NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
49 reportsClear category filter110,000 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Electrical SystemEquipment
THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED BLOWING ONLY HOT AIR, WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLD. THE AIR-CONDITIONING WAS SET ON MAXIMUM COOL WITH BOTH TEMPERATURE SLIDERS SET TO THEIR MAXIMUM COLDEST SETTING. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS MESSAGE BOARDS WITH THOUSANDS OF GM OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME…
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THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED BLOWING ONLY HOT AIR, WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLD. THE AIR-CONDITIONING WAS SET ON MAXIMUM COOL WITH BOTH TEMPERATURE SLIDERS SET TO THEIR MAXIMUM COLDEST SETTING. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS MESSAGE BOARDS WITH THOUSANDS OF GM OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524620
119,754 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Electrical System
SECURITY LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN DURING THE PAST YEAR AND SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE MANY MANY GM OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN TALKING TO GM THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT STATE IT IS THE OWNERS EXPENSE TO FIX THE PROBL…
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SECURITY LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN DURING THE PAST YEAR AND SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE MANY MANY GM OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN TALKING TO GM THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT STATE IT IS THE OWNERS EXPENSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH RANGES FROM $500.00-$750.00. WITH THE MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS I FEEL GM SHOULD BE ISSUING RECALL. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES LATE AT NIGHT ALONE AND SAFETY IS AN ISSUE. YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN YOUR CAR WON'T START! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508563
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2012
Electrical System
THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. IT WILL EITHER CRANK UP, THEN QUIT RUNNING AND NOT CRANK BACK, OR IT WILL SHUT OFF EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON 12/14/12. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM HER GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS APPROX. 15 MINU…
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THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. IT WILL EITHER CRANK UP, THEN QUIT RUNNING AND NOT CRANK BACK, OR IT WILL SHUT OFF EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON 12/14/12. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM HER GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS APPROX. 15 MINUTES FROM HOME AND CALLED MY WIFE TO PICK UP THE BABY WHILE I TRIED TO GET THE CAR STARTED BACK. AFTER TRYING FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES, FOR A TOTAL OF 30 MINUTES TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO CRANK BACK UP, THE CAR FINALLY CRANKED UP AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME. I WAS LUCKY THAT TIME, IT WAS NOT DURING THE BUSIER TIMES OF THE DAY, BUT WHAT IF I HAD MY DAUGHTER WITH ME AND THIS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY? I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE LIFE OF MY LITTLE GIRL IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND RESULTED IN A FATAL COLLISION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490284
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2012
Electrical System
2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASS LOCK SYSTEM, IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION PROBLEMS. *TGW
NHTSA ODI #10461617
54,778 miles · May 26, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BCM AND NON-OEM MODULES. THE REPAIRS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BCM AND NON-OEM MODULES. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY HIM OF THEIR FINDINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,778. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,878.
NHTSA ODI #10332389
45,000 miles · May 24, 2010
Electrical SystemVisibility
HEATER/AC BLOWER MOTOR OPERATION IS INTERMITTENT. MAY BE COVERED UNDER TSB #030603 NHTSA ID 10001884. WAS INFORMED BY 2 CHEVY DEALERS THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. GOT YOUR SERVICE #'S FROM AN AUTO QUESTION AND ANSWER ARTICLE IN MY LOCAL PAPER. THE WRITER HAS THE SAME VEHICLE AS THE MINE. AND REPORTS THE SAME PRO…
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HEATER/AC BLOWER MOTOR OPERATION IS INTERMITTENT. MAY BE COVERED UNDER TSB #030603 NHTSA ID 10001884. WAS INFORMED BY 2 CHEVY DEALERS THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. GOT YOUR SERVICE #'S FROM AN AUTO QUESTION AND ANSWER ARTICLE IN MY LOCAL PAPER. THE WRITER HAS THE SAME VEHICLE AS THE MINE. AND REPORTS THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331990
99,000 miles · Apr 19, 2009
Electrical System
2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. "SECURITY" DISPLAYED IN MESSAGE CENTER. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF, MY DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AND TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN USING INSIDE BUTTONS OR WIRELESS REMOTE. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM WHO HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS AT CHEVY GARAGES TO FIX THIS, W…
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2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. "SECURITY" DISPLAYED IN MESSAGE CENTER. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF, MY DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AND TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN USING INSIDE BUTTONS OR WIRELESS REMOTE. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM WHO HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS AT CHEVY GARAGES TO FIX THIS, WITH NO RESOLVE. I TALKED TO A CHEVY MECHANIC WHO SAID THEY ARE SEEING ALOT OF THESE "MANUFACTURE SECURITY DEFECTS" AND EVENTUALLY MY CAR WILL LOCK DOWN AND NOT RUN, SO WHERE IS THE RECALL TO CORRECT THEIR ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266033
99,000 miles · Apr 19, 2009
Electrical System
THE SECURITY LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ALONG WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS AND DOME LIGHT. NOW THE LIGHT STAYS ON,THE DOORS WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK, THE TRUNK BUTTON DON'T WORK, AND IT ONLY STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TO. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX IT YET, BUT I HEARD GM HAS NOT EITHER AND I THINK THIS IS CRAZY CONSIDERING ALL OF THE PEOPLE WITH …
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THE SECURITY LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ALONG WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS AND DOME LIGHT. NOW THE LIGHT STAYS ON,THE DOORS WONT LOCK OR UNLOCK, THE TRUNK BUTTON DON'T WORK, AND IT ONLY STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TO. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX IT YET, BUT I HEARD GM HAS NOT EITHER AND I THINK THIS IS CRAZY CONSIDERING ALL OF THE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME KIND OF ISSUE. 2003 MONTE CARLO SSTHEY SAY IT IS AROUND 500 TO FIX THEIR MESS THAT THEY PAWNED OFF ON ME. THIS IS MY FIRST GM CAR AND PROBABLY THE LAST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266013
65,000 miles · Mar 17, 2008
Electrical System
I HAVE AN 03 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS WITH @65,000 MILES THE INSTRUMENT DASH GAUGES WILL GO TO 0 AND BACK TO NORMAL FOR NO REASON SOMETIMES A COUPLE OF THEM OR ALL OF THEM ALONG WITH WARNING LIGHTS AND BELLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221407
63,000 miles · Dec 23, 2005
Electrical System
THERE WAS NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. THE BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM ARE OPERATING AS PER SPEC. FACTORY AC/DELCO BATTERY SUPPLIED WITH NEW 2003 CHEVROLET SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED LEAKING LIQUID ACID FROM THE CASING SURROUNDING THE ANODE. THE ACID DRAINED ONTO SURROUNDING VEHICLE PARTS AND GROUND. I REMOVED THE BATTERY…
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THERE WAS NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. THE BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM ARE OPERATING AS PER SPEC. FACTORY AC/DELCO BATTERY SUPPLIED WITH NEW 2003 CHEVROLET SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED LEAKING LIQUID ACID FROM THE CASING SURROUNDING THE ANODE. THE ACID DRAINED ONTO SURROUNDING VEHICLE PARTS AND GROUND. I REMOVED THE BATTERY, CLEANED THE AFFECTED PARTS AND INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY. I RETAINED THE ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE BATTERY FOR INSPECTION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10145963
Official recalls
6Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Jul 3, 2014
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) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
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.
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 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jul 15, 2003
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Feb 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Aug 9, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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