NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
30 reportsClear category filter57,000 miles · Jun 6, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSED BY THE EMITTING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSED BY THE EMITTING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. .....UPDATED 08/11/16 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10872816
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE NECESSARY RECALL REPAIR PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. A REMEDY HAD NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE NECESSARY RECALL REPAIR PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. A REMEDY HAD NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS WERE SECURED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER CONTINUOUSLY CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS TO THEIR DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE HOW THE DEALER WAS MAKING APPOINTMENTS FOR REPAIRS WHEN THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 05/11/16*LJ UPDATED 07/251/6.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10852488
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WILL NOT START WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT WEATHER, AND SHOULD SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL. *SS
NHTSA ODI #10654374
105,000 miles · Sep 20, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL WAS ENGAGED AND IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE INTERMITT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL WAS ENGAGED AND IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM THERE WERE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10426403
45,000 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN FIRST STARTING. THE NOISE WOULD DIMINISH ONCE THE ENGINE WAS WARMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE OIL. THE ENGINE LIFTERS WERE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN FIRST STARTING. THE NOISE WOULD DIMINISH ONCE THE ENGINE WAS WARMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE OIL. THE ENGINE LIFTERS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN 2.5 YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO VARIOUS OTHER ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND STEERING ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AS IF IT WAS LOSING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10352347
49,000 miles · Jul 8, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. ONLY HAS 59,000 MILES. CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC. NO CRASH/ACCIDENT RESULTED. INTAKE GASKET LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE INTO ENGINE AND OIL LUBRICATION SYSTEM. THE ANTI-FREEZE GOT INTO THE BALL BEARINGS (AS WELL AS REST OF ENGINE) AND CAUSED CORROSION DAMAGE AND MISFIRES. THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. THE NEAREST CHEVR…
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2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. ONLY HAS 59,000 MILES. CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC. NO CRASH/ACCIDENT RESULTED. INTAKE GASKET LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE INTO ENGINE AND OIL LUBRICATION SYSTEM. THE ANTI-FREEZE GOT INTO THE BALL BEARINGS (AS WELL AS REST OF ENGINE) AND CAUSED CORROSION DAMAGE AND MISFIRES. THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. THE NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED, AND WILL COST $5,000 DOLLARS. WARRANTY IS NO LONGER ACTIVE DESPITE LOW MILEAGE DUE TO NUMBER OF YEARS THAT HAVE PASSED, NOR WILL THEY OFFER A DISCOUNT. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM IS A NOTORIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4L V6 ENGINE OFFERED BY CHEVROLET/HM. HOWEVER, THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM DESPITE THE FACT THAT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ARE LISTED ALL ACROSS THE INTERNET ON THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. THIS ISSUE CAN ALSO CAUSE MANIFOLD EXPLOSIONS AND COLLAPSES AND RELATED ENGINE FAILURES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10342086
Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
SON OWNS 2002 MONTE CARLO COUPE. RECENTLY, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PLUGGED AND BACKED UP HEAT INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND BURNT A HOLE INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. IT IS NOT ALLOWING COOLANT INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HE WENT TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME EVEN HAVING FIRES DEVELOP. THE C…
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SON OWNS 2002 MONTE CARLO COUPE. RECENTLY, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PLUGGED AND BACKED UP HEAT INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND BURNT A HOLE INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. IT IS NOT ALLOWING COOLANT INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HE WENT TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME EVEN HAVING FIRES DEVELOP. THE CAR IS SITTING IN THE SHOP STILL, X 1-1/2 MONTHS, WITH LOTS OF REPAIR REQUIRED AND COST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289318
56,010 miles · Jul 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLOGGED WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276146
52,000 miles · Jun 30, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT OIL AND COOLANT WERE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LEAKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO GAIN SPEED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, SHE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT OIL AND COOLANT WERE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LEAKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO GAIN SPEED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, SHE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME FAILURE AS HER YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 08/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10275342
40,000 miles · Jun 18, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN EVERYTIME HE TURNED THE WHEEL. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ONLY WAY IT COULD BE REPAIRED WAS BY TAKING THE STEERING COLUMN APART FOR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN EVERYTIME HE TURNED THE WHEEL. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ONLY WAY IT COULD BE REPAIRED WAS BY TAKING THE STEERING COLUMN APART FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE REPAIRS MAY HAVE TO BE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SPARK PLUGS AND NOW AN OIL LEAK IS PRESENT. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 07/10/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/10/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10274204
Official recalls
4Oct 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.
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 ↗