2004 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 2004 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
- Electrical15256.7%
- Engine2910.8%
- Steering166.0%
- Brakes155.6%
- Exterior lighting114.1%
- Interior & seats62.2%
- Driver assistance62.2%
- Other / unspecified51.9%
- Suspension51.9%
- Visibility41.5%
- Airbags31.1%
- Seat belts31.1%
- Body & structure31.1%
- Fuel system31.1%
- Powertrain (other)20.7%
- Tires & wheels20.7%
- Heating & air conditioning20.7%
- Transmission10.4%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY EXPLODED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a burning odor blowing through the air vents into the cabin of the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the oil gauge increased to high. Additionally, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part had to be ordered,ed and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 215,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there
POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE MAY FAIL PREMATURELY OF THE 20,000-24,000 MILE SERVICE REPLACEMENT. HAD TO REPLACE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT'S LEAKING AGAIN FROM THE HOSE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY STEERING WAS TIGHTER AT 75 MPH. MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHICH HAS FLASHED ON BEFORE ABOUT 6 TIMES BUT QUICKLY WENT OFF. I THOUGHT THOSE TIME MY CAR WAS JUST HAVING A COMPUTER FLUKE. BUT THIS TIME THE ABS LIGHT WAS LIT WITH MY STEERING TIGHT. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS OFF. MY BRAKES STARTED TO LOCK ON ME AS I TRIED TO PULL OVER WHICH WAS A HASSLE CONSIDERING I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL EASILY . EVENTUALLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT A MAJOR ACCIDENT ALTHOUGH IT WAS A CLOSE CALL. IT TOOK MORE THAN 1/2 A MILE TO GET MY CAR TO STOP. MY CAR WAS TOWED. THE WHEEL HUB WAS SO DAMAGED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THEY ARE SURPRISED IT DIDN'T FALL OFF. THE SENSORS WERE JUST FLOATING AROUND . THUS MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER SITUATION TO CAUSE THIS DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE HAD 50,000 ORIGINAL MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. THE SWAY BAR COMPLETELY BROKEN. WHICH I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR SHOP HAS SEEN SEVERAL GM VEHICLE'S WITH THIS SWAY BAR PROBLEM. MY LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS IT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE OTHER COMPONENTS. I DO HAVE PROOF OF REPAIRS.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHEN THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
THOUGHT THIS WAS THE CAR FOR ME. WRONG. AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR THE FOLLOWING THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG AND MOST SEEM DANGEROUS. NO WAY TO CONTROL HEADLIGHTS .. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 55 MPH, LIGHTS ALL SHUT OFF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ALSO STOP WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES IGNITION DOES NOT ACCEPT KEY EVERY TIME RESULTING IN LEAVING A SPARE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND HOPE IT STARTS. IF NOT I'M REQUIRED TO WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING OR LONGER. THE TRACTION SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKS, ALONG WITH CRUISE, OR STEERING CONTROLS TOTAL POWER LOST TO STEERING WHEEL, HOPE THIS DOESN'T AFFECT THE AIRBAG. I HAVE THE SUPERCHARGED VERSION, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT IS NO LONGER SUPERCHARGED. NOT SO SURE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER WHEN PUMPING GAS THE PUMP WILL KICK OFF EVERY HALF GALLON PUMPED INTO TANK. ANOTHER FIRE ISSUE? *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND MY SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS DOING 10MPH. THEN MY TAC STOPPED WORKING. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING TOTALLY. MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL NOT HEAT AT ALL. MY WHEELS ARE PEELING. THE CHROME IS PEELING RIGHT OFF THE WHEELS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED FOR THE CODE SO THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND DID A RESET WITHIN 75 MILES THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I AM GIVING UP ON CHEVROLETS. EVERY VEHICLE WE OWN IS A CHEVY, WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND NO SOLUTIONS???? WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A RECALL AND A SOLUTION. WHEN THE HEAT ON MY SEAT STOPPED WORKING IT SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING INSIDE THE CAR SO I QUICKLY SHUT IT OFF AND PULLED THE CAR OVER TO CHECK UNDER MY SEAT TO MAY SURE THERE WAS NO FIRE. THANK GOODNESS THERE WASN'T A FIRE. I PAID THE EXTRA MONEY FOR THE INTIMIDATOR, WHAT A WASTE. *TR
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND A 2004 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. RIGHT AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED ON THE MONTE CARLO, MY HEATED SEAT COVER CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSED PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. AN ADJUSTER CAME OUT TO LOOK AT IT AND ASSURED ME THAT GM WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. 2 YEARS LATER, I CAN'T EVEN GET A RETURN PHONE CALL. SINCE THEN I PURCHASED A 2002 IMPALA. HEATED SEATS WORKED FOR 2 DAYS AND I NOTICED A BURN STARTING IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT WHERE THE MONTE CARLO CAUGHT FIRE. GM WANTS ME TO PAY ANOTHER $90 FOR THE DEALER TO VERIFY THAT THE HEATED SEAT COVER PROBLEM IS IN FACT A HEATED SEAT COVER PROBLEM. THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE AFTER BEING BURNED BY IT. GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. I'VE CALLED GM MANY MANY TIMES AND EVERY TIME, SOMEONE HAS CLOSED THE CASE ON THE IMPALA. SUPPOSEDLY, GM HAD ISSUED A CHECK TO REPAIR THE MONTE CARLO, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED IT AND THEY WON'T CALL ME BACK ABOUT IT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY EITHER GM OR THE HEATED SEAT MANUFACTURER. SO FAR, ONLY ONE PERSON HAS BEEN INJURED BY THE MONTE CARLO. SINCE THEN, THE HEATED SEAT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. THE IMPALA SEAT HAS NOT YET CAUGHT FIRE, BUT A BURN HOLE HAS STARTED AND WHEN IT STARTED TO GET HOT, THE HEATED SEAT WAS IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 3/05 BRAND NEW OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR, CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 38K MILES ON THE VEHICLE -SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE MORE THAN 20 TIMES WHILE DRIVING ALL OF THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT WILL CHIME --THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR APPROX 15 TO 20 MINUTES-HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE ON FOR SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAVE REPLACED MODULE AFTER MODULE -CANNOT DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 50MPH OR MORE THE VEHICLE WILL JUST TURN OFF AND EVERYTHING WILL LOCK UP. VEHICLE WILL RESTART RIGHT AWAY BUT THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STALL OR TURN OFF --HAD IN FOR SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES -HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED AND THEN IT WILL HAPPEN ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD TO BE ON THE ROAD -AS CHEVROLET TRULY HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, THEY BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE REMOTE START IN THE VEHICLE -THEY REPLACED THAT NUMEROUS TIMES AND FINALLY REMOVED ALL TOGETHER AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF IT WILL BE FINE FOR DAYS AND THE PROBLEM WILL RESURFACE. LAST INCIDENT DATE WAS 3/27/09 -PROBLEM STARTED IN 2007. *TR
SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME. IT WILL FREEZE OR GO TO 0 AT ANY TIME OR AT ANY SPEED. THIS IS A G.M. PROBLEM THAT HAS RESULTED IN RECALLS ON SOME SUV'S BUT NOT ANY CARS. IF YOU WERE TO GOOGLE G.M SPEEDOMETER PROBLEMS YOU WILL GET OVER 200,000 HITS. DEALERS KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTS BUT G.M IS DENYING IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE TO ASSUME WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING A CAR AND DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. G.M CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THERE MAY BE A RECALL SOMEDAY IF THEY GET ENOUGH COMPLAINTS...THE CAR IN QUESTION IS A 2004 WITH 9500 MILES. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED. TO RECALL SOME TRUCKS AND SUV'S BUT NOT THE CARS IS STUPID. I WOULD HOPE OUR GOV'T CAN HELP RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM...AFTER ALL G.M WOULD LIKE OUR TAX DOLLARS. THANK YOU *TR
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
I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND MY SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS DOING 10MPH. THEN MY TAC STOPPED WORKING. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING TOTALLY. MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL NOT HEAT AT ALL. MY WHEELS ARE PEELING. THE CHROME IS PEELING RIGHT OFF THE WHEELS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED FOR THE CODE SO THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND DID A RESET WITHIN 75 MILES THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I AM GIVING UP ON CHEVROLETS. EVERY VEHICLE WE OWN IS A CHEVY, WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND NO SOLUTIONS???? WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A RECALL AND A SOLUTION. WHEN THE HEAT ON MY SEAT STOPPED WORKING IT SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING INSIDE THE CAR SO I QUICKLY SHUT IT OFF AND PULLED THE CAR OVER TO CHECK UNDER MY SEAT TO MAY SURE THERE WAS NO FIRE. THANK GOODNESS THERE WASN'T A FIRE. I PAID THE EXTRA MONEY FOR THE INTIMIDATOR, WHAT A WASTE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE LOSING AIR FREQUENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED PIECES OF CHROME FROM THE WHEELS WERE CORRODED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, FRACTURING THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
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
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY STEERING WAS TIGHTER AT 75 MPH. MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHICH HAS FLASHED ON BEFORE ABOUT 6 TIMES BUT QUICKLY WENT OFF. I THOUGHT THOSE TIME MY CAR WAS JUST HAVING A COMPUTER FLUKE. BUT THIS TIME THE ABS LIGHT WAS LIT WITH MY STEERING TIGHT. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS OFF. MY BRAKES STARTED TO LOCK ON ME AS I TRIED TO PULL OVER WHICH WAS A HASSLE CONSIDERING I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL EASILY . EVENTUALLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT A MAJOR ACCIDENT ALTHOUGH IT WAS A CLOSE CALL. IT TOOK MORE THAN 1/2 A MILE TO GET MY CAR TO STOP. MY CAR WAS TOWED. THE WHEEL HUB WAS SO DAMAGED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THEY ARE SURPRISED IT DIDN'T FALL OFF. THE SENSORS WERE JUST FLOATING AROUND . THUS MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER SITUATION TO CAUSE THIS DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE HAD 50,000 ORIGINAL MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. THE SWAY BAR COMPLETELY BROKEN. WHICH I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR SHOP HAS SEEN SEVERAL GM VEHICLE'S WITH THIS SWAY BAR PROBLEM. MY LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS IT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE OTHER COMPONENTS. I DO HAVE PROOF OF REPAIRS.
THOUGHT THIS WAS THE CAR FOR ME. WRONG. AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR THE FOLLOWING THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG AND MOST SEEM DANGEROUS. NO WAY TO CONTROL HEADLIGHTS .. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 55 MPH, LIGHTS ALL SHUT OFF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ALSO STOP WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES IGNITION DOES NOT ACCEPT KEY EVERY TIME RESULTING IN LEAVING A SPARE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND HOPE IT STARTS. IF NOT I'M REQUIRED TO WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING OR LONGER. THE TRACTION SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKS, ALONG WITH CRUISE, OR STEERING CONTROLS TOTAL POWER LOST TO STEERING WHEEL, HOPE THIS DOESN'T AFFECT THE AIRBAG. I HAVE THE SUPERCHARGED VERSION, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT IS NO LONGER SUPERCHARGED. NOT SO SURE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER WHEN PUMPING GAS THE PUMP WILL KICK OFF EVERY HALF GALLON PUMPED INTO TANK. ANOTHER FIRE ISSUE? *TR
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
TODAY MY WIPERS DECIDED THEY WOULD PARK IN A STRAIGHT UP 12 O CLOCK POSITION, DUE TO A TAB THAT GETS BENT ON THE WIPER PARKING MECHANISM. I KNOW MY CAR ISN'T THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS DONE IT, A LOT OF OTHER CHEVY'S HAVE AS WELL, AND ITS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE, KIND OF HARD TO SEE WITH 2 WIPERS IN MY VISION, DUE TO A FAULTY TAB THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. GENERAL MOTORS/CHEVY IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE TO, AS THEY'VE RELEASED A TSB ON IT, AND EVEN MADE AN UPDATED PARKING MECHANISM WITH A STRONGER PARKING TAB TO STOP THIS ISSUE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEATER AND REAR DEFROSTER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A BODY OF WATER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATIONS AND HAD A SWOLLEN ANKLE THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY LOCKED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID THE OTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, HEADACHES, NECK PAINS, AND LEFT SHOULDER PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND HEADACHES, WHICH ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V190000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FAILED TO RETRACT AFTER BEING USED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RETRACTABLE SEAT BELT WAS PURCHASED ON 4/7/2011 AND WILL NOT RETRACT; HOWEVER, IT WILL SPORADICALLY FAIL TO UNLATCH. THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES BUT THE ISSUE HAS RECURRED. THE SEAT BELT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED THAT THEY WOULD WORK ON THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
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
ALL DASH GAUGES HAVE FAILED (ONE AT A TIME) INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER (WHICH WAS THE LAST GAUGE TO FAIL ON 7-21-08). TRUNK RELEASE (ELECTRONIC) FAILED. HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ONLY WAY TO GET DASH CLUSTER REPAIRED IS THROUGH A DEALER. DEALER REFUSES TO SELL NECESSARY PART TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. *TR
THE REAR TRUNK STRUT SUPPORT HAS BROKEN FOUR TIMES ON MY 2004 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FAILURE COULD LEAD TO THE TRUNK LID SMASHING DOWN ON SOMEONE'S HAND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN THE MORNING WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT SPUTTERS LIKE IT'S GASPING FOR GAS...I TURN KEY OFF THEN RESTART AND THE ENGINE STARTS NORMALLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A CLICKING SOUND IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THE STEERING KNUCKLES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING) MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL REGULATOR THAT COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES); HOWEVER, THE RECALL WAS FOR AN AFTER MARKET PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ORIGINAL PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF BOTH FAILURES AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
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
SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF WHEN I SHUT CAR OFF THEN 2 DAYS CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER SHUT OFF FOR 10 MIN AND CAR STARTED NORMALLY. *TR
MY SPEEDOMETER, RPM, AND GAS GAUGES ARE INACCURATE. I CANNOT TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING, NOR HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE. THEN EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR, BRAND NEW, MY TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING, ITS AN AUTOMATIC. THE DEALER FIXED IT THE 1ST TIME, BUT NOW AGAIN, 90,000 MILES LATER, ITS US STARTING TO HAPPEN AGAIN.MY RADIO HAS STOPPED WORKING, NO LIGHT OR NOISE PERIOD. PLEASE RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE READ LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF POSTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME CAR. I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR MY CAR, NOT FOR THIS. ALL IF THESE PROBLEMS ARE UNSAFE AND I REALLY HATE FOR MY 1 YEAR OLD BOY TO RIDE IN IT. PLEASE, PLEASE RECALL THE CAR. *TR
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
WE PURCHASED A 2004 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS @ JIM JOHNSON NISSAN HERE IN BOWLING GREEN,KY IN DECEMBER OF 2006. SINCE THEN WE HAVE BEEN FEELING A "THUMPING" WHILE DRIVING-NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. WE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO JIM JOHNSON A COUPLE OF TIMES, WHICH TIRES WERE TAKEN OFF-BALANCED AND RE-BALANCED AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE. JIM JOHNSON HAD PLACED 2 NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT BUT WE ARE STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TIRES WE HAVE ON THERE ARE GOODYEAR EAGLES. WE CALLED GOODYEAR CONSUMER CTR. THEY IN TURN HAD US GO TO A GOODYEAR TIRE DEALER FOR A TIRE INSPECTION, UPON WHICH THEY FOUND A "THUMPING" IN THE TIRES. GOODYEAR CONSUMER CENTER HAD OFFERED US $58. FOR EACH TIRE REPLACEMENT TOWARDS THE WARRANTY. WE FEEL FOR OUR SAFETY AND OTHERS AROUND OUR CAR,WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SPEND ANY MONEY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE TWO TIRES THAT ARE FAULTY AND DEFECTIVE, WE FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE THEM AT NO CHARGE TO US FOR SAFETY REASONS AND THE IDEA THAT THEY ARE FAULTY AND DEFECTIVE NO MATTER WHAT THE WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE. WE FEEL THEY ARE NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *JB
BRAKES GRINDING AT 14,000 MILES, 2 TIRES WEARING. TAKEN TO DEALER, DEALER TURNED ROTARS AND SAID TIRES WERE GOODYEARS PROBLEM. TAKEN TO GOODYEAR DEALER,WAS TOLD IT WAS A BAD SET UP BY CAR DEALER AND WAS THE 3RD CAR BROUGHT IN FROM THAT DEALER. CALLED GM HOT LINE AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE INTO ANOTHER DEALER AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ESTIMATE IF IT WASN'T WARRANTY. THE FIRST TOLD US IT WOULD NOT BE WARRANTY. NOW WE ARE DRIVING ON AN ALMOST BALD TIRE WITH MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILD IN THE CAR. THE REASON WE BOUGHT A NEW CAR IS SO WE WOULD HAVE A SAFE CAR AND WHEN WE SPENT 20,000 DOLLARS WE THOUGHT IT WOULD LAST MORE THAN A YEAR NOT ONLY 14,000 MILES. AFTER THE DEALER TURNED THE LEFT REAR ROTAR IT STILL HAS MARKS ON IT.
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
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DECELERATING FROM 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER CLEANED THE ROTORS AND BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,498 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THEY DID NOT HIT THE GUARD RAIL, THERE WERE LIMITED BRAKES THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT AND THE REMEDY FOR THE DEALER IS TO MACHINE THE ROTORS, HOWEVER THE DEFECT PERSISTS AND PEDAL PULSATES. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER VEHICLE STARTS THE STARTER STAYS ENGAGED AND A/C IS INOPERABLE. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT INOPERATIVE. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW COVER. I INSPECTED THE SEAT AND DISCOVERED A QUARTER SIZE BURN MARK INSIDE THE CUSHION. THE HEATING ELEMENT BECAME OVERHEATED AND BEGAN TO BURN THE CUSHION. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. I PUT IT BACK INTO PARK THEN IN REVERSE AND IT WORKED. I DROVE HOME FEELING HESITATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I DROPPED IT OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS THE TRANS DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. THE WARRANTY WAS FOR 36,000 MILES MY CAR HAS 50,000. I AM LOOKING FOR THEM TO BACK THERE PARTS FOR REPLACEMENT THEY WANT TO CHARGE 3,000.00 FOR REPAIR. THEY THEN OFFERED TO GIVE 1,000.00 TOWARDS REPAIR BUT THE WHOLE REASON THE CAR BROKE WAS DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. *TR
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 .