2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Problems
- Complaints
- 113filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,242miles, 94 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.9L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year centre on three areas: power steering hoses that split and leave the wheel hard to turn, transmission behaviour on acceleration (hesitation, slipping, hard shifts), and a long list of electrical annoyances including key-removal and rear-defroster wiring trouble. Many reports arrive between roughly 25,000 and 90,000 miles, and a number of owners describe problems that returned after a repair rather than resolving completely.
- Steering
Power steering hose leaks and loss of assist
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 54,403 mi at 3.2 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2014
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming stiff or impossible to turn, often shortly after a whine from the pump and sometimes with a puddle of power steering fluid under the car. Complaints repeatedly name the low-pressure return hose or a clamp at the end of the lines as the failed part; some owners say the hose split more than once. Dealers typically replaced the hose or clamp, and some owners were told the failure was a design characteristic of the car. Reported from about 10,000 to 105,000 miles, often on cars only a few years old, and one owner noted the loss of assist occurred only in cold temperatures.
What to check: Ask whether the power steering hoses or clamps have been replaced and look for fluid residue or a low reservoir level. Check for a whine from the pump when turning at low speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2006 chevy Monte Carlo (v6) and the power steering return hose has exploded 3 times. I asked the dealer to change the power steering pump, but he claimed it was a design flaw and he gets at least one Monte Carlo per week with the same problem. I now open the cap to the power steering fluid reservoir everyday to relieve the pressure. You can actually hear the pressure release like when you open a can of soda. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321111, filed 2010-03, 26,000 miles“2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo lt w/ flexfuel engine. 1. I was exiting a highway and the steering became stiff and hard to control. It progressively got worse. 2. A power steering hose ruptured/split, total failure of hydraulic assisted steering. 3. Part was replace by dealer via warranty replacement. Dealer said they were aware of a raising trend, but no recall was issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10313115, filed 2010-02, 10,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission hesitation, slipping and hard shifts
- 29 complaints (26%)
- median 74,238 mi at 6.3 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2017
Owners describe the car hesitating or slipping when pulling away from a stop, then lurching hard into gear; some report a grinding noise, or shaking at highway speed that led a dealer to recommend a transmission replacement. Several complaints say the fluid looked clean and full when the symptoms started. Some owners who raised the problem were told no recall applied to the transmission. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 130,000 miles, usually when accelerating from a stop at low speed.
What to check: Drive the car from several standing starts and feel for hesitation, a clunk or a hard 1-2 shift. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any transmission work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmisson will shift hard sometimes from complete stop or while traveling , mainly from complete stop or stopping at stop light and not a complete stop . Its like it is slipping. Now air bag light is coming sometimes when car is 1st crank. Dash is also coming apart. Car has 118,000 miles on it. Trasmission is worring me the most.”
NHTSA complaint #10806610, filed 2015-11, 117,000 miles“While attempting to accelerate to avoid another driver, the transmission slipped. Instead of the car accelerating, driver was forced to swerve and hard brake forcing the vehicle off the road just barely avoiding an accident causing minor bruising on the children in the back seat. I more of these same complaints on your website and am told that Chevrolet knows about this problem and has done nothing to fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10538159, filed 2013-08, 130,770 miles - Electrical system
Ignition key hard to remove / car shuts off over bumps
- 11 complaints (10%)
- median 73,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2007–2018
Owners describe difficulty getting the key out of the ignition, difficulty getting the shifter fully into park, and, in several cases, the engine cutting out after hitting a pothole or bump at speed. Some complaints say the car restarted after being shifted to neutral, while others report warning lights coming on and the engine staying off. At least one owner says the vehicle had already been serviced under the ignition recall and the problem returned. Reported from about 25,000 to 187,000 miles; the stalling complaints describe it happening while driving at road and highway speeds.
What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether recall 14V355000 was performed and whether the ignition key or cylinder has been replaced. Check that the shifter locks into park and the key releases cleanly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car begin to have difficulty going into park and allowing the ignition key to be removed. Within 1 month car now will not go into park at all without manually going under the hood and moving the shift cable. Since the car remains very hot underneath the hood for a while this is very dangerous, especially for a woman, but necessary to remove your keys from the ignition and to put your keys into park.”
NHTSA complaint #10235386, filed 2008-07, 70,000 miles“When putting the car in park on several occasions it will not lock into gear...I can literally pull key out and car is still running...you can move gears freely and does not lock.”
NHTSA complaint #10607454, filed 2014-07, 88,564 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in collisions
- 8 complaints (7%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2016
In several complaints owners report that the airbags did not deploy during a front or side impact, and that no warning light had appeared beforehand. Some drivers and passengers describe head, neck or back injuries treated after the crash. One complaint notes the vehicle had already had the ignition recall service, which relates to the airbag system. Reported from about 50,000 to 180,000 miles, in vehicles of varying age at the time of the crash.
What to check: Verify that recall 14V355000 has been completed and check that the airbag warning light comes on briefly at start-up and then goes out. Have any stored airbag codes read before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a head injury which required medical attention. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10644836, filed 2014-10, 50,000 miles“The contact owns 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed onto the side of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a brick wall. The air bags failed to deploy and no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed and an injury was sustained. The vehicle was not inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10632505, filed 2014-09, 170,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the power steering hoses and reservoir, transmission behaviour from a stop, and the rear defogger wiring. It is also worth confirming that the ignition recall was completed and that the key releases and the shifter locks into park normally.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 113 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 94 of the complaints include a mileage, and 44% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,242 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 15 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 771 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system29 26%
- Steering21 19%
- Air bags10 8.8%
- Tires9 8.0%
- Engine6 5.3%
- Engine cooling6 5.3%
- Other or unknown6 5.3%
- Seat belts5 4.4%
Also reported: Brakes (3), Body and structure (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I was driving going approximately 45 MPH, I hit a pot hole and my vehicle cut off. This has happened three times since january. The same thing happened the second time. The last time it occurred was tuesday, february 18. This time I was on the expressway traveling approximately 75 MPH, hit a bump and it cut off. The car starts back up when I put it in neutral.”
NHTSA complaint #10565104, filed 2014-02, 155,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I have a 2006 chevy Monte Carlo ss with the ls4 v8 engine coupled to the 4t65hd transmission. The transmission ai starting to act up, missing shifts and slipping every once in a while. I understand that there are many others experiencing the same thing. My car only has 45000 miles on it and it has not been abused.”
NHTSA complaint #10376741, filed 2011-01, 45,000 milesSteering: “I heard a noise in my steering. It would make the noise when you turn the wheel left or right. I took it to the dealership to be fixed. The first time(1/5/07) I took it in they replaces both inner and outer tie rod boots. The second time(4/4/07) they said there was nothing. The third time they greased it. The fourth time(9/19/07) they replaced intermediate shaft. The fifth time(11/14/07) replaced shaft again.”
NHTSA complaint #10209079, filed 2007-11, 19,018 milesAir bags: “While driving my car, it just shut off automatically. Then it has been doing it multiple time since. It can happen three to five times per day. The dealership has tried to reboot the computer system numerous times, it still shuts off with no warning. I just listen to the fan if it shuts off, I have to put the transmission in neutral, and start the car while coasting. I feel that this is related to the GM Chevrolet recall. Feel free to call for a more in depth description of the ignition problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567692, filed 2014-03, 73,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
44% of the 94 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 94,314 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Carlo · coupe FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Monte Carlo · coupe FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Carlo FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Monte Carlo FWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 26 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Monte Carlo FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2006–2007, Impala 2006–2014, Cadillac Deville 2000–2005 +3 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
Recall details for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 771 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
Other model years of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 42 | 65,195 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 113 | 56,242 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 120 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 230 | 54,500 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 158 | 74,185 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 230 | 74,501 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 276 | 75,900 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 233 | 85,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 125 | 78,962 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 100 | 86,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 164 | 86,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 155 | 81,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 169 | 120,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Monte Carlo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
Complaints on this model year centre on three areas: power steering hoses that split and leave the wheel hard to turn, transmission behaviour on acceleration (hesitation, slipping, hard shifts), and a long list of electrical annoyances including key-removal and rear-defroster wiring trouble. The issues reported most often: Power steering hose leaks and loss of assist; Transmission hesitation, slipping and hard shifts; Ignition key hard to remove / car shuts off over bumps.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?
NHTSA recorded 113 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 29 complaints (26% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 27.
Has the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Monte Carlo, 3.9L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo reported?
Among the 94 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,242 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 94,314 miles; 44% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.