1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Monte Carlo › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1999 chevrolet monte carlo Z34 passenger vehicles. the braking performance in wet weather or wet road conditions IS reduced more than a driver would expect.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The braking could feel delayed momentarily when light or moderate force IS applied on the brake pedal while driving on wet roads or after going through a car wash.
Remedy
Dealer will modify the front fender liners to remove a portion of the closeout panels in the front wheel wells at no charge to the consumer. this service will be available through august 2004.
These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition were present in a situation where stopping distances were small, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
Owner complaints
155 complaints14 involved a crash1 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving approximately 45 mph, the engine seized without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle and the front air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver and the rear passenger sustained unknown injuries that required medical…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle and the front air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver and the rear passenger sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel pressure regulator in the engine compartment developed a severe leak. the leak caused fuel to be released in large quantities directly into the upper intake manifold and out the throttle body. fuel continued to flow out into the air cleaner housing and eventually the engine compartment…
The fuel pressure regulator in the engine compartment developed a severe leak. the leak caused fuel to be released in large quantities directly into the upper intake manifold and out the throttle body. fuel continued to flow out into the air cleaner housing and eventually the engine compartment and onto the ground. several gallons of fuel were discharged in this fashion. the vehicle was running poorly but gave no indication that there was a leak until the air clean was opened. the part that failed was a standard motor products part number pr216t purchased from rockauto.com on 5/15/2013 and installed shortly thereafter. vehicle mileage at installation was approximately 131000. the part failed on 10/20/2014 at vehicle mileage148243 miles. the part was installed to correct a similar situation involving a much less severe leak in an older part. the fuel leakage with the older part did not escape the upper intake manifold. age and origin of the older part are not known. the older part may have been original to the vehicle. given the significant quantity of fuel discharged and the repeated nature of the failure, I feel an investigation IS warranted. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving 25 mph, the transmission gears slipped out of place. a local mechanic attempted to replace the transmission and did not have all of the necessary components to do so. The manufacturer could not identify or locate the correct transmission for his model. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 80,000. The current mileage was 100,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled immediately upon starting the engine. the vehicle was restarted but immediately stalled again. the ABS light also illuminated intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for service.
- Seats
1996 chevrolet monte carlo Z34, power driver seat frame defect. bottom of seat detached from frame, which made driver fall backward toward rear seats. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have been having problems with the automobile having a ticking noise after I start it up in the morning so I brought it to the dealer to find out what was wrong with it. it was the head gasket. The auto only has 75000 miles on it. I would like to know what you can do for me. There was a tsb #57-61-24a jun98 on this problem. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline
1996 chevrolet monte carlo experienced problems with the fuel regulator.*mr the consumer drove about 7 miles and noticed that the fuel tank needle moved from full tank to half tank during the short ride and saw smoke coming form under the hood. the next day a strong smell of gasoline could be…
1996 chevrolet monte carlo experienced problems with the fuel regulator.*mr the consumer drove about 7 miles and noticed that the fuel tank needle moved from full tank to half tank during the short ride and saw smoke coming form under the hood. the next day a strong smell of gasoline could be smelled. the consumer opened the hood and noticed fuel was leaking onto the ground. it was later determined that the fuel regulator had failed. the consumer has the faulty regulator. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline
1996 chevrolet monte carlo experiencing problems with fuel regulator.*mr the consumer drove about 7 miles and noticed that the fuel tank needle moved from full tank to half tank during the short ride and saw smoke coming form under the hood. the next day a strong smell of gasoline could be…
1996 chevrolet monte carlo experiencing problems with fuel regulator.*mr the consumer drove about 7 miles and noticed that the fuel tank needle moved from full tank to half tank during the short ride and saw smoke coming form under the hood. the next day a strong smell of gasoline could be smelled. the consumer opened the hood and noticed fuel was leaking onto the ground. it was later determined that the fuel regulator had failed. *bf *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The problem described below has occurred on 3 previous occasions.(1) events leading up to the failure - "dex cool" coolant leak from intake manifold gasket. 2) failure and its consequences - loss of coolant leading to engine overheating or failure. (3) what was done to correct the…
The problem described below has occurred on 3 previous occasions.(1) events leading up to the failure - "dex cool" coolant leak from intake manifold gasket. 2) failure and its consequences - loss of coolant leading to engine overheating or failure. (3) what was done to correct the failure; i.e, parts repaired or replaced (and if old part IS available) - gm started using "dex-cool" extended life coolant in 1996 it didn't test the long term affects on it's existing gasket technology. One article I read stated "it appears that on some engines, the use of conventional plastic-and-rubber gaskets in combination with more aggressive oat (organic acid technology) engine coolants has caused a significant number of sealing related issues for consumers and automotive service providers", said fel-pro chief engineer jerry rosenquist -- per p://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/10/14/252583.html. Dex-cool IS an oat coolant manufactured by texaco for gm. Over the past few days I've read many complaints about gm intake gasket leaks and it seems more likely that the coolant, rather than the gasket itself, IS causing the problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Rough idle, random misfires, strong odor when misfire occurs, fluctuating gas gauge. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Unknown or other
Brakes do not work during inclimate weather. loses a quart of oil per 500 miles. blows by smoke through exhaust when starting.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Due to intake manifold gasket leak (this IS the fourth time for this problem on this vehicle) I had to stop to add coolant in order to safely drive the vehicle. had I not noticed the problem this potentially could have left me stranded on the side of the highway. after getting to a safe location…
Due to intake manifold gasket leak (this IS the fourth time for this problem on this vehicle) I had to stop to add coolant in order to safely drive the vehicle. had I not noticed the problem this potentially could have left me stranded on the side of the highway. after getting to a safe location I had the vehicle towed to a dealer for repair. also, as I stated above this IS my fourth time dealing with this issue; in addition, I know of personally 3 other vehicles with the same engine that have had the same problem and they too have changed the intake gasket several times.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I had to replace the lower intake manifold gasket due to antifreeze leak, and now the head gasket IS leaking antifreeze.*ak
- Equipment · Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion have had to be replaced 5 times. each time causes metal shavings in the power steering pump causing loss of steering. *cb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
The radiator looked dirty and slimy after having it flushed. since then the engine started running hot and leaking antifreeze. took it to mechanic and he stated the "head gasket was blown."*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Defective timing belt - timing belt fails completely at 25,700 miles, less than half the mileage listed in owner documentation (60000 miles, no time given). Failure at higher speeds could result in loss of engine power, resulting in loss of control due to loss of power steering and brake function. *la
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
While driving at normal speed steering gear box was leaking and vehicle caught on fire. Dealer notified. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Unknown or other
Reocurring electrical problems. the car has not been driven even 100 miles the last year and a half because it wont pass inspection. the emission system has gone out. since we've had the car we've had to replace the ignition system and the windows kept going off track. as of now the passenger…
Reocurring electrical problems. the car has not been driven even 100 miles the last year and a half because it wont pass inspection. the emission system has gone out. since we've had the car we've had to replace the ignition system and the windows kept going off track. as of now the passenger side window will not go up. I cant afford to get it fixed since I was diagnosed with "congestive heart failure" and I'm on permanent disability through social security.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The intake manifold gasket leaked fluid which resulted in the engine over heating. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
I own a 1996 Z34 with 78000 miles on it. in the last month my anti lock light kept coming on in the dash also the low track would come on sometimes I took it to the dealer yesterday 5-2-03 to have it checked out, they found computer scan brake light switch open. Left rear sensor, left rear…
I own a 1996 Z34 with 78000 miles on it. in the last month my anti lock light kept coming on in the dash also the low track would come on sometimes I took it to the dealer yesterday 5-2-03 to have it checked out, they found computer scan brake light switch open. Left rear sensor, left rear excessive speed variation, left rear open short they ordered a left rear hub and sensor at my cost I had to pay up front 469.19 for the part to be ordered also 65.00 for the labor plus when the part comes in I have to pay another 130.00 for r/r the left rear hub . About a month ago while pulling out of the parking lot at work the left rear wheel lock up and started to skip my fellow employees came over to my car and ask what had happened an if I wanted them to follow me home after moving another 10 feet it unlocked it self if this would have happened while driving down the highway who knows what would have happened has anyone else had this experience with the 1996 chevrolet Z34 ABS. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
At 70208 miles dealer replaced water pump at my cost, again at 91000 miles dealer replaced water pump. after complaining to gm the dealer agreed to warranty parts and labor. 2 water pumps in 91000 miles! #2 brakes at 48911 dealer replaced front disc and warped rotors. again at 91000 miles…
At 70208 miles dealer replaced water pump at my cost, again at 91000 miles dealer replaced water pump. after complaining to gm the dealer agreed to warranty parts and labor. 2 water pumps in 91000 miles! #2 brakes at 48911 dealer replaced front disc and warped rotors. again at 91000 miles dealer says rotors are warped again and replaced, both times at cost. 2 sets of rotors in 91000 miles! neither time were the rotors visually damaged or worn from disc pads. *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734293
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Braking problems: I own a 1996 chevy monte carlo and I have recently been experiencing braking problems. The low track light comes on periodically and I lose almost all of my brakes. It IS very difficult to stop and I feel this needs to be investigated, it seems that I am not the only consumer with braking concerns and problems. Someone IS going to get killed. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
The timing belt was replaced twice.*jb
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
I was recently driving my 1996 chevrolet monte carlo LS (vin # [xxx]) on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. I keep noticing that the brakes felt like they were not working when I applied brake pressure. After a short while the brakes would begin to feel as though they were functioning and the…
I was recently driving my 1996 chevrolet monte carlo LS (vin # [xxx]) on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. I keep noticing that the brakes felt like they were not working when I applied brake pressure. After a short while the brakes would begin to feel as though they were functioning and the car would slow down. after noticing this problem, I searched for recalls on my vehicle and contacted my dealer. The dealer's records showed that there were no recalls on my vehicle. However, the nhtsa web site indicated two problems. One was a recall, which applies only to vehicles manufactured during a specific time period. The other notice was for a safety improvement campaign (apparently different from a recall). the nhtsa number for this campaign IS 011014000. The nhtsa website states that this campaign only applies to the Z34 version of the 1996 monte carlo. The problem that IS described IS exactly what I have experienced when driving my LS monte carlo in wet conditions. It appears to me that the Z34 and the LS versions of the 1996 monte carlo have identical fender wells and liners and would experience identical wet braking problems, thereby requiring the same fender liner modification. Thus, this safety problem IS not limited to the only Z34 model and this campaign should be extended to all 1995-1999 chevrolet monte carlo vehicles. I would like the manufacturer to modify my vehicle so that I will not experience wet brake fading and be able to properly stop my car when driving in wet conditions. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS…
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion IS related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) IS the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Degraded braking performance
There is no summary currently available
- Degraded braking performance
- Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to…
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.an engineering analysis closing report IS included in the public file.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This 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, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This 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, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This 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, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This 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, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 615074Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension scrunch / popping type noise coming from the front of vehicle that IS apparent during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 609669A malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating on the vehicle's instrument panel after a long deceleration with the transmission typically in the overdrive position. Yd
- 608372Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 607522Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 53009Conditions containing engine overheating and/or loss of engine coolant.
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52580Difficult to depress accelerator pedal and/or accelerator cable separation (install accelerator cable and clip).
- 52563Reduced engine performance, restricted fuel flow (clean fuel tank, replace in-line fuel filter and fuel pump strainer).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
Every Chevrolet Monte Carlo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.