NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
230 reports50,000 miles · Feb 5, 2007
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineFire
TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. ON FEBRUARY 3, 2007 THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THEN TURNED IT OFF QUICKLY AFTER REALIZING SHE HAD FORGOTTEN SOMETHING IN HER HOME. THE CONTACT WENT BACK INSIDE THE HOME, THEN RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME AND HEARD AN EXPLOS…
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TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. ON FEBRUARY 3, 2007 THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THEN TURNED IT OFF QUICKLY AFTER REALIZING SHE HAD FORGOTTEN SOMETHING IN HER HOME. THE CONTACT WENT BACK INSIDE THE HOME, THEN RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME AND HEARD AN EXPLOSION COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE LOUD ENOUGH THAT THE NEIGHBORS CAME AND OFFERED ASSISTANCE. WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND WITNESSED A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE RIZZA CHEVROLET 8200 SOUTH HARLEM AVE, BRIDGEVIEW IL 60455, TEL 708-594-9090 FOR SERVICE. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GMC #71-478219613, AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT 48 HOURS FOR AN AGENT TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE CASE. THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2000 MONTE CARLO MODELS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE MAYBE RELATED TO RECALL 04V0900000 UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181715
60,000 miles · Feb 1, 2007
Seats
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS COUPE AT 40 MPH, SHE TURNED THE SEAT WARMER ON AND THE SEAT GOT HOTTER THAN USUAL VERY QUICKLY. THE CONTACT TURNED THE SEAT WARMER OFF, THEN PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED A BLACK MELTED SPOT ON THE LOWER BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE…
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS COUPE AT 40 MPH, SHE TURNED THE SEAT WARMER ON AND THE SEAT GOT HOTTER THAN USUAL VERY QUICKLY. THE CONTACT TURNED THE SEAT WARMER OFF, THEN PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED A BLACK MELTED SPOT ON THE LOWER BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN HOME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD A WIRE REPLACED ON THE SEATS IN THE PAST. UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181328
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
58,000 miles · Oct 13, 2006
Exterior Lighting
WHEN I TURN ON THE BLINKERS SOMETIMES THEY WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. WHEN THEY DON'T NO LIGHT COMES ON AT ALL ( NO BLINKER ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS). ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY LIFE FLASHED BEFORE MY EYES WHEN I WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN AND MY TURN SIGNALS WEREN'T OPERAT…
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WHEN I TURN ON THE BLINKERS SOMETIMES THEY WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. WHEN THEY DON'T NO LIGHT COMES ON AT ALL ( NO BLINKER ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS). ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY LIFE FLASHED BEFORE MY EYES WHEN I WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN AND MY TURN SIGNALS WEREN'T OPERATING PROPERLY. I WENT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A COMMON ONE. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE FLASHER ASSEMBLY (IN THE STEERING COLUMN) COSTS $ 299.00. I FEEL THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO . I AM A POLICE OFFICER AND IF I DIDN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH MY OWN VEHICLE I WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED ANYONE ELSE'S STORY. PLEASE CONTACT ME BY PHONE OR E-MAIL THANK YOU RICH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170793
74,002 miles · Oct 6, 2006
Exterior Lighting
PURCHASED A CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO NEW IN 2002. ON 9/29/06, I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS DUE TO NON-FUNCTIONING TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHT. THE REQUIRED REPAIR INVOLVED REPLACEMENT OF A HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS THE CONDUIT FOR THE TURN SIGNALS AS WELL. HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH HAD BEEN USED VERY SLIGHTLY OVER LAS…
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PURCHASED A CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO NEW IN 2002. ON 9/29/06, I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS DUE TO NON-FUNCTIONING TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHT. THE REQUIRED REPAIR INVOLVED REPLACEMENT OF A HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS THE CONDUIT FOR THE TURN SIGNALS AS WELL. HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH HAD BEEN USED VERY SLIGHTLY OVER LAST FOUR YEARS, HOWEVER RECENTLY USED FOR A CONSTANT 25 MINUTES PRIOR TO SWITCH FAILURE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE FAULTY CONSIDERING THE LITTLE USE. ALSO, NOTICED ON NHTSA WEB SITE THAT AROUND THE 2000 - 2003 TIME PERIOD OTHER GM MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR FAULTY HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH AND SUSPECT THAT IT'S A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10170118
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
118,000 miles · Dec 14, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
LOW ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON, INTAKE GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER 800.00. WAS TOLD THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM, WITH NO RELIEF FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10145193
10,000 miles · Nov 2, 2005
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts
DT: THE CONTACT WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SHE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SHE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES ,AND NO CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE ROTORS WERE BENT, AND BRAKES LEAK FLUID. THE VEHICLE STALLE…
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DT: THE CONTACT WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SHE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SHE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES ,AND NO CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE ROTORS WERE BENT, AND BRAKES LEAK FLUID. THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND SHOOK TERRIBLY. THE AIR BAGS WERE FELL OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. THE SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERMITTENTLY WORKED. THE DEALERSHIP INSISTED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE REGARDING THE LEMON LAWS. SHE ATTEMPTED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK, BUT THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT HAD ONLY 10,000 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10141548
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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