1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 16%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 16% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“On september 24, 2015, my wife was driving our Monte Carlo. Unbeknownst to her the car began smoking underneath, causing loss of control with neither steering nor braking capability. Other drivers, noticing the smoke, were attempting to notify her of the impending fire. She was able to drive about another mile before losing control and crashing into a tree on my neighbor?s yard. The car became completely engulfed in flames and was destroyed. Were it not for several good samaritans, and police and fire personnel, she would have been killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10937463, filed 2016-12, 190,000 miles“At approximately 4 pm I was driving with three other people in my car on the street in the south saint louis county(railroad crossing weber rd and close to new hampshire) and we were going across the railroad, when all functions of my car died and the brakes .steering. Engine , all went off and I got scared but in the heat of the moment I pulled my emergency break and pulled the car to a stop. All these happened on a very well paved street., and all happened just when I crossed the railroad tracks. I was very frighten as well all the people in my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640636, filed 2014-10, 175,000 miles“1998 Monte Carlo :complained of growling noise at low speed turns; also, not mentioned to shop but was told by friend that he thought the wheel was harder to turn then other vehicles. Shop informed me that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. I checked the service manual to find out why it could not be reconditioned but stopped after seeing that there was a existing problem being investigated about faulty rack and pinions. Note this vehicle only has 26000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10043545, filed 2003-10, 26,759 miles“When making a left hand turn at 5 MPH vehicle lost power steering. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10093981, filed 2004-09, 94,000 miles“Have GM press release on 1997-1998 Monte Carlo on steering gear problem stating that GM would be recall some 824,000 cars. My 1998 Monte Carlo is experencing this problem and I have repeatly tried to get GM to address this problem with the exception of on 24 feb. 2004 when I was told to bring in my car to my local GM dealer and the car would be fixed. One week had passed and I heard nothing from GM so I called and now they tell me it is not thier problem. However they still have an active recall but state my car is not in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10060178, filed 2004-03Related 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 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
24 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 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 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