Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
My 1997 Monte Carlo is in need of an intake manifold gasket replacement. Why isn't this a GM recall? The repair cost is $800 and my internet research shows that this is a prevalent problem in GM cars. My car is unsafe to drive until the repair is complete. The engine could catch fire or freeze up while driving. GM needs to recall these defective plastic gaskets immediately before someone gets killed!
Tl 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.
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 would have crashed! Now my car is completely undrivable and dies whenever I hit my brakes, I took the car to several mechanics since this started and have had the following changed/repaired: upper and lower intake gasket set, throttle body gasket, thermostat, spark plugs and wires, air filter, numerous vacuum leaks, valve covers.
After the car fully warms up, about 25 or 30 minutes there is a burning smell. The dealer said they have no idea what it is but has admitted to smelling it. I brought it in for service on 10-28-99 and left it for two days. Dealer checked electrical system and found nothing and also checked tempature because it seems that the heater blows extremely hot air. I have also brought car in numerous times for faulty brakes and each time dealer can't find anything wrong with them! .
Engine has erratic idle. Check engine light stays on. Engine stalls and will not start. Engine stalls while driving and leaves you with no power steering or power brakes. Engine accelerates on its own. Engine has failed 11 times. Vehicle is currently at dealership for the third time . After last dealership looked at car, brake pedal turned into gas pedal. Car is now more dangerous than ever. Purchased car July 1997. Current milage 5218 miles. Filed complaint with bbb.
Vehicle is defective from maufacturer. Driver side power window will not come up at all, it stays off track. Dealership replaced window once,but it still is having problems. Cigarette lighter column was cracked, the outside was pushed all the way through. Dealer replaced it/ arm rest cracked, it was plastic, and engine flywheel broke. Also, at 2200 miles the dual cam are very loud and are rattling. Car paint on the driver side is turning blue.
While driving on freeway at about 60 MPH the engine just cuts off without any warning. It has done that several times, leaving no power steering or power brakes. Consumer states that it doesn't make a noise, it just cuts off. Consumer has contacted the dealer, and the dealer has tried to fix the problem three times but it keep doing the same thing over again.
Brakes have been worked on at least 6 times this time they totally locked up and were smoking at the service desk. I also have been having trouble with my engine oil and engine running ruff and hard to start. A oil consumption test was started where I have lost more than 15qts of oil within the last several months. It is now at the dealer and the engine is out.
Engine complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 18% of the model year's 164 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 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.