1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1995 | 169 |
| 1996 | 155 |
| 1997 | 164 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 125 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 276 |
| 2002 | 230 |
| 2003 | 158 |
| 2004 | 230 |
| 2005 | 120 |
| 2006 | 113 |
| 2007 | 42 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030723
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
DEGRADED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
DEGRADED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Z34 PASSENGE
Remedy: DEALER WILL MODIFY THE FRONT FENDER LINERS TO REMOVE A PORTION OF THE CLOSEOUT PANELS IN THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 2004.
Campaign 01I014000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004.
Campaign 03V527000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01I014000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V527000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.