2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 17%of 230 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 17% of the 230 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 17 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car's fuel gage stopped working. The car wouldn't turn over when I started it so I got a new battery since it said my old one was bad, but it's still not working. The security light is on and I don't understand why and if this is affecting it from turning on”
NHTSA complaint #11207045, filed 2019-05, 165,000 miles“Two issues: (1) the intake manifold on my 2002 Monte Carlo 3.8l v6 exploded when the ignition key was turned, and it exploded with such force that the oil cap (screwed in with thick threads) was blown off. Had my mechanic had his head under there when his counterpart turned the key it would have killed him as shrapnel flew everywhere. Gm had a recall regarding the exploding of intake manifolds on this exact engine but it only went up to mdl yr 2000. The circumstances and effects are identical including the engine model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10807353, filed 2015-11, 251,000 miles“My 2002 chevy Monte Carlo has been experiencing electrical problems since I have owned it. The cruise control comes on without being selected and then the heating/cooling systems goes off and on by itself. The turn signal goes on and off. Sometimes it will work sometimes it will not. The fuel gauge does not register correctly goes up and down so I am never sure what is in the tank. Occasionally the car will not start at all even though the lights work, the radio plays, and everything else will operate inside the car. I will sit and wait a while. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557473, filed 2013-12, 128,000 miles“As the NHTSA is aware, GM has recently issued a third recall for leaking valve cover gaskets that have started fires in this same vehicle. By sheer coincidence on the same day that GM announced this third recall I paid my mechanic over $300.00 to replace these valve cover gaskets and I want GM to reimburse me for this. It was posing a fire hazard and we transport our young grandchildren in this vehicle. I have repeatedly asked GM why I never received any recall notices relative to the leaking valve covers. They have not answered this question. I want GM to reimburse me for this repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10807354, filed 2015-11, 251,000 miles“My father n law, n I were going to see a family member 12miles away from his home, when we stopped. At the convenience store for snacks, etc... We literally couldn't have been out of car 5 min, when store clerk yells hey someone's (chevys) smoking? We saw it was his n went to investigate the problem I went straight to driver side of vehicle n popped the trunk(thinking it wasn't more than a blown radiator hose) lord n heaven was I wrong, the engine looked as if it were all on fire...I immediately pushed hood down n ran for an extinguisher luckily the store had a good one. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632321, filed 2014-09, 153,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10129073Jan 18, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 10% |
| 2003 | 32 | 20% |
| 2002 | 38 | 17% |
| 2001 | 48 | 17% |
| 2000 | 28 | 12% |
| 1999 | 9 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
55 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsExterior lighting
33 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology