1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 18%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,061miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 18% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,061 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am having problems with my 1997 Monte Carlo. The power steering intermittently locks up and/or becomes very difficult to operate. Problem always occurs when turning to the left, usually at low speeds. Problem becoming progressively worse to the point where vehicle is not drivable.”
NHTSA complaint #10052603, filed 2004-01, 70,122 miles“Power steering locked up when making a left turn. At first it happen with my son driving, was fine one day, and like something broke the next. I took my car to my mechanic, they said they have seen 3 monto carlo's that month having the same problem. I have owned numerous vehicles in my life and have never had this kind of problem. It is a very dangerous situation. Then when driving it to my mechanic, thank god my son was in the car with me, and helped me muscle the car through the turn, or there would have been a serious accident. Also the gas gauge has never given a accurate reading. …”
NHTSA complaint #10016691, filed 2003-04, 118,000 miles“Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings. Consumer had a concern while making a left turn the vehicle lost steering control. Also, air conditioner/ hazard lights, and driver's side power window failed to operate. Dealer was not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10091815, filed 2004-09, 120,000 miles“Dt: consumer had recall 03v527000 repairs done in february which was suppose to be preventive recall work. Vehicle was still experiencing loss of power steering. Consumer said when she turned left the vehicle demonstrated high resistance. Took vehicle to dealer after manufacturer advised her to take it to any dealer. The dealer insisted that she go back to dealer who did the original recall repairs. Dealer checked vehicle after she agreed to pay for the labor. Mechanic checked vehicle and claimed it was rack and pinion problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10127552, filed 2005-07, 127,000 miles“While making a right turn at 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power, causing the consumer's vehicle to hit a pole. The consumer stated the problem was due to steering rack failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10083913, filed 2004-09, 121,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V527000Dec 11, 2003Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These…Covers: Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1997–1998, Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10013031Jan 29, 2004Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 7 | 17% |
| 2006 | 21 | 19% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 18 | 8% |
| 2001 | 38 | 14% |
| 2000 | 25 | 11% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 16% |
| 1997 | 30 | 18% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsElectrical system
17 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