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 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down century boulevard my speed was approximately about 35 r 37 miles an hour,the speed limit is a 35 miles hour zone.when all of a sudden all the traffic suddenly stopped real fast, it was about three to four in front of me.so I try to brake that's when my steering wheel got hard to where I couldn't turn away in time so I can avoid a crush.in a result I hit a lady car from behind on her left side bumper and to my right side bumper.there where no injuries,no police report was file.we had just exchange information and insurance information.before this had took place my I could not turn off my ignition having problems with my power steering and if I brake too hard my steering columns with jurr or stiffen up making real difficult for me to turn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently veered to the left and crashed into an embankment. The driver was killed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and was not inspected to determine the cause of the steering failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,110. ..updated 10/28/14 ....updated 04/08/15 updated 11/4/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel failed to maneuver properly while turning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed. The failure has occurred approximately ten times and only in cold temperatures. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice and they stated that the clamp at the end of the power steering lines was the cause of the failure. The clamp has been replaced at least six times by dealers and private mechanics; however, it has only been a temporary remedy. The length of the remedy depends on the temperature outside. The repair can last for two days or as long as three weeks. The contact called the manufacturer numerous times, but they refuse to repair the vehicle. They stated that he was responsible for the repairs. Through online research, the contact has found numerous complaints for the same failure. The vehicle has still not been repaired properly. The VIN was unknown. …
Power steering became increasingly difficult to maneuver, accompanied by gradually worsening noise. Upon inspection, noted that power steering fluid reservoir was empty. Added fluid which temporarily alleviated both problems. After driving car approximately 25 miles, problem returned and fluid was again empty. Attempted to add fluid again and noted that it was leaking profusely, leaving a large puddle beneath the vehicle. Researched issue on the internet to identify likely cause and recommended action and discovered that GM/Chevrolet was already aware of this particular problem, specifically with the year, make and model of my vehicle. I parked the vehicle and contacted the dealer to make arrangements to have it serviced. Due to the possibility or likelihood (based on past history) of a vehicle fire, the dealer had the vehicle towed to their location.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the power steering failed and there was a leak from the low pressure hose twice. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer each time where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be flushed. The vehicle was repaired both times but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer who inspected and diagnosed that the low pressure hose had split in half and needed to be replaced. The power steering fluid was cleaned and refilled with new fluid. The power steering pump was also replaced as well as the low pressure hose. The contact also stated that the hydraulic steering unit failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54403.
I have a 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo (v6) and the power steering return hose has exploded 3 times. I asked the dealer to change the power steering pump, but he claimed it was a design flaw and he gets at least one Monte Carlo per week with the same problem. I now open the cap to the power steering fluid reservoir everyday to relieve the pressure. You can actually hear the pressure release like when you open a can of soda. I haven't had any problems since, bit I don't take the car on long trips and if I do the pressure May increase to the point where the hose blows again. This is a very dangerous problem considering I nearly crashed twice because the hose blew in mid turn.
I am currently having problems with my steering at different intervals. When taking the interstate exits on 4 recent occasions my power steering fails and it is hard to turn the steering without veering into another lane. I am also having lack of power steering intermittently when I am not accelerating or when I come to a stop light. This morning when turning the wheels the power steering pump is making a loud noise. I have had this problem 4 times before and the power steering pump has been replaced and I have had the steering gear (re-conditioned) replaced 3 times. I checked the power steering fluid and it is full. This is costly and dangerous when it occurs.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While pulling into a driveway at 4 MPH, the vehicle became impossible to steer. The mount that holds the rack and pinion steering failed and both front wheels were headed in opposite directions. The front of the vehicle bounced up and down a few inches above the ground. The contact turned off the vehicle and had it towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that they have never before seen this type of failure and will replace the steering rack. The current and failure mileages were 23,300.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 55 MPH, the contact lost control of the steering. He was able to slow down the vehicle and maneuver to the shoulder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the power steering hose failed. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $123. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that no compensation would be provided because there were no recalls. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 63,400 and current mileage was 63,502.
NHTSA investigations
Power steering fluid leaks - fires
General motors (GM) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in October of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this…
Steering complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 19% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 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 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death 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.