Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 17 | 40% | 90,000 miles |
| 2006 | 29 | 26% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 87 | 73% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 151 | 66% | 55,000 miles |
| 2003 | 49 | 31% | 99,000 miles |
| 2002 | 55 | 24% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 77 | 28% | 86,000 miles |
| 2000 | 45 | 19% | 122,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 8% | 85,000 miles |
| 1998 | 10 | 10% | 106,000 miles |
| 1997 | 17 | 10% | 92,000 miles |
| 1996 | 41 | 26% | 121,000 miles |
| 1995 | 11 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The cable harness in question runs from the fuse box under hood through firewall to the passenger side foot area. At this point it connects to another harness that connects to various items at the rear of the vehicle. One circuit in particular the rear window defogger is burning wiring and socket and plug of the two wiring harness. Either the wiring or connectors burned apart without the circuit fuse blowing. The circuit has a 40amp fuse. The wiring harness for this circuit is 12 Garage. I can't find any manufacturer who recommends using 12 gauge wire on a 40 Amp circuit. This isn't even close to being correct. This is so agreegessly out of specification it would appear GM knew they had an issue with the circuit and fixed it By over fusing the circuit. This same issue on multiple models over several years.
I am having issues with my engine unintentionally turning off because of my ignition key and I sent it to the shop for recall repair but they said they didn't have the part and couldn't find it because it's not available.
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.
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 …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. As a result, the driver lost control and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The contact suffered a head injury that required medical attention. The vehicle was completely destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. In June of 2015, a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000(electrical system) was received. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. A few minutes after the vehicle was parked in the driveway, it burst into flames. The fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. The front end of the vehicle was completely burned. The contact stated that there were no warning indicators. A police report and a fire report were filed. Prior to the fire, the contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V400000 (electrical system) and 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repairs were not available. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Related recalls (2)
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 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Monte Carlo years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (151), 2005 (87), 2001 (77), 2002 (55) and 2003 (49) model years. Electrical complaints make up 66% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014); 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (100 mentions), followed by the ignition (33).
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.