Most common 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems
Share of the 164 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo complaints by model year
Best Monte Carlo years: 2007, 2003, 1998. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls (1)
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo:
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Degraded braking performance
Degraded braking performance
There is no summary currently available
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM's letter to NHTSA dated December 11, 2003, expands its original recall (NHTSA 02V286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 Chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 Pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 Buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.GM determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion…
What 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners say
Brakes all 36 →
While driving 55 MPH steering wheel locked up. Consumer tried to unlock it but was unable to do so. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and hit a median steel barrier. Then, vehicle rolled three times and landed upside down on the highway. Upon impact, both frontal airbag did not deploy. Driver sustained neck and back injuries and was transported by ambulance, to the hospital. Vehicle was totaled.
First, the A/C went out. As I was driving the car in for maintenance, suddenly, while driving, all the power went out. Fortunately, no other cars were on the road, and I was not traveling very fast. My car began to slow, but I was able to turn into a parking lot. As I pulled into a space, I tried to step on my brakes, but they didn't work. It turns out that my alternator was out, so I didn't have any power. But it seems to me there should be a back-up system for the brakes, so that they would still work in this situation (or in a more dangerous situation, e.g., if I had been on the highway). The parking brake is a back-up of sorts, but, really, I don't believe the brakes should fail when the power goes out.
Engine & cooling all 30 →
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 was done, GM did publish a technical service bulletin regarding this problem a few years ago. I know Canada has filed class action suits against Canada GM concerning this issue. The car only has 120K miles on it, and the bluebook states the value to be around $2200. Does the state of maryland have information on this issue requiring GM to perform this work under some kind of warranty?
1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo VIN#[redacted] miles 36,366 date 04/12/02 head gasket blown (reseal intake manifold) service#47886 andrew Chevrolet 1500 west silver spring milwaukee,wisc. 53209 repair cost $916.58 reason given why it went out by service tech engine heats up and cools down. 05/14/04 mileage 48,933 service #89628 head gasket again blown(reseal intake manifold want another $8-900 refused to pay again car sits at home. Updated 07/25/2012
Steering all 30 →
Power steering locked up when making a left turn. At first it happen with my son driving, was fine one day, and like something broke the next. I took my car to my mechanic, they said they have seen 3 monto Carlo's that month having the same problem. I have owned numerous vehicles in my life and have never had this kind of problem. It is a very dangerous situation. Then when driving it to my mechanic, thank god my son was in the car with me, and helped me muscle the car through the turn, or there would have been a serious accident. Also the gas gauge has never given a accurate reading. …
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 made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 03V527000 (steering:rack and pinion) however, the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 220,000.
1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo a good car?
Based on 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Monte Carlo rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Monte Carlo at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
The brakes — 36 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (30) and steering (30).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the most recent from December 11, 2003 (rack and pinion). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2003 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Chevrolet Monte Carlo years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 7% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.