IllustrationIN 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
2004 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
200–25K
6525–50K
4750–75K
2375–100K
29100–150K
12150K+
196 reports with mileage · 34 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 16 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 reports11 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
230 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED OIL INTO THE VEHICLE, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE MANIFOLD. THE CHANGE OIL AND LOW ENGINE OIL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR OR FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS DRIPPING…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED OIL INTO THE VEHICLE, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE MANIFOLD. THE CHANGE OIL AND LOW ENGINE OIL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR OR FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS DRIPPING ON THE MANIFOLD AND THE GASKET AND WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
MY GAGES SOMETIMES WORK WHEN THEWY DO IT IS INACCURATE INFORMATION. SOMETIMES THEY DONT WORK AT ALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN JUNE OF 2015, A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS OR LEAKING OIL ONTO THE HOT MANIFOLDS, COULD CAUSE A ENGINE FIRE. CAR HAS ONLY 21000 MILES ON IT
2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND THE RIGHT SHOULDER BLADE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND THE RIGHT SHOULDER BLADE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. ALSO THE ENTIRE WARNING PANEL ILLUMINATED AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. ALSO THE ENTIRE WARNING PANEL ILLUMINATED AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 7/29/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO BUCK LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL. THE CONSUMER DISCONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/13/15*JS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE KEYS RELEASED OUT OF THE IGNITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFAC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE KEYS RELEASED OUT OF THE IGNITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,385. UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ UPDATED 09/24/15*JB
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 TH…
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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
Official recalls
415V701000 · 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.
15V201000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 6, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
04V287000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Jun 23, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND REDUCED STEERING CONTROL. REDUCED BRAKING OR STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO TIGHTEN BOTH BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC 1-800-620-7668.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.