1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 10% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is my second GM vehicle with the same malfunction. First, the windshield wipers would not turn on. Then the right blinker would not work (stays solid, doesn't flash). Then there was a small fire accompanied by a lot of smoke coming from the steering column. This is a 1997 chevy Monte Carlo. The other car I had with the same malfunction was a 1995 chevy beretta. All repairs are costly.”
NHTSA complaint #10177137, filed 2006-12, 120,000 miles“Door and electrical window . My power window's will not go up or down. The control button will not even move. I sometimes have to lift my passenger door to close it. I also have paint chipping off of my wiper assembly and the body of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10010887, filed 2003-03, 75,000 miles“While driving my car home one evening it was idling high and and everything electrical was acting like it was short circuting and then my car died. Thank goodness that no one was behind me because of course the power steering the failed and there was a sound of metal against metal. My father and I then changed the alternator thinking that that might fix the problem. It didn't and the car has had the problem multiple times. Now I am unable to drive it for the fear of this happening in heavy traffic or out in the middle of no where and me be stuck there. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098123, filed 2004-11, 92,000 miles“My 97 chevy Monte Carlo has had no lower brake lights for some time . I had my car checked by an auto electrician and was told that the problem was so severe and it would probably never find the source of the problem. I am very concerned with this issue being it may cause serious injury to my self/family or others. As I drive on the road I notice many autos of the same year and type have the same problem so I know its not only my vehicle .I thought it could of been the factory installed security system so I had it uninstalled to come to the fact that it was not the security system after all. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221331, filed 2008-03“I have had this car since november of 1998. When I bought the car, I took it to the dealer I bought it from because the brakes felt funny and there was a constant squeaking when brakes were applied. Also stopping distances were increased with wet pavement. They reported that my rotors were warped. They resurfaced the rotors. I then went back because the brakes were still not right . They could not find a problem and I then went to bob mcdorman Chevrolet. They could not find a problem either.”
NHTSA complaint #711420, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 17 | 40% |
| 2006 | 29 | 26% |
| 2005 | 87 | 73% |
| 2004 | 151 | 66% |
| 2003 | 49 | 31% |
| 2002 | 55 | 24% |
| 2001 | 77 | 28% |
| 2000 | 45 | 19% |
| 1999 | 10 | 8% |
| 1998 | 10 | 10% |
| 1997 | 17 | 10% |
| 1996 | 41 | 26% |
| 1995 | 11 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsAir bags
15 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 Oct 30, 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