Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,286 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #31

Jan 132023

Monte Carlo

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Forney, TX, USA

problem #30

Oct 302021

Monte Carlo

  • miles
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

- N Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #29

May 152021

Monte Carlo

  • miles
I had an engine fire. Complete loss of car.

- Whittemore, MI, USA

problem #28

Dec 052018

Monte Carlo

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Ripley, MS, USA

problem #27

Jun 012016

Monte Carlo

  • 143,000 miles
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.

- Mahwah, NJ, USA

problem #26

Feb 052018

Monte Carlo

  • 174,034 miles
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.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #25

Jun 072017

Monte Carlo

  • 94,968 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Bever Creek, OH, USA

problem #24

Mar 032014

Monte Carlo

  • 127,856 miles
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.

- Wenden, AZ, USA

problem #23

Jun 142017

Monte Carlo

  • 150,000 miles
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.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #22

Oct 312015

Monte Carlo 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
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.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

problem #21

Dec 302016

Monte Carlo

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Forney, TX, USA

problem #20

Mar 072016

Monte Carlo 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

- Minnetonka , MN, USA

problem #19

Sep 302016

Monte Carlo

  • miles
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.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #18

May 132016

Monte Carlo

  • 120,000 miles
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.

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

problem #17

Dec 012015

Monte Carlo

  • 91,000 miles
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.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

problem #16

Oct 122015

Monte Carlo

  • miles
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.

- Augusta, FL, USA

problem #15

Dec 152014

Monte Carlo 6-cyl

  • miles
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

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #14

Mar 072014

Monte Carlo

  • 76,000 miles
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.

- Camdenton, MO, USA

problem #13

Dec 012015

Monte Carlo

  • miles
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.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #12

Jan 252016

Monte Carlo

  • miles
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.

- Johns Island, SC, USA

Read the next 11 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?