Chevrolet Monza problems

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The Chevrolet Monza is a subcompact automobile produced by Chevrolet for the 1975 through 1980 model years. The Monza is based on the Chevrolet Vega, sharing its wheelbase, width, and standard inline-four engine. The car was designed to accommodate the GM-Wankel rotary engine, but due to mediocre fuel economy and emissions-compliance issues the engine was cancelled, and a V8 engine option was substituted. The Monza name has also been used for several other cars.

Introduced for the 1975 model year, the Monza 2+2 and Monza Towne Coupe competed with the Ford Mustang II and other sporty coupes. General Motors' H-body variants, the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Starfire, were produced using the Monza 2+2's body with grille and trim variations and Buick's 3.8 liter V6 engine. The Pontiac Sunbird variant was introduced for the 1976 model year, initially offered only in the Monza Towne Coupe body with the 2+2 hatchback added for the 1977 model year. The Monza nameplate originated in mid-1960 for the sport version of the Chevrolet Corvair.

History

Origin

The Monza 2+2 debuted as a single-model 2+2 hatchback. The Monza is 4 inches (100 mm) longer and weighs 180 lb (82 kg) more than the Vega from which it is derived. General Motors' John DeLorean nicknamed it the "Italian Vega", citing styling with a strong resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4.

GM had planned to introduce the GM Wankel rotary engine (licensed from NSU Motorenwerke AG) in the Monza's 1975 model. Rotary issues included mediocre fuel economy compounded at a time of comparatively high fuel prices following the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, and GM canceled the engine (this was the same rotary engine that AMC had planned to source from GM for the 1975 Pacer). Thus, the 1975 Chevrolet Monza was launched carrying a conventional piston engine instead.

photo of Chevrolet Monza car production

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Chevrolet Monza model years

chevrolet monza 1976 photo
Monza 1976
Chevrolet

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Common Chevrolet Monza problems

The Chevrolet Monza, produced from 1975 to 1980, was a subcompact car based on the Chevrolet Vega platform. While the car was designed to accommodate the GM-Wankel rotary engine, it was cancelled due to mediocre fuel economy and emissions-compliance issues.

One of the main issues with the Monza was its propensity for oversteering, which made it challenging to handle.

Despite the car's poor build quality and performance, the Monza was a sales success.

The Monza was a test bed for technologies that proved way ahead of its time, but its aftermarket support is still available today, making it a popular choice for budget-oriented builders looking to turn the car into a performance track monster.

In summary, the Chevrolet Monza was a subcompact car with anemic engine options that provided disappointing performance and handling. Despite its poor build quality and performance, it was a sales success due to its sporty styling and affordable price. Today, the Monza is a popular choice for budget-oriented builders looking to turn the car into a performance track monster.

Chevrolet Monza

What engine did the Chevy Monza have?

Chevrolet Monza
PlatformH-body
RelatedPontiac Sunbird Buick Skyhawk Oldsmobile Starfire
Powertrain
Engine140 cu in (2.3 L) I4 151 cu in (2.5 L) Iron Duke I4 196 cu in (3.2 L) Buick V6 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 262 cu in (4.3 L) Small-block V8 305 cu in (5.0 L) Small-block V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Small-block V8

What is the difference between the Chevy Vega and Monza?

The Monza is 4 inches longer and weighs 180 pounds more than the Vega from which it is derived. John DeLorean nicknamed it the Italian Vega citing styling with a strong resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4.

How fast is a Chevy Monza?

Performance

0 - 100 kph10.5 s
0 - 60 mph9.9 s
0 - 110 mph42.6 s
Top speed192 kph (119 mph)

What is the Pontiac version of the Chevy Monza?

For 1976, the Pontiac Sunbird was offered only in a two-door notchback coupe body, sharing a body with the Chevrolet Monza Towne Coupe. For 1977, a three-door hatchback version of the Sunbird was introduced, shared with the Chevrolet Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Monza years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Monza cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Chevrolet Monza model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Monza model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Monza years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Monza car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Monza , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Monza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Monza . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Monza vehicles.

List of Chevrolet Monza complaints

Chevrolet Monza 1976
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-08-29
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: PLEASE PUT FIRESTONE OUT OF BUSINESS. IN 1996-7 (CHEV/MONZA) I HAD FOUR TIRE FAILURES (2 SEPARATE INCIDENCES) WHILE ON THE OPEN ROAD. FIRESTONE REPLACED THE FIRST SET OF FAILED TIRES ON A PRO RATED BASIS. THE SECOND SET FAILED WITH FOUR PERSONS IN THE CAR AT ROAD SPEEDS. IF IT HAD BEEN THE FRONT TIRES, NO DOUBT, MY PASSENGERS AND I WOULDN'T BE HERE TODAY OR ME TO WRITE THIS. AT THE SECOND FAILURE I WAS PREPARED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE FIRESTONE STORE WINDOW INTO THEIR SHOWROOM TO LET THEM KNOW OF MY FRUSTRATION AND THEIR NEGLEGENCE. HAD I DRIVEN THROUGH THE WINDOW, AS AN INDIVIDUAL, I WOULD HAVE BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A CRIMINAL ACT. THEY COMMITTED THE CRIMINAL ACT. I CAME CLOSE TO LOSING MY LIFE. I COULDN'T BEGIN TO AFFORD LAWYERS AND WAIT TIME. THE GOV'T CANNOT OVERSEE OR CONTROL THEM. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED WITH OTHER TIRE MANUFACTURERES. IT'S TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE. TWICE IN 22 YEARS IS TOO MUCH. PLEASE HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE. THEY ARE FULLY NEGLIGENT. THROUGH PR SPINS, THE TRUTH WILL NEVER BE KNOWN. CLOSE THEM DOWN. NOTHING SHORT OF NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW ASSOCIATIONS, NEW PLANT FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, NEW QUALITY CONTROL METHODS CAN OVERCOME SUCH NEGLIGENCE. I DON'T THINK WE DESERVE THIS TYPE OF FREE MARKET ORGANIZATION. NO CONSUMER WOULD WILLINGLY TRUST THEIR LIFE TO FIRESTONE TIRES. IT WOULD ONLY BE THROUGH GOV'T INTERVENTION, IN THIS FREE MARKET ECONOMY, THAT FIRESTONE WOULD SURVIVE. IF FIRESTONE WERE AN AIRLINE YOU WOULD HAVE TO SHUT THEM DOWN. WHY IS THIS DIFFERENT? THERE ARE ANY NUMBER OF INCIDENCES LIKE MINE YOU WILL NEVER HEAR ABOUT IN YOUR PRESENT INVESTIGATION. TAKE A STAND! FOR ONCE!( DOT NUMBER: )

Recalls Chevrolet Monza

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Monza.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet Monza 1976
  • Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
  • Model: Chevrolet Monza 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1976-09-14
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
  • Model: Chevrolet Monza 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1976-02-12
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
  • Model: Chevrolet Monza 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1976-02-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

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