CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO · model year

2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

201 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO carries 201 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 14 crashes, 24 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 MONTE CARLO is electrical system with 43 filings, followed by engine (31) and engine and engine cooling (14). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2003 MONTE CARLO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

201
Complaints
14
Crashes
24
Fires
9
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

201 filings

Crashes Reported

14 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM43
ENGINE31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR11
AIR BAGS8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM3
POWER TRAIN3
STEERING3

Recalls (9)

15V70100026/10/2015

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,

08E06300017/10/2008

STEERING

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DU

09E00500017/02/2009

STEERING

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN

03V25000015/07/2003

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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

03V05100014/02/2003

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

07E02100012/03/2007

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

02V22200009/08/2002

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

09V11600008/04/2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 DROP

14V40000003/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 agen

Recent Complaints

20231210ENGINE

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.

20211101ENGINE

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

20211101ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20211101FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20210731FireENGINE

I had an engine fire. Complete loss of car.

20191212ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

OWNED SINCE 2007, NO RECALLS ACTIVE, OLDER RECALL REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAVE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN! ALSO ABS/TRACTION CONTROL/SPEED SENSORS ISSUE: HUMMING,GRINDING,TRAC OFF LIGHTS,ABS LIGHTS. COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS YET NO FIX BY G.M ??

Mileage: 124,000

20191212STEERING

OWNED SINCE 2007, NO RECALLS ACTIVE, OLDER RECALL REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAVE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN! ALSO ABS/TRACTION CONTROL/SPEED SENSORS ISSUE: HUMMING,GRINDING,TRAC OFF LIGHTS,ABS LIGHTS. COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS YET NO FIX BY G.M ??

Mileage: 124,000

20190901ENGINE

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

20190502AIR BAGS

MY CAR IS A 2003 MONTE CARLO, IF I TRY TO USE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS THEY MAKE A BUZZING SOUND AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT, NO SIGNAL WORKS, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORK , I REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE IT . BATTER IS FINE AND THE ALTERNATOR I HAD THEM CHECKED THERE IS NO RELAY FOR THE DIRECTIONALS ITS ALL IN ONE . SOMETHING IS STRANGE GOING ON I ALSO NOTICED SOMETIMES WHEN YOUR DRIVING THE THOSE THREE LIGHTS WILL START COMING ON AS WELL . I HAD PUT UP THE WINDOWS AND THEY ALL WENT ON TOO , SOMETIMES JUST WHEN DRIVING IT OR EVEN STOPPED HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW NEVER HAD A PROBLEM TILL A FEW WEEKS AGO

Mileage: 74,185

20190502ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

MY CAR IS A 2003 MONTE CARLO, IF I TRY TO USE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS THEY MAKE A BUZZING SOUND AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT, NO SIGNAL WORKS, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORK , I REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE IT . BATTER IS FINE AND THE ALTERNATOR I HAD THEM CHECKED THERE IS NO RELAY FOR THE DIRECTIONALS ITS ALL IN ONE . SOMETHING IS STRANGE GOING ON I ALSO NOTICED SOMETIMES WHEN YOUR DRIVING THE THOSE THREE LIGHTS WILL START COMING ON AS WELL . I HAD PUT UP THE WINDOWS AND THEY ALL WENT ON TOO , SOMETIMES JUST WHEN DRIVING IT OR EVEN STOPPED HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW NEVER HAD A PROBLEM TILL A FEW WEEKS AGO

Mileage: 74,185

20190502ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY CAR IS A 2003 MONTE CARLO, IF I TRY TO USE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS THEY MAKE A BUZZING SOUND AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT, NO SIGNAL WORKS, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORK , I REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE IT . BATTER IS FINE AND THE ALTERNATOR I HAD THEM CHECKED THERE IS NO RELAY FOR THE DIRECTIONALS ITS ALL IN ONE . SOMETHING IS STRANGE GOING ON I ALSO NOTICED SOMETIMES WHEN YOUR DRIVING THE THOSE THREE LIGHTS WILL START COMING ON AS WELL . I HAD PUT UP THE WINDOWS AND THEY ALL WENT ON TOO , SOMETIMES JUST WHEN DRIVING IT OR EVEN STOPPED HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW NEVER HAD A PROBLEM TILL A FEW WEEKS AGO

Mileage: 74,185

20190226ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION, IGNITION SWITCH, TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING, SECURITY SYSTEM NOT RESETTING. HAD TO REPLACE THE ECM.

Mileage: 170,000

20190226SUSPENSION

PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION, IGNITION SWITCH, TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING, SECURITY SYSTEM NOT RESETTING. HAD TO REPLACE THE ECM.

Mileage: 170,000

20190226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION, IGNITION SWITCH, TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING, SECURITY SYSTEM NOT RESETTING. HAD TO REPLACE THE ECM.

Mileage: 170,000

20181116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE KEY FAILED TO STAY IN THE IGNITION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CITY CHEVROLET (3040 E BUSINESS 30, COLUMBIA CITY, IN 46725, (260) 691-4899) WHERE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,095.

Mileage: 194,095

20181019UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE

Mileage: 132,000

20181005SUSPENSION

THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE CAR IS MAKING A NOISE AND IT IS WOBBLING ALL OVER. I REPLACED THE STRUTS AND IT DID NOT HELP IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED SOMETHING IS JUST NOT SAFE UP THERE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.I THINK THEY USED AS CHEAP OF PARTS AS THEY COULD GET.IT FEELS AS IF THERE ARE ZERO SHOCKS ON THE CAR.

20180718ENGINE

TL* 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.

Mileage: 143,000

20180626FireTIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

TL* 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.

Mileage: 174,034

20180626FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* 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.

Mileage: 174,034

Compare 2003CHEVROLETMONTE CARLO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO have?
The 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has 201 NHTSA complaints, 14 crashes, 24 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO?
Yes, the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO?
The most-complained component for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.