Total Complaints
275 filings
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO · model year
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.
Total Complaints
275 filings
Crashes Reported
10 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 85 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | 62 |
| ENGINE | 23 |
| STEERING | 14 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 |
| SUSPENSION | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
| SEATS | 4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4 |
| EQUIPMENT | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | 3 |
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,
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES
SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES
SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON AND CAR DIES,IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY,CAR START BUT DIES
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
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
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
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
INTERMENT CLUSTER GAUGES NOT WORKING
Mileage: 149,000
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
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
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
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
OIL LEAK DRIPPING DOWN ON EXHAUST PIPE AND MANIFOLD START IN LAST 5 DAYS . CAR WAS STATION IN GARAGE
Mileage: 140,000
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.