1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 9%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 9% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During a snow storm I was in a car accident where the car in front of me abruptly stopped and because of the road conditions I was unable to decelerate fast enough and I tried to pull to the shoulder of the road to avoid hitting the other car but I still slid into the other car and then hit a tree. There was extensive damage(approx $5,000) done to the front end of my car and my air bags never deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10003502, filed 2003-01, 132,013 miles“While driving 50 MPH vehicle skidded on an icy patch on the road, driver lost control, and vehicle hit an embankment head on. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy. Driver sustained severe injuries to the face and neck, and passenger sustained a concussion and a black eye. Due to severe damage the vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10065434, filed 2004-05, 94,000 miles“While waiting at a traffic light, the vehicle was rear ended. As a result, the accelerator throttle malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to jump a curb and land in a ditch. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained severe injuries to his neck and back and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
NHTSA complaint #10044835, filed 2003-12, 100,000 miles“Consumer stated that while the automobile was sitting in the driveway, the air bag began to inflate on the driver's side. However, on the passenger's side it did not inflate, it is still intact. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who stated that they had no answer as what made the air bag inflate.”
NHTSA complaint #10032287, filed 2003-09, 67,158 miles“While driving 55 MPH steering wheel locked up. Consumer tried to unlock it but was unable to do so. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and hit a median steel barrier. Then, vehicle rolled three times and landed upside down on the highway. Upon impact, both frontal airbag did not deploy. Driver sustained neck and back injuries and was transported by ambulance, to the hospital. Vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10067494, filed 2004-04Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 7% |
| 2002 | 20 | 9% |
| 2001 | 26 | 9% |
| 2000 | 13 | 6% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 9% |
| 1997 | 15 | 9% |
| 1996 | 7 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology