NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
158 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 28, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR/REPLACE MY COOLING SYSTEM TWICE, AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I OWN A 2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. DEXCOOL COOLANT WHICH IS THE ONLY COOLANT RECOMMENDED FOR GM CARS IS ALL THAT I HAVE USED SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR (BOUGHT NEW). THERE IS A RECALL ON DEXCOOL THAT IS UNDER LITIGATION, HOWEVER, MY MANIFOLD IS NOW CRACKED FRO…
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I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR/REPLACE MY COOLING SYSTEM TWICE, AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I OWN A 2003 CHEVY MONTE CARLO. DEXCOOL COOLANT WHICH IS THE ONLY COOLANT RECOMMENDED FOR GM CARS IS ALL THAT I HAVE USED SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR (BOUGHT NEW). THERE IS A RECALL ON DEXCOOL THAT IS UNDER LITIGATION, HOWEVER, MY MANIFOLD IS NOW CRACKED FROM THE DEXCOOL GUNKING MY ENGINE. ONCE AGAIN, I AM STUCK WITH THE BILL. GM IS DENYING THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP- I AM OUT OF MONEY, AND A CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250045
18,758 miles · Nov 24, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. AT 18,758 MILES, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SHAKING SEVERELY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. AT 18,758 MILES, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SHAKING SEVERELY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR THREE WEEKS AND NO ONE HAS CALLED HER BACK TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT IN STORAGE DURING THE WINTER BECAUSE IT IS NOT DRIVEN OFTEN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,261 UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LET FRONT TIRE HAS FLAT SPOTS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AFTER THE TIRES WERE ROTATED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES. THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10249713
95,000 miles · Nov 12, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE AN 2003 MONTE CARLO SS 3.8 . I HAVE HAD LOSS OF POWER . IT WONT GO PAST 4 GRAND ON THE TAC. I HAVE REPLACED THE PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES, COILS, FUEL FILTER, IDLE SENSOR, TPS SENSOR, EGR, I HAVE HAD THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE CHECK IT IS 55 PSI. I THINK IT MAY BE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I NOTICED THEY WERE RECALLED ON THE 01 & 0…
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I HAVE AN 2003 MONTE CARLO SS 3.8 . I HAVE HAD LOSS OF POWER . IT WONT GO PAST 4 GRAND ON THE TAC. I HAVE REPLACED THE PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES, COILS, FUEL FILTER, IDLE SENSOR, TPS SENSOR, EGR, I HAVE HAD THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE CHECK IT IS 55 PSI. I THINK IT MAY BE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I NOTICED THEY WERE RECALLED ON THE 01 & 02 MODELS WHY NOT THE 03 MODELS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10248552
84,569 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SNAP SIMILAR TO THE SOUND OF A RUBBER BAND. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST ALL POWER AND SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. A DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINES HAD RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SNAP SIMILAR TO THE SOUND OF A RUBBER BAND. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST ALL POWER AND SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. A DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINES HAD RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT THE PIT STOP AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,569 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #10239020
72,000 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. OCCASIONAL CLICKING OF TURN SIGNAL RELAY HEARD DESPITE NO TURN SIGNALS BEING ILLUMINATED. HAZARD LIGHTS FAIL TO WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238974
40,000 miles · Aug 18, 2008
Exterior LightingInterior LightingCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED ON AUTO, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE CENTER SIX TIMES WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UND…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED ON AUTO, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE CENTER SIX TIMES WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THE SERVICE CENTER WILL NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING A FEE. THE CONTACT IS UNSURE OF HOW LONG AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DID THE LIGHTS BEGIN TO FAIL. HE FEELS THAT THE FAILURE WAS NEVER REPAIRED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ONE NIGHT DUE TO THE LIGHTS FAILING TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH COULD OCCUR FROM DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE HEADLIGHT FAILURE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/12/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10238769
50,000 miles · May 22, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingTires
I HAD TO TURN ON THE A.C. SO THE CAR WOULD NOT OVERHEAT --TOOK IT IN AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE MY INTAKE GASKED WAS TOLD THIS IS COMMEN WITH CHEVY--3 MONTHS LATER MY AIR COMPRESSER IS SHOT ALREADY HAVE PAID $3,000 AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228641
93,398 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Visibility
I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, HAD MY REAR DEFROSTER ON, HAD STATIC ON MY RADIO AND I TURNED OFF THE DEFROSTER AND THEN BOOM MY REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT AND CRACKLED AND POPPED. I THOUGHT MAYBE I BLEW A TIRE AND WAS GOING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND IT WAS CRACKED IN A MILLION PIECES. I HAVE A GLASS SERV…
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I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, HAD MY REAR DEFROSTER ON, HAD STATIC ON MY RADIO AND I TURNED OFF THE DEFROSTER AND THEN BOOM MY REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT AND CRACKLED AND POPPED. I THOUGHT MAYBE I BLEW A TIRE AND WAS GOING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND IT WAS CRACKED IN A MILLION PIECES. I HAVE A GLASS SERVICE COMING TO REPAIR TOMORROW, AS I CAN'T WAIT DUE TO POSSIBLE RAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224245
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
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
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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