Chevrolet Monte Carlo Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Monte Carlo options? We analyzed 8 model years (2000–2007) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 1,441 owner complaints and 47 safety recalls across model years 2000–2007. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2001 drew the most complaints; 2006 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Monte Carlo
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2007 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,441
- Safety recall campaigns
- 47
- Crash-related complaints
- 69
- Fire-related complaints
- 124
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2001 (285 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2006 (113 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Monte Carlo: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has 1,441 NHTSA complaints and 47 recalls on record. 69 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,441 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 47 federal recall campaigns
- 69 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
47 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
STEERING
STEERING
STEERING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
STEERING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STEERING
STEERING
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2007. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,441 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,441 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The cable harness in question runs from the fuse box under hood through firewall to the passenger side foot area. At this point it connects to another harness that connects to various items at the rear of the vehicle. One circuit in particular the rear window defogger is burning wiring and socket and plug of the two wiring harness. Either the wiring or connectors burned apart without the circuit fuse blowing. The circuit has a 40amp fuse. The wiring harness for this circuit is 12 Garage. I can't find any manufacturer who recommends using 12 gauge wire on a 40 Amp circuit. This isn't even close to being correct. This is so agreegessly out of specification it would appear GM knew they had an issue with the circuit and fixed it By over fusing the circuit. This same issue on multiple models over several years.
I am having issues with my engine unintentionally turning off because of my ignition key and I sent it to the shop for recall repair but they said they didn’t have the part and couldn’t find it because it’s not available.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated the transmission became inoperable. The vehicle was taken twice to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was not available.
AIRBAG OPENED WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. VEHICLE AS STATIONARY.
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST OF STEERING HAPPENS THEN COMES BACK. ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING AROUND TURNS.
TRANSMISSION SKIPS GEARS FROM A STOP TO GO ACCELERATION. TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET ASE CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE CHECKED. THE CLUTCH PLATE WAS MELTED ALONG WITH SOME PLANETARY BEARINGS DESTROYED. THE REPAIR BILL CAME TO 1,800.00 $. NOW THE VEHICLE IS SHOWING SIGNS OF A RECURRING SLIPPAGE PROBLEM ONLY AFTER 2 MONTHS SINCE IT WAS REPAIRED AND USED PARTS REPLACED. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? MY 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS LESS THAN 72,000 MILES ON IT.
Read 14 more owner reports
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONCE THE KEY WAS REMOVED, THE IGNITON DID NOT CUT OFF. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE OIL LEAKAGE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
WHEN I ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF MY VEHICLE, THE KEY WILL NOT ROTATE TO THE OFF POSITION..THEREFORE, THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR IS STILL ON, DRAINING THE BATTERY. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN 2013 AND TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT BUT THEY CHARGED ME $165.00 TO PUT IN A NEW IGNITION. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT UNTIL DECEMBER 2014 AND NOW THE KEY IS PERMANENTLY STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND IF I WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR, I HAVE TO CHARGE THE BATTERY EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. GM JUST RECALLED THE COBALT AND HHR FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHY NOT EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE ALL GM PRODUCTS WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
[XXX]. VIN#[XXX]- WHITE CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO,PH# [XXX] JULY 7 20014 AUTO ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON HWY,31 LOUISVILLE KY 40272. MAN DIED. [XXX] HOSPITALIZED. CAR TURNED OFF OF RUN POSITION STALLED CAUSING ACCIDENT. MY LAWYER SAID TO CONTACT YOU ONE MORE TIME. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
JULY 7,2014 MY MOTHER ([XXX]) WAS CROSSING DIXIE HWY. IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. MOTORCYCLE HIT HER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. MOTORCYCLIST DIED AT THE SEEN OF ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMA. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO LMPD IMPOUND LOT AND WAS ON LOCK DOWN FOR A INVESTIGATION TO TAKE PLACE. I WAS ALLOWED PICK CAR UP AT IMPOUND APPROXIMATELY 9/30/2014. WHEN I CHECKED TO SEE IF IT WOULD START THE IGNITION WAS NOT COMPLETELY OFF THE KEY WAS TURNED BACK ENOUGH TO TURN MOTOR OFF BUT NOT ENOUGH TO TAKE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. [XXX] SAYS MOTORCYLIST WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY TO STOP IF THE CAR WAS STILL ROLLING. SHE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED FOR HIM TO HIT HER THAT HARD. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS CLAIM ASAP. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V355000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER BEING SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY FORTY MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
THE KEY WON'T TURN THE SWITCH TO OFF POSITION. THE KEY DON'T UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN FORBES ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE: VEHICLE RECALL ON 2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO (MAIL REPLY TO CHESTERFIELD, VA OFFICE). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER TOLD HIS WIFE, THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL.
Showing 20 of 1,441 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Monte Carlo
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 1,441 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 47 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 69 of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo's 1,441 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chevrolet Monte Carlo stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Monte Carlo by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 1,441 NHTSA owner complaints and 47 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Monte Carlo years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2001 (285 complaints), 2000 (249 complaints), 2004 (230 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (513 complaints); ENGINE (180 complaints); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (166 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Monte Carlo have recalls?
Yes — 47 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.