1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 1 recall, 164 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V527000 · 2003 · 750,283 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Why it matters: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering.…
The fix: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Oldsmobile at…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #01I014000 · 2001 · 0 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1999 Chevrolet monte carlo z34 passenger vehicles. The braking performance in wet weather or wet road conditions is reduced more than a driver would expect.
Why it matters: The braking could feel delayed momentarily when light or moderate force is applied on the brake pedal while driving on wet roads or after going through a car wash.
The fix: Dealer will modify the front fender liners to remove a portion of the closeout panels in the front wheel wells at no charge to the consumer. This service will be available through August 2004.
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (33): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (6), noise or vibration (5).
- Engine & cooling (30): the most common themes are leaks (7), stalls / loses power (5), fire / smoke (3).
- Steering (30): the most common themes are steering problems (27).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 164 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 17 Monte Carlo model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 125). Complaints peaked in 1999 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 86,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (155 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (100 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems?
Owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (33), engine & cooling (30), steering (30).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.