Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the failure returned soon after restart. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
When accelerating from a stop, the transmission slips and then shifts hard (slams into the next gear) no matter how slow I try to take off. This happens no matter if I come to a complete stop or not but only happens when the transmission tries to go from 1st to 2nd. The problem occurs about 50% of the time. It doesn't matter how far into the drive I am. Happens when first started driving for the day and after a 40 minute drive. Vehicle only has 62,000 miles and the car is never driven hard!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH or over, the vehicle started to violently shake without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle jerked and then accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Vehicle does nothing when you hit the gas from take off then slams into gear jolting forward. Does not want to shift between 3rd and 4th gear. Seems to be a drive issue. Constantly says replace remote key less entry battery. Dealer has not been able to fix key less entry issue.
Bought car at 29K in June 2007. Around 36K the transmission sensor between the gas line and the transmission decided to override my breaking. Nearly killed me because the car would not stop. (had to put in neutral to maintain control). Had to fight with Chevy to get warranty fix for several weeks. Around 41K the car decided that the temp outside was -38 or -40 degrees and would insist on running heat during summer. Was told computer was bad and would have to spend $$$$ to fix (and asked why I would buy a car with a bad computer!). Around 145K oil pressure sensor went out--in less thn15 k, am now having to replace 4th one. There are several other weird issues with this vehicle that are well documented with my mechanic. And now finally get recall notice and told the best fix is to have key by itself with nothing else--fob away from key. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that she noticed a shuttering noise while accelerating from a traffic stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic replaced the oil pressure sensor. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 12/03/12 the consumer stated the vehicle had low oil, before an oil change was due. The vehicle was low 1-1.5 quarts every one thousands miles. At 40,000 an oil consumption test was performed. A year before, the rings and pistons were replaced at 92,000. After the pistons and rings were replaced, the consumer began having problems with the transmission shuddering. A computer flash was done. However, the problems continued. Updated 12/05/12
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo super sport. Upon purchasing the vehicle in July of 2006, the contact noticed that the vehicle would lunge forward or backwards with force. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there were no failures; however, the failure continued to persist. He returned to the dealer and they stated that the torque converter was defective, which caused the motor mount, transmission, and steering column to fail. The mechanic repaired the transmission, but none of the other components. The manufacturer stated that their engineers would receive the information from the dealer in order to find out the cause of the failure. The current mileage was 35,000 and failure mileage was 7.
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
I bought a new 2006 Monte Carlo in July 2006. Since new I've had issues with the car accelerating when stopped. Also, traveling at steady speeds the rpms fluxuate. Now when you use the cruise control, as the car goes down a grade it pulsates and the rpms fluxuate then clears. GM and dealer says it is normal. I've owned a lot of GM cars and this is not normal. Had the intermediate steering shaft,,rack and pinion assembly, power steering hose all replaced under warranty. Had to fight with GM to get the rack replaced. Bolt broke on the rear brake cable, dealer said I hit something but not a scratch on the bottom of car and hanger sits up in the frame area.
Transmission complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 24% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.