Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 35 MPH, another motorist informed the contact that flames were coming from the front of her vehicle. While pulling off the roadway the steering wheel locked and all power was lost. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Two weeks prior to the failure, a diagnostic test was performed but no failure codes were found. The contact also mentioned that she received a recall notification for a key fob, but not NHTSA campaign number: 15v70100 (engine and engine cooling). The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire report and a police report were filed. The contact received medical treatment for elevated carbon monoxide in the blood and post traumatic stress disorder. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the key was difficult to turn over to start the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and, upon further inspection under the hood, it was noticed that there was a fire near the engine compartment which burned various components. The parts that fractured ejected from the vehicle in flames. The driver did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact was able to get a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for further inspection. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V116000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and crashed into a snow bank. The vehicle restarted after numerous attempts. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was too much weight on the key. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 4/15/15 updated 9/21/2017
My 2001 montecarlo was hit in front with front end damage and the air bags didn't go off causing my girl friend to have a broken nose ..the vehicle was in motion on a city street in the turning lane
I purchased a used 2001 Monte Carlo ss 3.8l October 2011. The recall #2009047 engine compartment fire notice arrived in August 2012. Two spark plug retainers were installed at the dealer September 18, 2012 for no charge. On November 18, 2013, the car was parked for a few hours from 11 am until 2:45 pm, then after driving a short distance (less than 8 miles) on the highway, the car was parked in the lot of a pharmacy. Noticeable smoke began to emanate from under the sides of the hood. The hood remained cool to the touch. Immediately after the hood was lifted, the entire engine compartment was engulfed in fire. Two police officers just happened to be on the scene at the time. They kept us away from the vehicle and prevented us from any attempts to use an extinguisher on the fire. It burned until the firefighters arrived a few minutes later and put it out. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving at an unknown speed, the key released from the ignition switch without warning. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch and key tumbler needed to be replaced before the recall repairs could be performed. While waiting for the repairs, the ignition switch shorted out and caused the anti-lock and ABS system to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed that the ignition switch and key tumbler were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the recall repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,000.
I was stopped at a red light at the intersection of 31st street and la grange highway when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of my car. I pulled into the cit-go gas station thinking my Monte Carlo was over heating. Then, flames began to come from the under the hood. I immediately called 911 and the la grange park police and fire department came within minutes. They had to saw my hood open to put the fire out and I immediately contacted GM. They notified me that my vehicle is in fact a recall and was negligent in sending me the registered vehicle owner any sort of notice of recall. GM is denying fault and refuses to repair the vehicle or grant any sort of responsibility or compensation. Although they are responsible for the manufacturer defect they still refuse liability.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 60 MPH, the temperature and fuel gauges displayed incorrect readings. In addition, the low coolant warning light illuminated even though there was coolant in the vehicle. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 163,000. Updated 09/20/16 the consumer stated if the vehicle sat for two days, the battery was drain and die. His mechanic stated it was due to an electrical problem. Also ,the rear defroster did not work, the fan switch did not work right away, and the turn signal light did not work unless he tapped the dashboard, and the transmission shifted hard. Updated 10/13/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred and the instrument panel gauges illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired again and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,137. Updated 8/21/15 updated 10/18/2017
Takata recall. I spoke to a representative at GM asking about the recall of my vehicle and said my warranty was expired. I just recently bought the car from another person so how I was suppose to know about the cars recall. The problem with the car is the ignition switch whenever I rotate it to turn it on it does not start. I would have to rotate it slowly to the start and as well let it go slowly for it to start. So its not functioning properly. I want to file a complaint to GM for I can get my car fix since it could be caused of my death and the death of other civilians that are near my car whenever it gives up or even worst.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 28% of the model year's 276 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 6 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system 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.