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2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

115 reports with mileage · 43 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports18 fire reports6 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

4 reports
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147,000 miles · Oct 27, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO .THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE JUMP STARTING THE BATTERY, IT CAUSED A COMBUSTIBLE FIRE WHICH DAMAGED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS FAULTY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS INFORMED OF TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO .THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE JUMP STARTING THE BATTERY, IT CAUSED A COMBUSTIBLE FIRE WHICH DAMAGED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS FAULTY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ODI #10362629

65,000 miles · Sep 21, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS. ON JULY 31, 2009 THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE ON AN ENTRY RAMP ONTO THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY EITHER AT STOP LIG…

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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS. ON JULY 31, 2009 THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE ON AN ENTRY RAMP ONTO THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY EITHER AT STOP LIGHTS, APPROACHING STOP LIGHTS/SIGNS, WHILE TURNING IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS OR WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING. I INITIALLY TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO POP THE HOOD AND SEE IF THERE WERE ANY OBVIOUS ISSUES. I NOTED A LEAKING FUEL FITTING THAT WOULD SPEW FUEL WHEN MOVED AROUND IN THE SLIGHTEST. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE FUEL LINE (I WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT JUST REPLACE THE LITTLE PLASTIC FITTING), THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS 'SERVICED' AND I WAS TOLD MY STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE KNUCKLE JOINT WAS ABOUT TO SNAP BECAUSE IT WAS ALMOST FUSED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE STALLING ISSUE AROSE AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD IT FOR 2 DAYS (I EVEN LET THEIR MECHANIC TAKE THE VEHICLE HOME IN THE HOPES OF REPRODUCING THE ISSUE). THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER A SOLUTION BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T HAVE THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE IN THEIR POSSESSION. SEVERAL DAYS LATER IT AGAIN STALLED. I CONTACTED GM CORP. AND THEY SAID THAT I NEED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO LOOK AT. THIS STALLING ISSUE DOES NOT HAPPEN FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IN THEIR POSSESSION AND I AM BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE I LOSE ALL POWER FUNCTIONS (I.E. STEERING/BRAKING). THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN TOLD ME THE CAR IS 'IN GOOD SHAPE'. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND A POTENTIAL THREAT FOR ACCIDENTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284750

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2009
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO HAS BRAKE AND FUEL LINES THAT HAVE RUSTED OUT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NORMAL. *NJ

NHTSA ODI #10262331

40,027 miles · Apr 1, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL PRESENT ON THE CARPORT FLOOR. TWO DEALERS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN OIL FILTER, WHICH COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A POTHOLE. AFTER PERFORMING AN INTERNA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL PRESENT ON THE CARPORT FLOOR. TWO DEALERS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN OIL FILTER, WHICH COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A POTHOLE. AFTER PERFORMING AN INTERNAL DIAGNOSTIC AND ENGINE OIL TESTS, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VALVES WERE STICKING IN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WOULD COST OVER $4,000. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO CALL THE CONTACT BY MARCH 31, 2008 TO ASSIST HER WITH RESOLVING THE ISSUES; HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS WOULD BE THE DEALER'S RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,027 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #10223898

Official recalls

6

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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.

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

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.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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 ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

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.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.