1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 4% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,500 miles.
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 brake lights (except for raised third brake light) have stopped working and even replacing a brake light switch did not solve the problem. I have just learnt that my brake lights were not working and this is after spending $100 at a dealership to fix the problem!”
NHTSA complaint #10250009, filed 2008-11, 103,500 miles“1998 Monte Carlo 29,000 miles, no accidents. Brake lights stopped working except for the third light in the back window. Read on forum a similar issue, lightly massaged the wiring harness going from steering column to turn signal lever, brake lights then began working again.”
NHTSA complaint #10394502, filed 2011-04, 29,000 miles“Brake lights do not work if the turn-signal/bright light/wiper lever is moved slightly forward of its normal position. After using the turn signals or bright lights the brake lights will not work unless the lever is pulled up toward the driver. The car has not been involved in any accident, nor has the turn signal lever been removed in the five years I have owned the vehicle. There are no other electrical problems with the vehicle and the failure seems to be a result of design. The light on the rear deck still works. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068069, filed 2004-04, 108,238 miles“When brakes are applied, they cause headlights to dim. Also, a clicking sound would come from dashboard and front wheels would lock up momentarily. Dealer was notified. Low track light would illuminate in dry conditions. The clicking and dimming lights seemed to be a short in the ABS, ABS reluctor was cracked. Cv axle was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8003622, filed 2002-02Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 17 | 14% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 33 | 14% |
| 2001 | 36 | 13% |
| 2000 | 17 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
24 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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