Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 18 | 16% |
| Electrical system | 17 | 15% |
| Steering | 16 | 14% |
| Air bags | 6 | 5% |
| Tires | 5 | 4% |
| Seat belts | 4 | 4% |
| Engine | 3 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 3% |
| Structure | 2 | 2% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
These issues have been spotadic since I aquired the vehicle in october of 2021. Not infrequently the ABS system feels like it is trying to engage at low speeds with light braking such as in a parking lot. This also happ
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. IT LOSES POWER AND GAUGES DROP AS IF THE CAR SHUT DOWN. WILL DO THIS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA complaint: Electronic stability control (esc)
CAR MALFUNCTION MY PASSENGER WHO WAS MY BABYMAMMA PASAED AWAY
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BY WHALEN CHEVROLET INC. (1258 NY-29, GREENWICH, NY 12834, (518
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER NO LONGER WORKED. THE REASON BEING THAT THE REAR DEFROSTER WIRING HAD BURNED AT THE CONNECTOR BLOCK. CONNECTOR BLOCK IS LOCATED BEHIND THE PASSENGERS SIDE KICK PANEL. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIR
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING AND INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE ILLUMINATED AFTER THE KEY HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATE
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
THE TRANMISSION 4T65E HD IS ALWAYS TEARING UP... THE CARFAX ON MY CAR SHOWS IT WAS REPLACE IN 2008 AND IM SAYING IT HAS LESS THEN 100 K ON THE TRANSMISSION THEY PUT IN AND ITS OUT AGAIN
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 certai
Risk: 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
Fix: 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.
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
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 D
| Reliability raw | 78 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 74 | good |
| Depreciation | 57 | average |
| Performance | 60 | average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 18 of them (16%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 78/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.