Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
Dt: consumer had recall 03V527000 repairs done in February which was suppose to be preventive recall work. Vehicle was still experiencing loss of power steering. Consumer said when she turned left the vehicle demonstrated high resistance. Took vehicle to dealer after manufacturer advised her to take it to any dealer. The dealer insisted that she go back to dealer who did the original recall repairs. Dealer checked vehicle after she agreed to pay for the labor. Mechanic checked vehicle and claimed it was rack and pinion problem.
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.
While driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering failed without warning, which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle and crashed into the curb. Dealer diagnosed that the rack and pinion system was defective. GM stated that there was a defect in the rack and pinion but not this vehicle.
I am having problems with my 1997 Monte Carlo. The power steering intermittently locks up and/or becomes very difficult to operate. Problem always occurs when turning to the left, usually at low speeds. Problem becoming progressively worse to the point where vehicle is not drivable.
Recall 03V527000 concerning steering gear bearings. Consumer had a concern while making a left turn the vehicle lost steering control. Also, air conditioner/ hazard lights, and driver's side power window failed to operate. Dealer was not notified.
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 autos of the same year and type have the same problem so I know its not only my vehicle .I thought it could of been the factory installed security system so I had it uninstalled to come to the fact that it was not the security system after all. Please help with this issue . This is my only source of transportation as I am disabled and cannot afford another vehicle . I have put constant repairs on this car , fuel inj tank, etc. Again please address this urgent issue.
Vehicle's steering went out all of a sudden while driving. Recall #750283. The consumer requested her money back. In jan. 2004 a recall was issued on the steering rack and pinion. The consumer was told to send in her paperwork and a reimbursement check would be sent to her, but instead the consumer received a denial letter. The manufacturer stated the reason for the denial of reimbursement was because the consumer did not have the vehicle serviced at a GM dealer.
Consumer dissatisfied with the work done on her vehicle. The dealer told the consumer that the steering problem she experienced had nothing to do with recall 03v-527000. The consumer disagrees and believes that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle under recall because she refused to let them replace other items on the vehicle.
Related recalls
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 investigations
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…
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…
Steering complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 18% of the model year's 164 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-527 (rack and pinion, Dec 11, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.