASHERS BUT IT IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX.. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FORM THE STEERING COLUMN/FRONT END. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNLESS THE KEY WAS SHAKEN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,597. UPDATED 9/11/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE PUT ON A RECALL LIST FOR FAULTY IGNITION. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO ALL FORMER RECALL LIST THAT EXIST OR EXISTED FOR THE MODEL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AND TO BE REIMBURSED FOR WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 1/20/2015 *JS
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 MONTE CARLO SS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN LEAVING NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, OR POWER TO ANYTHING. THE CAR DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I CONTACTED GM DIRECTLY WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING. BASICALLY I WAS TOLD TOO BAD AND THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. JUNE 5, 2014 SUMMARY HISTORY DISPLAY STORE 01 SERVC01 TOTAL R/O'S 1 TOTAL SERV. DAYS 3 MAKE CV CHEVROLET LN# RO.NO. RO. DATE.. MILES. ADV/TECH J# T OPERATION CODE. DESCRIPTION 600760 04/20/2007 98020 A 7368 31973 1 C 32CTZ001 CHECK ENGINE LIG 4757 JUNE 5, 2014 R/O CLOSE OUT STORE 01 SERVC01 DESC. CV MONTE CARLO BLCK 01 | 4. LABOR 211.40 0.00 0.00 | | 5. PARTS 6.96 0.00 0.00 | | | 8. MISC 14.95 0.00 0.00 | | 9. TAX 13.11 0.00 0.00 | |10. EST $ [ ] TOTALS C 246.42 W 0.00 I 0.00 | | | COMPLAINT CUSTOMER STATES THE CHECK ENGINE IS ON | | DIES WHILE DRIVING ANDM DOESN'T SHIFT WELL | | CAUSE PERFORMED DIAG SYS CHECK AND FOUND DTC P0128 ENGINE COOLANT | | TEMP INCORRECT. AND P1811 SHIFT ADAPT. | | CORRECTION NEEDS NEW THERMOSTAT FOR P0128 | | NEEDS VALVE BODY AND PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID FOR P1811 | *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2001 MONTECARLO WAS HIT IN FRONT WITH FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T GO OFF CAUSING MY GIRL FRIEND TO HAVE A BROKEN NOSE ..THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN THE TURNING LANE *TR
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON HIWAY IN CRAWFORD COUNTY WI IT STARTED SNOWING MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE HIT A SLICK SPOT AND MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING MY CAR TO TURN AROUND LIKE I WAS GOING BACK TO WHERE I CAME FROM ANOTHER CAR WAS COMING UP BEHIND ME DIDN'T SEE ME HIT ME SMASHED MY WHOLE BACK END THE IMPACT WAS SO BAD PUT MY TRUNK IN MY BACK SEAT BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2001 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS IN 9-01. I DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL RECENTLY THE ENGINE WAS BUILT 2000. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED. MY CAR HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE RECENT OCCURRED JULY 20TH 2019. MY ODOMETER IS 117,166 ORIGINAL MILES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLDS AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD IS ALL MADE OF A PLASTIC. I WENT TO START MY CAR WHICH HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE. AROUND 6-7:00 PM I HEARD A LOUD BOOM. IT STARTLED ME AND MY NIEGHBORS EVEN CAME OUT. I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. I POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING STRAIGHT UP THE FIREWALL ONTO THE INSIDE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY SCREAMED GET ME WATER AND NOTICED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I SMASHED THE GLASS GRABBED IT AND BEGAN TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. REMIND YOU THE CAR HAS A COVER I WAS USING BOTH HANDS REMOVED THE OIL CAP PULLED THE COVER AND STILL SPRAYING I PUT THE COVER OUT AND CONTINUED WITH THE ENGINE PLACING THE OIL CAP TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. I WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE I HAD CUTS TO MY HAND AND IT SINGED THE HAIR ON MY ARMS AND MY WRIST HAD A SLIGHT BURN. HOWEVER, I HAVE KNOW IDEA HOW I WAS OVER LOOKED ON THE 5-17-04 FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL PART #03064B MY CAR IS A 3.8 LITRE K SERIES. IF I WOULD HAVE HAD MY GRANDDAUGHTER SHE IS IN A CAR SEAT THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THE FLAMES WERE SO HIGH THEY ALMOST REACHED THE TREE BRANCH. THE SCARY PART IS GMAC IS AWARE OF THE POSSIBLE FIRE AND IS TRYING TO SETTLE WITH ME FOR MINIMAL AMOUNT. I JUST SPENT THOUSANDS BECAUSE THE CAR HIT 100,000 SO NEW RADIATOR, TUNE UP ETC. THIS WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE PURCHASE AND TO THINK I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A TIME BOMB. LUCKILY I WASN'T IN TRAFFIC OR IN A PLACE WHERE I HAD TO PULL MY GRANDDAUGHTER OUT AND THE CAR SEAT BECAUSE THE ENTIRE CAR WOULD HAVE BURNED. I HONESTLY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. I CAN ACTUALLY SHOVE MY FIST IN THAT UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. SEE COMPLAINT ODI112351110
CECKING THE FUSES, NONE OF THEM WERE BLOWN. GAUGE WOULD BE READING HOT TEMPERATURE, WOULD CHECK THE HOSES AND RADIATOR NOTHING. FUEL SYSTEM IS DOWN NOW.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION. COMPLAINED TO DEALER AT 71000 MILES SAID NOTHING WRONG. I REQUESTED CHANGE OF TRANSAXLES FLUID AT THAT TIME. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP AT 78000 MILES DEALER STATED A "BIT" LOW ON FLUID. AT THIS TIME I WAS HEARING A WHINNYING NOISE. PRESENTLY, AT 88000 MILES I WENT TO DEALER, SERVICE MGR. TEST DROVE AND SAID VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING INTO ALL 4 GEARS, AND TO BRING TO 2 REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND BOTH STATE I HAVE NO 4TH GEAR! ALSO, WELL KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THESE GM TRANSMISSIONS. A NEW TRANSMISSION AT 88000 MILES IS UNACCEPTABLE! OF COURSE MY WARRANTY RAN OUT 1 MONTH TO THE DAY! GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED. THIS CHEVY HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE! *JB
DT: 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK WHEN ON AN INCLINE. . THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED IT WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. ALSO THE MANUFACTURER STATED IT IS NORMAL. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 24, 2001. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE.*AK UPDATED 1/23/2006 - *NM
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK, RANDOMLY WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR WILL JUST ACT LIKE IT CAN'T SHIFT BUT STILL DRIVES AND D'S ORDER IT WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO. *TR UPDATED 2/2/2015 *JS
TURN SIGNALS SOMETIMES DO NOT WORK. HAZARD LIGHTS DO NOT STAY ON . CONSTANTLY SHUT RIGHT OFF. DRIVING AT TIMES CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU PUT ON THE TURN SIGNAL AND IT DOESN'T WORK. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WENT TO A DEALERSHIP TO DEAL WITH A KEY IGNITION RECALL 2 MONTHS AGO. NOW MY CAR IS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHICH NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE THE RECALL..
TAKATA RECALL. I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE AT GM ASKING ABOUT THE RECALL OF MY VEHICLE AND SAID MY WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT THE CAR FROM ANOTHER PERSON SO HOW I WAS SUPPOSE TO KNOW ABOUT THE CARS RECALL. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS THE IGNITION SWITCH WHENEVER I ROTATE IT TO TURN IT ON IT DOES NOT START. I WOULD HAVE TO ROTATE IT SLOWLY TO THE START AND AS WELL LET IT GO SLOWLY FOR IT TO START. SO ITS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO GM FOR I CAN GET MY CAR FIX SINCE IT COULD BE CAUSED OF MY DEATH AND THE DEATH OF OTHER CIVILIANS THAT ARE NEAR MY CAR WHENEVER IT GIVES UP OR EVEN WORST.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TURNED INWARD AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT MANAGED NOT TO CRASH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AT 20 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL, BUT IT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY AND CONTINUOUSLY ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 77,130. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ
REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, R/R TRANSMISSION, REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGE WHILE IN SERVICE SHOP. *BF THE VEHICLE HAD MALFUNCTIONING SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPAIRED FOR A COOLANT LEAK. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SET TO THE LEFT. CLOCK NOT SET. WINDSHIELD WASHER LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LEFT FINDER WAS DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE CONSOLE. THE RIGHT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE DRIVER DOOR SHAKES. A WHINNING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHILE TURNING. THE CONSUMER WITNESSED THE SERVICE DEALER TESTING HIS VEHICLE AND SAW SHIFTING FOWARD VERY HARD AND BACK VERY HARD TIRES SCREACHING. SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE TAIL PIPES WERE SHAKING AS WELL AS THE REAR END. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIME WAS USED UP ON THE VEHICLE ONSTAR CELL PHONE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF. SMOKE CAME FROM THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMETHING BUMPS THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WENT TO A DEALERSHIP TO DEAL WITH A KEY IGNITION RECALL 2 MONTHS AGO. NOW MY CAR IS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHICH NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE THE RECALL..
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE AND FUEL GAUGES DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. IN ADDITION, THE LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE VEHICLE SAT FOR TWO DAYS, THE BATTERY WAS DRAIN AND DIE. HIS MECHANIC STATED IT WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ALSO ,THE REAR DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK, THE FAN SWITCH DID NOT WORK RIGHT AWAY, AND THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT DID NOT WORK UNLESS HE TAPPED THE DASHBOARD, AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD. UPDATED 10/13/16. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2001 MONTECARLO WAS HIT IN FRONT WITH FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T GO OFF CAUSING MY GIRL FRIEND TO HAVE A BROKEN NOSE ..THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN THE TURNING LANE *TR
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF 31ST STREET AND LA GRANGE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PULLED INTO THE CIT-GO GAS STATION THINKING MY MONTE CARLO WAS OVER HEATING. THEN, FLAMES BEGAN TO COME FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND THE LA GRANGE PARK POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME WITHIN MINUTES. THEY HAD TO SAW MY HOOD OPEN TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED GM. THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS IN FACT A RECALL AND WAS NEGLIGENT IN SENDING ME THE REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNER ANY SORT OF NOTICE OF RECALL. GM IS DENYING FAULT AND REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OR GRANT ANY SORT OF RESPONSIBILITY OR COMPENSATION. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT THEY STILL REFUSE LIABILITY. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 MONTE CARLO SS FAILURE OF STEERING KNUCKLE PASSENGER SIDE. REPLACED OUTER TIE ROD TWO TIMES ON SECOND REPLACEMENT NOTICED TIE ROD WAS LOOSE IN KNUCKLE AFTER LOOKING CLOSER I SAW LARGE CRACK IN TIEROD HOLE THAT IF SEPARATED COMPLETELY THE STEERING WOULD HAVE FAILED. HAD TO REPLACE STEERING KNUCKLE AND TIEROD AGAIN. WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY WITH ALL MODELS OF GM CARS WITH THIS SAME SETUP. MILEAGE AT FAILURE WAS AROUND 110,000 MILES. *TR
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: STALLED WHEN COLD AND UPON HARD ACCELERATION, THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION, SUSPENSION AND BRAKE PROBLEMS(ROD KIT WAS INSTALLED/NO BRAKES), THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT(REPAIRED), THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JUMPED FROM PARK GEAR TO DRIVE, AND AFTER THE IGNITION REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED IN SHIFTING TO GEAR. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE DEALER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE, AND REIMBURSE FOR THE REPAIR(S), AND THE RENTAL. MR SCC *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SEAT BELT COMES UNBUCKLED FOR NO REASON. IT ALSO WONT LOCK ALL THE WAY WHEN YOU PLUG IT IN. RELEASE BUTTON SOME TIMES STAYS IN WHEN YOU PUSH IT TO TAKE THE SEAT BELT OFF. SCARED TO RIDE IN PASSENGER SEAT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. NO RESTRAINT NOTHING. RIDING 45-50 MPH IN PASSENGER SEAT BELT JUST UNPLUGGED ALL BY IT SELF WOULD NOT PLUG BACK IN BECAUSE THE BUTTON STAYS DOWN. I HAD TO HIT IT WITH A FLSH LIGHT TO GET IT TO RELEASE.
WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY AND THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT APPEARS WARPED DUE TO THE LEATHER BEING SEPARATED FROM THE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SIDE SEAT AIR BAG RETAINER. *YH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT HAD LOCKED UP, AND THE TRIM PANEL ON THE DASH HAD FALLEN. *SCC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, R/R TRANSMISSION, REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGE WHILE IN SERVICE SHOP. *BF THE VEHICLE HAD MALFUNCTIONING SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPAIRED FOR A COOLANT LEAK. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SET TO THE LEFT. CLOCK NOT SET. WINDSHIELD WASHER LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LEFT FINDER WAS DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE CONSOLE. THE RIGHT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE DRIVER DOOR SHAKES. A WHINNING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHILE TURNING. THE CONSUMER WITNESSED THE SERVICE DEALER TESTING HIS VEHICLE AND SAW SHIFTING FOWARD VERY HARD AND BACK VERY HARD TIRES SCREACHING. SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE TAIL PIPES WERE SHAKING AS WELL AS THE REAR END. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIME WAS USED UP ON THE VEHICLE ONSTAR CELL PHONE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF. SMOKE CAME FROM THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMETHING BUMPS THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TC
WINDSHELD WIPERS PARK STRAIGHT UP VERTICAL. HEATER RESISTOR FAILED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON. STEERING WHEEL RATTLES WHEN CORNERING SLOWLY. LIGHT ALWAYS ON SAYING ANTIFREEZE LOW DESPITE IT NOT BEING LOW. TOO MUCH BASS IN RADIO ROUGH SHIFTS. BRAKE PADS DONE AT 70,000KM SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART AS SOON AS WARRANTY WAS UP.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2001 MONTE CARLO AND HAVE MANY ISSUES. 1ST I HAVE BEEN HAVING A STEERING ISSUE SINCE 35,000 MILES. I MAKES CONSTANT NOISE WHEN STEERING AND TURNING. HAD IT FIXED TWICE AT MY EXPENSE. ONCE AGAIN STARTED HAPPENING. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS DANGEROUS. 2ND GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. 3RD THE HEAT/AC INTERMITTENT AND I NOTICED WHEN THIS DOES NOT WORK THE PANEL WHERE IT TELLS YOU IF YOU ARE GOING NORTH, SOUTH ETC. DOESN'T WORK EITHER. ALSO THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME. *TR
SERIES OF HIGH COST REPAIRS AT MY EXPENSE WITH NO WARRANTY: DRIVER INFOMATION CENTER HAS ALWAYS BEEN WRONG AND INACCURATE AND UNFIXABLE; AT 24446 MILES, REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AT MY EXPENSE (; AC AT 30825 WORKED INTERMITTENLY AND BATTERY LIGHT INDICATOR STAYED ON AND SERPENTINE BELT WORN OUT (REPLACED WITH AFTER MARKET BRAND ($90) THAT HAS LASTED PERFECTLY AT ALMOST 80,000 MILES; ENGINE COOLANT LEAK NOTICE BY CHEVROLET ON JULY 2003 FIXED ON 7/30-03 AT 58009MILES; AT 34607 VIBRATION FROM INTERMID. STEERING SHAFT AND BUSHING REPLACED ($60); VIBRATION BACK AT 75,000MILES AND THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT; CHEV DIAGNOSIS ON 7/8/04 FOR LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDS LEFT REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY (ABS BRAKES WILL NOT WORK AND NOT FIXED, $700) AND TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENLY (NOT FIXED) AND AC COMPRESSOR LEAKING (NOT FIXED, $900), AND DRIVER SEAT POWER SEAT HEATER DEFECTIVE (NOT FIXED, $230). *AK
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .