IllustrationHEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAMS! *JB
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Monte Carlo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
1425–50K
2050–75K
1575–100K
28100–150K
14150K+
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
What owners actually said
158 reportsI HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. BEGINNING IN AUGUST OF 2006, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS AN EXHAUST ROCKER STUD HAD PULLED OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THEY HELI COILED IT ,AND IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE. THEN IN SEPT. 2006, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AG…
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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. BEGINNING IN AUGUST OF 2006, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS AN EXHAUST ROCKER STUD HAD PULLED OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THEY HELI COILED IT ,AND IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE. THEN IN SEPT. 2006, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN,THIS TIME THE OPPOSITE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS TIME THEY FIXED 3 OF THE STUDS. NOW MARCH 2007,THE FIRST CYLINDER HEAD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE HEAD SO IT WAS REPLACED. WHILE THE CAR WAS THERE,THE TECHNICIAN REMOVED THE COVER FROM THE OPPOSITE AND FOUND ONE ROCKER WAS LOOSE AGAIN,SO THEY REMOVED THAT HEAD AND SENT TO A MACHINE SHOP. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE CAR BUT STILL ENDED UP PAYING CLOSE TO $300 ON MY DEDUCTIBLE AND RENTAL CAR. IN SEVEN MONTHS I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM,THERE'S GOT TO BE SOMETHING WRONG. IS THE SOME WAY I CAN GET THE MANUFACTURER TO DO SOMETHING? 8JB
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WITH 46000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 40 MPH ON A SNOWY DAY HE NOTICED A VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE FAST LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, BUT …
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WITH 46000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 40 MPH ON A SNOWY DAY HE NOTICED A VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE FAST LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. *AK
DRIVING AT NIGHT, WITH HIGH BEAMS TURNED ON, ALL LIGHTS GO OFF! NOT GOOD AT 55-60 MPH!*JB
TL*- ON JANUARY 2, 2007 THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO TO HERMANOS CABRERA CHEVROLET IN ARECIBO, PUERTO RICO, TEL 787-880-8080. THE VEHICLE HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 9500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND CURRENTLY 9700 MILES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD TURNED ON. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED T…
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TL*- ON JANUARY 2, 2007 THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO TO HERMANOS CABRERA CHEVROLET IN ARECIBO, PUERTO RICO, TEL 787-880-8080. THE VEHICLE HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 9500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND CURRENTLY 9700 MILES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD TURNED ON. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THE DRIVER 'SSIDE INFLATOR MODULE. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST GMC AND THE DEALER FOR $789.35, THE COST OF THE INFLATOR MODULE. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST GMC, AND RECEIVED TWO CALL BACKS TO INFORM HIM THAT THE CASE HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED. THE CASE HAS BEEN OPEN SINCE JANUARY 2,2007, CASE 71464874058 WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THERE WAS A CURRENT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V051000 IN REGARDING AIR BAGS: FRONTAL:INFLATOR MODULE. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME HE TURNS ON HIS 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA THE SRS LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CONTACT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE MODULE FOR THE AIRBAGS IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V0…
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TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME HE TURNS ON HIS 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA THE SRS LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CONTACT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE MODULE FOR THE AIRBAGS IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V051000, BUT THE DEALER TOLD CONTACT THAT VEHICLES VIN DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL.
BRAKE/ROTOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES VIBRATING/GRINDING. I HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF FRONT BRAKES PUT ON THE CAR, ONE AT 32,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 65,000 MILES. AT 32,000 MILES THE CAR HAD WARPED ROTORS THAT THEY SAID WAS CAUSING THE VIBRATING. WITHIN A YEAR, THEY ARE VIBRATING AGAIN. I AM 46 …
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BRAKE/ROTOR PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAS HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES VIBRATING/GRINDING. I HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF FRONT BRAKES PUT ON THE CAR, ONE AT 32,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 65,000 MILES. AT 32,000 MILES THE CAR HAD WARPED ROTORS THAT THEY SAID WAS CAUSING THE VIBRATING. WITHIN A YEAR, THEY ARE VIBRATING AGAIN. I AM 46 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HAD CAR TO HAVE WARPED ROTORS. THE CAR MAKES A LOT OF NOISE WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHER SPEEDS - AROUND 55 - 60. I LOVE THE CAR OTHERWISE, JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE BRAKE PROBLEMS CORRECTED. *NM
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
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. CURRENTLY, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06. *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. SHE THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, WHICH SLOWED THE SPEED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. SHE THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, WHICH SLOWED THE SPEED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK. THE MECHANIC CLEANED THE THROTTLE SYSTEM, AND REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS. THE BRAKES APPEARED TO BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF HER ATTEMPTS TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK
Official recalls
615V701000 · 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 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.
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 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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.