VehicleVerdict

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 146 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 29.2 times the median Monte Carlo year — the 2006 model ranks #11 of 35 Monte Carlo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (33), transmission (27), and steering (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

146

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

24

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Monte Carlo years?

Monte Carlo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted417 complaints1970: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 6 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 5 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1995: 244 complaints1996: 255 complaints1997: 218 complaints1998: 129 complaints1999: 170 complaints2000: 332 complaints2001: 417 complaints2002: 319 complaints2003: 204 complaints2004: 275 complaints2005: 155 complaints2006: 146 complaints2007: 54 complaints2008: 3 complaints2010: 6 complaints
Monte Carlo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Monte Carlo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3323%
Transmission2718%
Steering2114%
Engine128%
Tires & Wheels118%
Airbags107%
Visibility & Wipers53%
Other53%
Seat Belts53%
Body & Structure32%
Speed Control32%
Brakes32%
Suspension21%
Latches & Locks21%
Fuel System21%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

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. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED NECK AND BACK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 14, 2012 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 14, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 31, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING MY 20065 CHEVY MONTE CARLO THE OTHER DAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR DID A HARD JERK CAUSING ME TO JERK BACK BREAKING DRIVERS SEAT HAD TO TIE DOWN WITH ROPE TO GET IT HOME..AND THE ENGINE HAS LOST ITS POWER...WHAT IS GM DOING ABOUT THIS SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 23, 2010

“LOOKS LIKE GM HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CLEAR COATING PEELING OFF THE WHEELS THEY USE ON THEIR CARS, MY MONTE CARLO HAS 10,000 MILES ON IT AND THE WHEELS LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN SITTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN SINCE 2006 THIS MIGHT NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS A APPEARANCE ISSUE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 8, 2017

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo — common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 146 complaints put the 2006 model at #11 of 35 Monte Carlo years. It is one of the Monte Carlo years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Monte Carlo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (33 complaints), transmission (27 complaints), steering (21 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Monte Carlo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Monte Carlo years to avoid are 2001, 2000, 2002, 2004, 1996, 1995, 1997, 2003, 1999, 2005, 2006, 1998, 2007, 1991, 1990. The cleanest record among Monte Carlo years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.