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SuspensionPart report

1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Suspension Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
5%of 164 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5% of the 164 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 am attempting to notify you of a problem that I believe is very prevalent among the 1996-1997 monte carlos. I have had my vehicle in numerous shops trying to fix the problem, and I am often told that it is a Monte Carlo problem. There is a very loud grinding noise that occurs whenever a strong left turn is made with the vehicle, and I have been told that it is something with the left upper bearing plate, although it is unclear exactly what the problem is as it is difficult to pinpoint. …”

NHTSA complaint #705438, filed 1999-04

“While traveling in a rural housing area 30 MPH, the right front wheel detached from the vehicle when turning left. The vehicle was towed to a dealership where purchased to determine cause. The owner states that the entire ball joint broke from the vehicle and bolt and cotter pin wore off. Please provide further deails ts”

NHTSA complaint #8023203, filed 2002-11

“Consumer heard a loud rubbing noise when backing out of the driveway. Consumer received a recall letter concerning front suspension:wheel bearings. Took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer replaced wheel bearings.”

NHTSA complaint #10059271, filed 2004-02

“Ball joint failure, broke from lack of lubrication, on left side while moving at low speed of 3-5 MPH. Vehicle was taken to an independent shop for repairs. The failure could have been fatal if it occur on highway.”

NHTSA complaint #886318, filed 2001-04

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200725%
200622%
200533%
200452%
200343%
200231%
200162%
2000188%
199922%
199844%
199785%
199632%
1995169%
1987120%

Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Brakes
36 complaints
Engine cooling
30 complaints
Steering
30 complaints
Electrical system
17 complaints
Air bags
15 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Body 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 31, 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