2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

201

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes 24 Fires

9

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

The 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO has received a total of 201 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (43 complaints), Engine (31 complaints), and Engine And Engine Cooling (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, potentially affecting up to 11,229,098 vehicles.

Recall 15V701000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

| 1,003,556 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Recall 15V701000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 1,003,556 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Recall 14V400000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 5,877,718 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 09V116000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 1,497,516 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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....

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Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

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Recall 08E063000 — STEERING

| 3,855 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE....

Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Recall 03V250000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

| 1,707,825 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Recall 03V051000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 130 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Recall 02V222000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 133,221 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

201 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 43 3 Crashes 3 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 31 9 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 14 4 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 8 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 5
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 3
Traction Control System
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axletorque Arm
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11559383 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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.
#11438831 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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
#11438831 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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
#11438831 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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
#11427302 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
I had an engine fire. Complete loss of car.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

General Motors, LLC has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

080730002 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATIONAL ON 4T65-E MN7, M15 AND M76 FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY RECONDITIONING, DTCS P0741, P0742, P0757, P842, HARSH SHIFTS OR SLIPS. *PE

060730023 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

4T65E TRANSMISSION 1-2 SHIFT SHUDDER AT LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION. REPLACE COMPLETE SECOND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. *KB

020730039E — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FIRM TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, SHUDDER/CHUGGLE, TRANSMISSION WON'T DOWNSHIFT ON DECELERATION, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0742 SET. *TT UPDATE. *TT

040852001 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SETUP PROGRAMMING BCM FOR REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY. *EH

3045 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE OVERHEAT AND, OR COOLING FANS INOPERATIVE INTERMITTENTLY. *TT

070803 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

THE VME MESSAGE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT A NEW PRODUCT FIELD ACTION REGARDING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY LEAK AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD THROTTLE BODY GASKET OR AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *TT

022603 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

CREAK OR RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM REAR GLASS. *TT *JB

021103 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

NOISE CONDITION FROM THE REAR GLASS IN COLD WEATHER. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO

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