IllustrationSHOULDER BELT CUTS ACROSS THE THROAT.DEALER TRIED GIVING A CLAM THAT GOES ON THE WAIST PART OF THE BUCKLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE PIECE DIDN'T ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO GET IN & OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WOULD CATCH ON THE SEAT. DEALER DOESN'T HAVE ANY OTHER REMEDY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Monte Carlo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
625–50K
1050–75K
1575–100K
5100–150K
6150K+
44 reports with mileage · 81 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports6 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
125 reportsINFORMED BY GM CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THEIR 3YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKES, NO ROUTE TO FOLLOW TO ESCALATE PROBLEM! CAN YOU ADVISE??*AK
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED I FEEL I DON'T HAVE THE SECURITY OF KNOWING I WILL STOP IN TIME. THE LOW TRACTION LIGHT IS ALWAYS COMING ON AND NOW I MUST REPLACE THE BRAKES. I HIT A VAN BECAUSE OF THIS. I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE BUT PROVING THIS IS ANOTHER THING. DEALERS LOOK AT IT AND TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE THE FIRST ONE…
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WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED I FEEL I DON'T HAVE THE SECURITY OF KNOWING I WILL STOP IN TIME. THE LOW TRACTION LIGHT IS ALWAYS COMING ON AND NOW I MUST REPLACE THE BRAKES. I HIT A VAN BECAUSE OF THIS. I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE BUT PROVING THIS IS ANOTHER THING. DEALERS LOOK AT IT AND TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE THE FIRST ONE TO COMPLAIN. *AK
BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY WORK, USALLY IN WET CLIMATE. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60-65 MPH BRAKES WON'T WORK. PUMPING & APPLYING PRESSURE WHEN BRAKES ARE WET MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STOP, AND VEHICLE WILL COME TO A SCREACHING HALT. DEALER & MANUFACTURER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT REACT TO CONSUMER'S PROBLEM. *AK
:THIS SEEMS TO BE A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A LARGE MARGARITY OF MONTE CARLOS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT A DEALER MEMO WENT OUT IN 1998 NOTIFIYING CHEVY DEALERS OF POSSIBLE PISTON PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW MONTE CARLO OWNERS AND FIND THIS TO NOT BE A RARE PROBLEM. PISTONS ARE BLOWING THROUGH THE ENGINES WHILE DRIVING. I W…
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:THIS SEEMS TO BE A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A LARGE MARGARITY OF MONTE CARLOS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT A DEALER MEMO WENT OUT IN 1998 NOTIFIYING CHEVY DEALERS OF POSSIBLE PISTON PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW MONTE CARLO OWNERS AND FIND THIS TO NOT BE A RARE PROBLEM. PISTONS ARE BLOWING THROUGH THE ENGINES WHILE DRIVING. I WAS AWARE ENOUGHT TO HEAR A KNOCK AND KNEW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO GET IT CHECKED I SPOKE TO A GIRL WHO OWNS A 1999 MONTE CARLO HER ENGINE BLEW WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 17,000 MILE. SHE NOW HAS A NEW ENGINE WITH 7,000 MILES AND IT HAS A KNOCK IN THE ENGINE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFTEY OF MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER MONTE CARLO OWNERS WHO ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND MIGHT CONSIDER TAKING THERE FAMILYS ON A LONG TRIP SOMEWHERE. POSSIBLE LEAVING THEM STRANDED OR HURT IF THE ENGINE BLOWS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. CHEVY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM YET IT STILL CONTINUES TO MANUFACTURE THE SAME ENGINE FROM THE ORIGINAL MEMO DATE OF 1998 TO PRESENT. THIS SHOWS A SERIOUS LACK OF SAFTEY OR CONCERN FOR CONSUMERS ON THE PART OF CHEVY. PLEASE HELP ME AS THIS IS A LARGE EXPENSE AND I TRULY DO NOW HAVE A CONCERN FOR MY FAMILYS SAFTEY ON FUTURE PLANNED TRIPS. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR FOR THE SECURITY OF KNOWING MY CHILDREN WILL BE SAFE , FOR THIS REASON I DID NOT BUY A CAR THAT WAS OLD OR WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. YET CHEVY SOLUTION IS TO REBUILD MY ENGINE "END OF STORY " ACCORDING TO THEM . YOU ARE PROBABLY THE ONLY CHANCE ENDING THE PRODUCTIN OF THIS FAULTY ENGINE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. *AK
DISC BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED TOTAL OF 6 SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE STILL RESPONDS POORLY TO BRAKE INPUT WHEN IN RAIN OR WET ROADS. DEALER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS SAFETY ISSUE EVEN AFTER REPEATED DISCUSSIONS. WITH MULTIPLE ROTOR REPLACEMENT AND INABILITY TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR BRAKE ISSUES WHEN DRIVING IN WET WEATHER, THI…
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DISC BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED TOTAL OF 6 SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE STILL RESPONDS POORLY TO BRAKE INPUT WHEN IN RAIN OR WET ROADS. DEALER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS SAFETY ISSUE EVEN AFTER REPEATED DISCUSSIONS. WITH MULTIPLE ROTOR REPLACEMENT AND INABILITY TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR BRAKE ISSUES WHEN DRIVING IN WET WEATHER, THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM TO ME AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE YOU HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO THIS ONE ? *AK
CONSUMER MUST POUND OR HIT HORN BUTTON VERY HARD IN ORDER FOR IT TO SOUND, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. CONSUMER CANNOT ALERT OTHER DRIVERS IF NECESSARY. *AK *ML
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT LOCKS UP TO TIGHTLY. YH
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPH TRIED TO SHIFT GEARS FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FULL SPIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AGAIN ON DECEMBER 14, 1999. VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THIS …
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WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPH TRIED TO SHIFT GEARS FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO GO INTO A FULL SPIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AGAIN ON DECEMBER 14, 1999. VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS MOVED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ALSO, A "GRUNT" NOISE WHEN MAKING A TURN WHICH MAY INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM, BUT THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL. *AK
Official recalls
315V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
02V329000 · Air Bags:frontal
Dec 9, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE PIN. AN AIR BAG WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE PIN COULD PRODUCE INCREASED PRESSURE AT THE ONSET OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND REDUCED PRESSURE AFTERWARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE THE SEVERITY OF INJURY TO A PERSON WHO WAS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND WHO WAS CLOSE TO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. IT COULD ALSO REDUCE THE AB8ILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT A RESTRAINED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.