1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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 UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
What could happen: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 MONTE CARLO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E021000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Summary: 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 UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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 BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING.…
The fix: 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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 MONTE CARLO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V527000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-608-8080.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Summary: 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 BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 03062. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS IS REDUCED MORE THAN A DRIVER WOULD EXPECT.
What could happen: THE BRAKING COULD FEEL DELAYED MOMENTARILY WHEN LIGHT OR MODERATE FORCE IS APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 MONTE CARLO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01I014000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Summary: 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 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS IS REDUCED MORE THAN A DRIVER WOULD EXPECT.
Consequence: THE BRAKING COULD FEEL DELAYED MOMENTARILY WHEN LIGHT OR MODERATE FORCE IS APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH.
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.
Notes: GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO MODIFY THE VEHICLE IF AN OWNER HAS EXPERIENCED A GREATER THAN EXPECTED REDUCTION OR DELAY IN BRAKING ON WET ROADS. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (39), Hydraulic (36), Engine (31), Steering (30), Electrical system (18).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/13/2012 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 85 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARING FOR THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MA…
08/29/2009 · Engine
MY 97 MONTE CARLO Z34 STARTED DYING ON ME WHENEVER I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND AFTER I HAD BEEN DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE. AND IT WOULD SHOOT FORWARD AFTER I STARTED IT AGAIN IN NEUTRAL(THE ONLY WAY IT WOULD START). PLACING MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS UNWILLINGLY, I WOULD HAVE TO START MY CAR AND MAKE SURE NO CARS WERE COMING ANY WAY OR ELSE I WOUL…
06/23/2008 · Engine
MY 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (DUE TO LEAKING OF ENGINE COOLANT). TWO MECHANICS INFORMED ME THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE BETWEEN $800-$1000. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED SEVERAL GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES BETWEEN 1996-2002 HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THOUGH NO OFFICIAL RECALL WA…
03/16/2008 · Steering
MY 97 CHEVY MONTE CARLO HAS HAD NO LOWER BRAKE LIGHTS FOR SOME TIME . I HAD MY CAR CHECKED BY AN AUTO ELECTRICIAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SO SEVERE AND IT WOULD PROBABLY NEVER FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE BEING IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY SELF/FAMILY OR OTHERS. AS I DRIVE ON THE ROAD I NOTICE MANY AUTO…
08/14/2007 · Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ENGINE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE SUB FRAME BOLTS NOT BEING TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS WERE RE-ATTACHED. AS OF AUGUST 14, 2007, NO OTHER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
12/27/2006 · Electrical system · fire
THIS IS MY SECOND GM VEHICLE WITH THE SAME MALFUNCTION. FIRST, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. THEN THE RIGHT BLINKER WOULD NOT WORK (STAYS SOLID, DOESN'T FLASH). THEN THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ACCOMPANIED BY A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS A 1997 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. THE OTHER CAR I HAD WITH THE SAME MALFUNCTION WAS A 1995 CHEVY…
09/19/2006 · Lights
THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAS AN UNNATURAL TENDENCY TO FAIL ON ALL 95-99 MONTE CARLO AND 95- 00 LUMINA'S MADE BY CHEVROLET THIS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RESULTING IN THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. OLD PART NOT AVAILABLE. *NM
03/16/2006 · Brakes
DECREASE BRAKING ABILITY ON WET PAVEMENT. *JB