57 of the
204 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo are about the
engine — 28% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
116,500 miles.
F
57
Complaints
0
Crashes
16
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Engine
3256.1%
Engine AND Engine Cooling
1424.6%
Engine
610.5%
Cooling System
23.5%
Radiator Assembly
11.8%
Exhaust System
11.8%
Gasoline
11.8%
Engine & Cooling across every Chevrolet Monte Carlo year
I keep rewriting this because for some reason it keeps timing out everytime I look for the video to attach. I brought the car to taska twice for underhood fire and ignition. No head gasket got fixed no spark plugs there is several issues water keeps getting in tires are rotted electrical problems and now head gasket is messed up because the hood wasn't put on till afterwards for the recall the ignition is still not fixed. Last time I drove it back it stalled out and smelled over heated
NHTSA complaint #11730812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forney, TX
ENGINE
The service manager told me the Engine cover will be removed and NOT replaced. This downgrades the vehicle as the engine cover is part of the appearance element and gives a certain amount of protection to some components and wiring harnesses. It will soon be a Classic and the engine cover is part of the original equiptment that needs to be on it. There is NO logical reason the valve cover gasket cannot be replaced AND keep the engine cover in place. Thank you for your help.
NHTSA complaint #11559383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N LAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE
Vehicle stalls when starting. While driving vehicle may shut off when moving on highway if you are not pushing on gas pedal. May be due to faulty EGR or emissions component
NHTSA complaint #11438831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittemore, MIFire
ENGINE
I had an engine fire. Complete loss of car.
NHTSA complaint #11427302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ripley, MS
ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL. WELL I NOTICED IT DROPPING OIL ONTO THE ENGINE & INTAKE 12/5/2018 AND NOW IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S BEEN GETTING WORSE CUZ IT'S GETS SO HOT IT STARTS SMOKING FROM THE OIL ON THE ENGINE INTAKE I'M STILL DRIVING THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11252646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesMahwah, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11112192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,034 milesClinton Township, MIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. AFTER THE VEHICLE RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE, OIL WAS SEEN LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, AFTER REPLACING THE RADIATOR, THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO WORK. FURTHERMORE, THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ROTATED, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL LEAK WAS DUE TO A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,034.
NHTSA complaint #11103994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,968 milesBever Creek, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER (WHITE ALLEN CHEVROLET, 442 N. MAIN ST, DAYTON, OH 45405) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER AKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,968.
NHTSA complaint #11054504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,856 milesWenden, AZ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE TRACTION, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HUB WITH THE ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HUBS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,856.
NHTSA complaint #11003988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesST Louis, MO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND IDLED, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED INDICATING THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER FOR A MOMENT FOR THE ENGINE TO COOL. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10995146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesNoblesville, IN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL SHOULD BE REPAIRED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10957272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forney, TX
ENGINE
RECALL #15757. THE REMEDY IN PART SAYS "THE ENGINE'S PLASTIC 'BEAUTY' COVER AND PLASTIC OIL FILL TUBE EXTENSION WILL BE REMOVED, IF THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ALREADY, ALSO FREE OF CHARGE." IF THEY DO NOT REPLACE THIS PART IT DETRACTS FROM THE APPEARANCE, AND ALSO DEVALUES THE CAR! THE REPAIRS SHOULD BE REQUIRED NOT TO AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE CAR!! THANKS
NHTSA complaint #10939095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minnetonka, MN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES UNTIL IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED PER A RECALL. WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DEALER'S REPAIR THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK PROGRESSING ASSOCIATED WITH THE VALVE COVER ON THE UPPER PART OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/07/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10938777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enola, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REMOVAL OF ENGINE PLASTIC "BEAUTY" COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10914753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North LAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE
THE CAR DONT WANT TO START UP BUT IN 5 MINS IT WILL START UP BUT NOW WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR IT KEEP CRANKING EVEN WHEN I IM NOT TURNING THE KEY.
NHTSA complaint #10910885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10883015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMoreno Valley, CAFire
ENGINE
ENGINE FIRE ENGULFED THE WHOLE FRONT END. THERE WAS A RECALL BY GM #15757. RECEIVED A LETTER INDICATING POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CALLED DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND INFORMED THAT NEEDED PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HOME ON CITY STREET THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WENT UP IN FLAMES. VIDEO WAS TAKEN OF THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10871919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesCedar Town, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLAMES ENGULFED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ UPDATED 08/03/16.
NHTSA complaint #10871222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesEWA Beach, HIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL AND HAD AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR THIS RECALL, BUT THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10855120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10854921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLANT) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10845936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLANT) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10845936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesGirard, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BEAUTY COVER WAS REMOVED AS A REMEDY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), WHICH LEFT ALL THE ENGINE WIRES EXPOSED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REMEDY PRESENTED A SAFETY RISK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ UPDATED 06/01/16.
NHTSA complaint #10845991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesCamdenton, MO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VALVE COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT GASKET WAS THE ONLY COMPONENT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #10839745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venice, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10838134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johns Island, SC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10821961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Wentworth, GA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10821070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPrinceton, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING HEAVILY AND THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO A REST AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE) TWO MONTHS PRIOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10820517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesWhite Lake, WI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE PLASTIC INTAKE PLENUM COVER FOR THE ENGINE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #10818871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMadisonville, KYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/23/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10817612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.