Chevrolet

Monte Carlo (6th)

2000-2007 · Midsize Coupe · 6 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.3)
1,402 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
124 Fire Reports
68 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LZ9

3.9L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.3)
17 complaints 8.5 per year Gasoline
View details

LS4

5.3L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.7)
53 complaints 26.5 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
19
electrical
10
wheels tires
7
safety systems
7
steering
6

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (19 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (10 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (7 complaints)

LZE

3.5L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.4)
53 complaints 17.7 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
1 fire report 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
22
steering
12
transmission
8
engine
6
safety systems
4

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (22 complaints)
Steering Issues (12 complaints)
Transmission Issues (8 complaints)

LA1

3.4L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.2)
324 complaints 54.0 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
145
engine
62
cooling
47
brakes
39
exterior
32

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (145 complaints)
Engine Issues (62 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (47 complaints)

L36

3.8L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
649 complaints 98.7 per year
93 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
224
engine
208
cooling
82
brakes
62
exterior
53

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (224 complaints)
Engine Issues (208 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (82 complaints)

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Unidentified Engine

Avoid (1.0)
296 complaints 37.0 per year
22 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
99
engine
53
exterior
35
steering
30
transmission
28

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (99 complaints)
Engine Issues (53 complaints)
Exterior Issues (35 complaints)
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

LZ4

3.5L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.0)
5 complaints 5.0 per year Gasoline
2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
4
interior
2
suspension
1
safety systems
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)
Interior Issues (2 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

3.1-V6-Gas

3.1L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
2 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1
transmission
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

L32

3.8L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Monte Carlo regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (515 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (323 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (129 complaints)
cooling critical
Exterior Issues (120 complaints)
exterior critical
Brakes Issues (102 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (15)

15V701000Oct 25, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

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, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

15V201000Jun 3, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

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 manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.

14V355000Jun 22, 2014serious
Electrical System

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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

14V400000Mar 6, 2014serious
Electrical System

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 agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

09E005000Feb 16, 2009serious
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 THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

09V116000Aug 3, 2009serious
Engine & Cooling

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

08E063000Oct 16, 2008serious
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 DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

07E021000Dec 2, 2007serious
Fuel System, Other

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.

04V090000Feb 23, 2004serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

04V287000Jun 22, 2004serious
Service Brakes

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.

03V250000Jul 14, 2003cosmetic
Equipment

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

03V051000Feb 13, 2003serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

02V222000Sep 7, 2002cosmetic
Air Bags

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

00V244000Aug 28, 2000serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULES (SDM) COULD EXPERIENCE A MEMORY ERROR RESULTING IN THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A CRASH SITUATION.

00V228003Jul 7, 2000serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Alternatives in Midsize Coupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems?

The 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has accumulated 1,402 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Monte Carlo engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was offered with 11 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.9L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo a good used car?

The 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,402 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?

The 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 1,402 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?

There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Monte Carlo have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,402 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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