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2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

115 reports with mileage · 43 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports18 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

158 reports
221,549 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Power TrainCrash

VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2000-2005 IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO MODELS. TRANSMISSION MAKES GOING IN MOTION FROM A STOP DELAYED. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SERVICED ON/REPLACED TWICE. HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT ONLY BECAUSE BOTH PARTIES WERE GOING SLOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578652

111,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE IGNITION SYSTEM WOULD RESET LIGHTING UP THE DISPLAY CLUSTER JUST AS IF THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. THIS WOULD CAUSE A MOMENTARY SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE MORE PREVALENT WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL FOR A CURVE OR TURN OFF THE ROAD. THE TURN SIGNAL UNIT WAS FIRST SUSPECT…

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WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE IGNITION SYSTEM WOULD RESET LIGHTING UP THE DISPLAY CLUSTER JUST AS IF THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. THIS WOULD CAUSE A MOMENTARY SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE MORE PREVALENT WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL FOR A CURVE OR TURN OFF THE ROAD. THE TURN SIGNAL UNIT WAS FIRST SUSPECT SINCE IT SEEMED TO CORRELATE WITH APPLYING THE TURN SIGNAL AND TURNING THE WHEEL. THE CONDITION WORSENED TO THE IGNITION SHUTDOWN FOR LONGER PERIODS SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE CAUSING STEERING AND BRAKING TO BE SHUT DOWN AND FINALLY DIFFICULTY STARTING THE CAR. AFTER 2 VISITS TO A GM SERVICE CENTER THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A FAULTY IGNITION THAT WAS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576201

110,000 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Electrical SystemEquipment

THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED BLOWING ONLY HOT AIR, WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLD. THE AIR-CONDITIONING WAS SET ON MAXIMUM COOL WITH BOTH TEMPERATURE SLIDERS SET TO THEIR MAXIMUM COLDEST SETTING. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS MESSAGE BOARDS WITH THOUSANDS OF GM OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME…

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THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED BLOWING ONLY HOT AIR, WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLD. THE AIR-CONDITIONING WAS SET ON MAXIMUM COOL WITH BOTH TEMPERATURE SLIDERS SET TO THEIR MAXIMUM COLDEST SETTING. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS MESSAGE BOARDS WITH THOUSANDS OF GM OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524620

119,754 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Electrical System

SECURITY LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN DURING THE PAST YEAR AND SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE MANY MANY GM OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN TALKING TO GM THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT STATE IT IS THE OWNERS EXPENSE TO FIX THE PROBL…

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SECURITY LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN DURING THE PAST YEAR AND SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE ARE MANY MANY GM OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN TALKING TO GM THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT STATE IT IS THE OWNERS EXPENSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH RANGES FROM $500.00-$750.00. WITH THE MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS I FEEL GM SHOULD BE ISSUING RECALL. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES LATE AT NIGHT ALONE AND SAFETY IS AN ISSUE. YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN YOUR CAR WON'T START! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508563

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2012
Electrical System

THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. IT WILL EITHER CRANK UP, THEN QUIT RUNNING AND NOT CRANK BACK, OR IT WILL SHUT OFF EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON 12/14/12. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM HER GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS APPROX. 15 MINU…

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THIS CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. IT WILL EITHER CRANK UP, THEN QUIT RUNNING AND NOT CRANK BACK, OR IT WILL SHUT OFF EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON 12/14/12. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM HER GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS APPROX. 15 MINUTES FROM HOME AND CALLED MY WIFE TO PICK UP THE BABY WHILE I TRIED TO GET THE CAR STARTED BACK. AFTER TRYING FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES, FOR A TOTAL OF 30 MINUTES TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO CRANK BACK UP, THE CAR FINALLY CRANKED UP AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME. I WAS LUCKY THAT TIME, IT WAS NOT DURING THE BUSIER TIMES OF THE DAY, BUT WHAT IF I HAD MY DAUGHTER WITH ME AND THIS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY? I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE LIFE OF MY LITTLE GIRL IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND RESULTED IN A FATAL COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10490284

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2012
Electrical System

2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASS LOCK SYSTEM, IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION PROBLEMS. *TGW

NHTSA ODI #10461617

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2012
Power TrainSteering

WHEN THE CAR IS BEING PUT INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER STICKS AND IS VERY HARD TO SHIFT. I HAVE TO PUT FORCE ON IT TO SHIFT GEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10452139

50,129 miles · Jan 12, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY AND SUSTAINED NO PERSONAL INJURIES.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILIT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY AND SUSTAINED NO PERSONAL INJURIES.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,129. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10443567

142,000 miles · Oct 7, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT \REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT \REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10429087

35,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TEMPERATURE WOULD INCREASE SPORADICALLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER CORE IN THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED. AS A RESULT, THE RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TEMPERATURE WOULD INCREASE SPORADICALLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER CORE IN THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED. AS A RESULT, THE RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10428747

Official recalls

6

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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.

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

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.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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 ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

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 SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. 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, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.