NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
30 reportsClear category filter19,000 miles · Jun 11, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO A MASSIVE BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED WITH THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO A MASSIVE BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED WITH THE SERVICE REGARDING THE RECALL REPAIR. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 19,000.
NHTSA ODI #10273549
38,000 miles · May 7, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2002 MONTE CARLO GM 3.4L ENGINE LEAKS OIL INTO COOLING SYSTEM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4L ENGINE. SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW THAT OWN THIS VERY ENGINE EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS BELIEVED THAT DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE INSTALLED IN THE CAR WHEN NEW, REACTS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE …
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MY 2002 MONTE CARLO GM 3.4L ENGINE LEAKS OIL INTO COOLING SYSTEM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4L ENGINE. SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW THAT OWN THIS VERY ENGINE EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS BELIEVED THAT DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE INSTALLED IN THE CAR WHEN NEW, REACTS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE GASKET. THIS RESULTS IN ENGINE OIL SEEPING INTO THE COOLING SYSTEM CONTAMINATING THE RADIATOR, SENSORS AND ALL PARTS RELATED. GM DEALERS WOULD NOT FIX, CAR JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267933
70,000 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Electric
I OWN A LEMON OF A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR. STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS, COST $200.00 TO FIX, CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED, COVERED BY WARRANTY THANK GOD. TODAY IT IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR LEAKY GASKET AND WHEEL BEARING/ HUB REPLACEMENT WHICH IS COSTING ANOTHER $500.00. THIS W…
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I OWN A LEMON OF A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR. STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS, COST $200.00 TO FIX, CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED, COVERED BY WARRANTY THANK GOD. TODAY IT IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR LEAKY GASKET AND WHEEL BEARING/ HUB REPLACEMENT WHICH IS COSTING ANOTHER $500.00. THIS WAS BAD BECAUSE THE ABS BREAKS DIDN'T ALWAYS WORK WHICH WAS SCARY SINCE I WONDERED WHEN THEY WERE GOING TO GIVE OUT TOTALLY AND I WOULD BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH COST US ANOTHER $700.00. IS THERE ANY HELP FOR US? I WONDER WHAT WILL BE NEXT WITH THIS CAR, IT IS A NICE LOOKING CAR, BUT IT SUCKS MECHANICALLY!! PLEASE HELP! ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265271
53,000 miles · Oct 23, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 53,000 MILES ON IT WITH INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PROBLEMS AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEMS. BOTH ARE APPARENTLY COMMON ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. CHEVROLET SHOULD MAKE THESE REPAIRS. THE STEERING CAN BE AFFECTED, WHICH IS A HAZARD AND THE GASKET COULD CAUSE ENGINE FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING, ALSO A HAZA…
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I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 53,000 MILES ON IT WITH INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PROBLEMS AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEMS. BOTH ARE APPARENTLY COMMON ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. CHEVROLET SHOULD MAKE THESE REPAIRS. THE STEERING CAN BE AFFECTED, WHICH IS A HAZARD AND THE GASKET COULD CAUSE ENGINE FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING, ALSO A HAZARD. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10206697
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
2/28/2007. 2002 CHEVY MONTE CARLO'S COOLING SYSTEM FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. *MC THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED TO DEALERS BUT THERE WAS NO CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION. THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10184779
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WITH ABS AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS**CC THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AFTER THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE EBC…
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2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO WITH ABS AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS**CC THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AFTER THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE EBCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WITHOUT THE REPLACEMENT, THE ABS WOULD NOT WORK SO THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON. THE WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKET WAS REPLACED DUE THEM LEAKING. THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO IT BEING STUCK OPEN. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE DEALER SEALED THE REAR WHEELS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182677
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED A 2002 MONTE CARLO, AND WITHIN A YEAR THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND I HAD NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, BUT EACH TIME MY OIL WAS CHANGED THEY FILLED MY COOLANT, AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WENT OUT, RECENTLY I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT (DEX …
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I PURCHASED A 2002 MONTE CARLO, AND WITHIN A YEAR THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND I HAD NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, BUT EACH TIME MY OIL WAS CHANGED THEY FILLED MY COOLANT, AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WENT OUT, RECENTLY I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT (DEX COOL) EVERY OTHER DAY, AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AS GONE OUT, AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH THREE OTHER MECHANICS THEY INFORMED ME THIS WAS COMMON WITH GM ENGINES OF MY YEAR, NOW I AM LOOKING TO SPEND SOMEWHERE AROUND $800, TO FIX MY CAR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10177422
41,000 miles · Jul 14, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE MANUFACTURER TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THE FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *KB THE FAILED INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED THE COOLANT LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163675
40,000 miles · Jun 2, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN JUNE OF 2002. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT'S 3.8 V6 ENGINE. EVERY 40,000 MILES WE HAVE HAD TO PUT A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CODE READS CATALYTIC CONVERTER BAD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS MADE THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY EACH TIME, BUT CAN N…
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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN JUNE OF 2002. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT'S 3.8 V6 ENGINE. EVERY 40,000 MILES WE HAVE HAD TO PUT A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CODE READS CATALYTIC CONVERTER BAD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS MADE THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY EACH TIME, BUT CAN NOT IDENTIFY THE REASON FOR THE CONVERTER GOING BAD. I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT GM EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE CONVERTERS FOR 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CAR RUNS WELL AND GETS GOOD MILEAGE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER COMES ON, EXCEPT WHEN THE CONVERTER HAS GONE BAD. I HAVE TRIED E-MAILING GM, BUT GET NO RESPONSE FROM THEM. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS HERE? *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158814
77,000 miles · Feb 23, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
E-MAIL FM CONSUMER (IL) RE THE DEFECTIVE GM 3.4 ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN HIS 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. *TS THE FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED ATIFREEZE TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECAME CLOGGED AT 77000 MILES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10151912
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 ↗
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