CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO · model year

2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

275 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO carries 275 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 16 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 MONTE CARLO is electrical system with 85 filings, followed by electrical system: instrument cluster/panel (62) and engine (23). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2004 MONTE CARLO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

275
Complaints
10
Crashes
16
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

275 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM85
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL62
ENGINE23
STEERING14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SUSPENSION5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
SEATS4
SERVICE BRAKES4
EQUIPMENT3
SEAT BELTS3
AIR BAGS3

Recalls (7)

15V70100026/10/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118,

04V28700023/06/2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.

08E06300017/10/2008

STEERING

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DU

09E00500017/02/2009

STEERING

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN

07E02100012/03/2007

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

15V20100006/04/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manu

14V40000003/07/2014

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agen

Recent Complaints

20251213SERVICE BRAKES

I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there

20251213ENGINE

I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there

20251213STEERING

I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? they endangerd many lives by letting me drive that car off the lot.That tells me they have no regard for the safety of the public. my car is still there

20211210FireENGINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a burning odor blowing through the air vents into the cabin of the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the oil gauge increased to high. Additionally, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part had to be ordered,ed and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 215,000.

Mileage: 215,000

20211210FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a burning odor blowing through the air vents into the cabin of the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the oil gauge increased to high. Additionally, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part had to be ordered,ed and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 215,000.

Mileage: 215,000

20201121STEERING

POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE MAY FAIL PREMATURELY OF THE 20,000-24,000 MILE SERVICE REPLACEMENT. HAD TO REPLACE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT'S LEAKING AGAIN FROM THE HOSE.

Mileage: 113,115

20200210ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR ENGINE VALVE COVERS WERE FAULTY CAUSING OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. THE LOCAL DEALER MILLER AND SONS (3107 GREEN GARDEN RD. ALIQUIPPA PA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20190131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES

20190131ENGINE

SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES

20190131UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES

20180924FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY EXPLODED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

20180924FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY EXPLODED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

20180911ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGE FAILED TO WORK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (VAN CHEVROLET, 100 NW VIVION RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64118, (816) 527-8564) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 88,000

20180626ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE MANIFOLD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER AND SONS CHEVROLET (3107 GREEN GARDEN PLAZA, ALIQUIPPA, PA 15001, (724) 419-4124), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20180415ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTERMENT CLUSTER GAUGES NOT WORKING

Mileage: 149,000

20170519ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I TOOK MY CAR INTO JOHN HALL CHEVROLET ON 5/19/2017 TO HAVE THE IGNITION RECALL DONE.PRIOR TO MY TAKING IT THERE I WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR THAT NO SINGLE DIAGNOSTIC COULD QUITE PINPOINT.NEEDLESS TO SAY I REPLACED SEVERAL THINGS YET TO NO PREVAIL.THE CAR WOULD JUST STOP RUNNING LUCKILY BEFORE I REACHED OVER 10 MPH AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE TRYING TO TURN IN TRAFFIC I LOST POWER STEERING.ALL WHILE THE KEY WAS IN THE ON POSITION.FINALLY A MORE UPDATED SENSOR SCANNER DETECTED AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITHIN THE IGNITION ITSELF.WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD ONLY DO WHAT THE RECALL REQUIRED THEM TO DO. EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM WHAT IT WAS DOING AND ASKED IF THEY COULD CHECK TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LEAVING THERE AND THE CAR SHUTTING OFF AND /OR NO POWER STEERING I WAS TOLD NO .I WOULD HAVE PAID TO KNOW,TO HAVE THEM SCAN IT, WHATEVER.NEEDLESS TO SAY AFTER THEY FIXED THEIR PART THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING.EVEN WHEN THE MAN BR

Mileage: 150,000

20170322ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

KEY IS STUCK IN IGNITION AND WILL NOT RELEASE NOR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ENGINE. LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED A YEAR AGO. BELIEVE THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 140,000

20170316ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,652.

Mileage: 135,652

20161216ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND/OR DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT AND AN OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20161011ENGINE

OIL LEAK DRIPPING DOWN ON EXHAUST PIPE AND MANIFOLD START IN LAST 5 DAYS . CAR WAS STATION IN GARAGE

Mileage: 140,000

Compare 2004CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO have?
The 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has 275 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 16 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO?
Yes, the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO?
The most-complained component for the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 85 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL and ENGINE.
Is the 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.