Engine
3.1L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 132 of 169 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
59 complaint records1 fire report12 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE SOMETIMES GO TO FLOOR, SOMETIMES CAR IS LIKE CAR NOT GOING TO STOP HAVE ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE . TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
28 complaint records
"TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE AT 42,000 MILES. BELIEVED THAT DEFECT WAS PERMATURELY DONE WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. DEALER NOTIFED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
23 complaint records
"VEHICLE DOES NOT START UP/HESITATES WHETHER IT'S HOT OR COLD. DEALER REPLACED PCV VALVE /EGER VALVE, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA98019 opened Aug 1998 | closed Dec 2001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | DEGRADED BRAKING PERFORMANCE There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V065000 | Seat Belts | THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE EXHIBITS STRESS CRACKS. | Normally free |
| 97V017000 | Visibility | SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE. | Normally free |
| 94V230000 | Suspension | A RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM TAPERED BALL JOINT MOUNTING HOLE WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED. MOVEMENT WITHIN THIS ATTACHMENT CAN ALLOW THE BALL JOINT STUD TO FATIGUE AND FRACTURE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997090 1997-04-23 | Seats And Restraints | 12,735 | Certain vehicles may have a centre rear seatbelt anchor plate which exhibits stress cracks. In the event of a vehicle crash, the seatbelt system may fracture and injury to the seat occupant could occur. |
| 1997039 1997-02-18 | Visual System | 34,440 | Certain vehicles may have a strained or separated washer/wiper power feed wire. This may cause the windshield washer/wiper to work intermittently and could ultimately result in inoperative wipers. |
| 1994181 1994-11-16 | Suspension | 16 | THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A RIGHT HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM TAPERED BALL JOINT MOUNTING HOLE THAT WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED. MOVEMENT WITHIN THIS ATTACHMENT COULD ALLOW THE BALL JOINT STUD TO FATIGUE AND FRACTURE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 52 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 010601002A Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 990604005A Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT | |
| 97023A Apr 1999 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN - REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE. *TT | |
| 990604005 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT | |
| 97023A Dec 1998 | Seat Belts | RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVING REPLACING THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE. *TT | |
| 876002A Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT | |
| 533307B Jul 1998 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FRONT SUSPENSION SCRUNCH / POPPING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE THAT IS APPARENT DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 98576124A Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS ON A TICKING TYPE NOISE THAT BEGINS SHORTLY AFTER COLD ENGINE START-UP AND GRADUALLY DIMINISHES AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP. *YC | |
| 98776304A Feb 1998 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 971101776304 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR DEPOSITS. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 970801676305 Aug 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR AN ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION. *YC | |
| 970801735026 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC | |
| 736313 Jun 1997 | Fuel System | REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE, RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW (CLEAN FUEL TANK, REPLACE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP STRAINER). *TW | |
| 97003 Mar 1997 | Exterior Lighting | RECALL 97V-017 - PIVOT AND (PULSE/DIMMER) WINDSHIELD WASHER SWITCH - GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1994 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, 1994-95 BUICK REGAL, OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME AND 1995 CHEVROLET LUMINA/MONTECARLO... | |
| 676305 Mar 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION (INSTALL ACCELERATOR CABLE AND CLIP). *TW | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 677164 Feb 1997 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW | |
| 676001 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (REPLACE PCV HARNESS). *TW | |
| 577106A Feb 1997 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE (DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 577106A Dec 1996 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 576405 Sep 1995 | Electrical System | NO START, BATTERY FULLY DISCHARGED (REPLACE PRIMARY COOLING FAN RELAY INSTALL NEW PROM) *SD | |
| 576124 Aug 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COLD ENGINE TICK OR RATTLE AFTER START-UP (REPLACE PISTON/PIN ASSEMBLY). *SD | |
| CAMP95C40 Jun 1995 | Power Train | CAMPAIGN BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A RECALL FOR CERTAIN 1995 LUMINA AND MONTE CARLO VEHICLES, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A PARTIALLY OR FULLY BLOCKED VACUUM DISTRIBUTION BLOCK. | |
| 576201 Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT LEAK AT THE FRONT COVER OUTLET TO HEATER INLET NIPPLE (NEW TORQUE SPECIFICATION). *SD | |
| MSG01157 May 1995 | Power Train | UNKNOWN | |
| 576305 May 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | UNKNOWN | |
| 5366023 May 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNKNOWN | |
| GM532001 Apr 1995 | Structure | POPPING NOISE FROM LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE DURING MODERATE BRAKING OR ACCELERATION (FABRICATE AND INSTALL SHIM). *TW | |
| MSG01124 Apr 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNKNOWN | |
| 431110 Feb 1995 | Unknown Or Other | CENTER DEFROSTER GRILL LOOSE RIGHT SIDE. *TW | |
| 431060 Feb 1995 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | BINDING OR STICKING INSIDED LOCK RODS. *TW | |
| 577104 Feb 1995 | Power Train | HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFTS. *TW | |
| 531009 Feb 1995 | Visibility | WINDOWS STICK IN THE FULL UP POSITION. *TW | |
| 577106 Feb 1995 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 436604 Jan 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST MANIFOLD SEAL SQUEAK. *TW | |
| 476520 Dec 1994 | Fuel System | CRANK NO START/RUNS ROUGH AFTER EXTREME COLD WEATHER SOAK. *TW | |
| 433205A Dec 1994 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGNAL LEVER WILL NOT STAY IN DETENT POSITION. *TW | |
| 94267 Dec 1994 | Suspension | PRODUCT CAMPAIGN 95-C-12 - CERTAIN 1995 LUMINA AND MONTE CARLO MODEL VEHICLES HAVE A RIGHT HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM TAPERED BALL JOINT MOUNTING HOLE THAT WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED. MOVEMENT WITHIN THIS ATTATCHMENT COULD ALLOW THE BALL JOINT STUD TO FATIGUE AND FRACTURE. | |
| 476135 Oct 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL LEAK AT THE ROCKER COVER. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Monte Carlo →