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 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
These issues have been spotadic since I aquired the vehicle in october of 2021. Not infrequently the ABS system feels like it is trying to engage at low speeds with light braking such as in a parking lot. This also happens after coasting(no gas, no brake no cruise control))and then accelerating The radio will randomly stop playing or begin playing. The turn signal indicator chimes randomly stop chiming when the turn signal is in use though the interioir indicator light will flash normally. I have not been able to stop when this occurs with the turn signal still active to get out and verify it the turn signal is actually working At random times a loud clacking sound will come from behind the dash in the general vicinity of the radio and there will be no out put from the dash vents until the clacking stops. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system) by whalen Chevrolet inc. (1258 ny-29, greenwich, ny 12834, [phone]). However, it failed to provide a permanent remedy. While driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost power and shut off. In addition, there were instances when the key had to be maneuvered back and forth in order to be removed from the ignition. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to various warning indicators and gauges flickering and the vehicle was unable to start. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer for servicing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the interior lighting and indicators on the instrument panel were illuminated after the key had been removed from the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall regarding the ignition, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to concord Chevrolet (1330 concord ave, concord, ca 94520 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the electrical system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the vehicle causing the vehicle to crash into a brick wall. The contact stated that during the incident the air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered neck and back injuries. A police report was filed. In addition, the contact indicated that the key would sometimes be very difficult to remove from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The rear window defogger no longer worked. The reason being that the rear defroster wiring had burned at the connector block. Connector block is located behind the passengers side kick panel. This could have caused a fire to the interior of the vehicle. There are videos on the internet showing how to resolve this problem so it must happen frequently! You can see where the burn occured in the attached photo. I repaired this on 3/9/2018, however, it happened at least two years ago.
Rear defogger quit working. Fuses all checked to be good. The wire harness by the interior fuse box had a burned contact. The plastic was charred and melted. The contacts for the defogger damaged. Luckily, this did not result in a fire, though looking at the damage, it was entirely possible. I have pictures if needed. Repairs have been made to allow for visibility while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the key could not be removed from the ignition. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.
After driving, when you go to turn the key/ignition back, it only turns back to where the radio, lights, and wipers stay on. The ignition will not turn all the back. Also, they key will come out of the ignition in any position, even while the car is in gear. I received a recall notice in August 2014 stating that as soon as parts are in, I could go and get the key ring replaced,but I have yet to receive the notice about parts for this recall. I have never had my car key on a key ring, even before the recall. I also read about a recall on ignitions of some Chevy models back in June. I am not sure if this is related to the recall but something has to be done because I have to jump my car off every morning, or after long periods of time due to the ignition being stuck in the "on" position. This is eventually going to kill my alternator, and whatever else chooses to go next. …
I purchased my 06 Monte Carlo in 2012 and my keyless entry system was not responding well. They informed me it was just the batteries. I swapped out the batteries and this did not do much good. I later found out that this is a known problem with the transmitter/receiver for the vehicle (impalas included) for the 2006 model year. In order to have it fixed, it would cost over $600 to have the transmitter replaced along with all of the keyless entry system. Chevy knows it's a problem and won't recall it. I only have one way to enter my car through the driver's door, and there's no trunk entry from outside of the vehicle. It's more of an extreme inconvenience along with if I were in a safety situation like a robber, I would probably be unable to enter my vehicle at a quick pace since my keyless doesn't work at all. …
While driving my car, it just shut off automatically. Then it has been doing it multiple time since. It can happen three to five times per day. The dealership has tried to reboot the computer system numerous times, it still shuts off with no warning. I just listen to the fan if it shuts off, I have to put the transmission in neutral, and start the car while coasting. I feel that this is related to the GM Chevrolet recall. Feel free to call for a more in depth description of the ignition problem. For the affected parts question, it did not include ignition, therefore, I listed the areas of the car affected when the engine would shut off, the steering, braking were also affected. Thank you
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 23, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 26% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.