Most common 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems
Share of the 120 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 →
2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls (1)
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.
What 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners say
Electrical system all 87 →
Key fob quit working. I use the key to manually unlock car. However, after car is parked and off, the doors lock and unlock themselves. The front and rear lights flash while doors locking and unlocking. The other night, it was flashing morse code for over 24hours. I do not have on star connected. Horn quit working 4 months right before key fob quit. I can't use my bright lights, because I lose dash lights, head lights. My son and I share this car to drive to work. Since the lights started flashing all day and night, I felt it is unsafe for him to drive to work which is 40 miles one way. Why so many issues that are not being taken serious? I drive my car during day time. I pray I make it to work. I have to drive 9 miles one way to work. However, I drive highway 75 with semi trucks going 70 miles an hour. If this car loses power on that highway, I will probably not survive. …
I took the car to a Chevy dealer for the ignition switch recall dated July 3 2014.I told them about problems with the ignition switch such as the key can be pulled out when car is running and sometimes the starter stays on with engine running also problems turning the key.I waited while they did the recall service.when they were done they told me they put a plastic cover on the key.I started the car and found the problems were still there.I told them the recall was for a ignition switch not ignition key and their fix did nothing to fix the problem.they told me this fix is all they can do.a few weeks later,I could not get the car to shut off.I had to force the ignition off using a screwdriver and I had to buy a new ignition switch and install it myself however I will have to go to a locksmith so he could make the new key work on my door.150.00 foa a switch.still have to pay a locksmith.I …
Lights
I was driving at night and both headlights (low beams) started flashing off and on then went completely out, I hit the dimmer switch and turned the hi beams on and they worked fine. When I shut my high beams off my low beams came back on and stayed on for the rest of my 120 mile trip. Four days later on my way to work in the dark the same thing happened, the following day my low beams would not turn on and I have to hold the dimmer switch to keep my high beams on or I will have no headlights. ( one hand on the dimmer switch one hand on the steering wheel). I suspect it is the multi function switch in the steering column which is a $300 part. But have not had it professionally diagnosed. This is a real safety issue that GM needs to address!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 35 MPH, the headlights cut off without warning. The contact stated that the headlights flashed off and on intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 95,400. Updated 02/23/16 updated 4/30/18
Fuel & propulsion system
My car has a strong gas odor particularly in colder weather. I noticed it last winter and it went away during the summer. Now that the temps are getting cooler, it has started again. I turn on the heat and have to drive with the windows down for ventilation. I've had three different mechanic shops check it out. None have been able to find the cause. It is embarrassing in the school car rider line or in a drive through. Someone always comments on it. I am worried it May catch fire.
I began having trouble with this car a few months after I purchased it. I can't drive the car at night with the lights on bright, because when I do the lights shut completely off and the only way to get them to come back on is to flip the dimmer switch. I have been on the interstate and highway both, driving the posted speed limit when this has happened. This problem, in my opinion is a big hazard and very unsafe. I had to have the cruise control switch replaced, the instrument panel replaced, because it failed completely while I was going on vacation, I had no idea how much gas was in my car or what speed I was going all gauges were out of whack. The car smells like gasoline, I've taken this to the dealer auto repair shop, they claim they can't find the problem, even though they could smell the gas both on the outside and inside of car. …
2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo a good car?
Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Monte Carlo rates average: 36% fewer complaints than 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 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
The electrical system — 87 complaints, 73% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the lights (18) and fuel & propulsion system (9).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). 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 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 32% 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.