2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 20%of 158 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,928miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 20% of the 158 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,928 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 monte ss had been smoking and having problems accelerating & shifting and put on testers and read code and I needed a air flow sensor so I had that put on, was recommended I get tune up so I got that, and had just put new battery in the car. The following day after putting gas in the car I was leaving gas station and lost acceleration again and the car smoked again. I soon lost all power including gas & breaks and windows. People passing by were honking and said the underneath of car and under hood had flames in front of car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632913, filed 2014-09, 160,000 miles“Engine fire engulfed the whole front end. There was a recall by GM #15757. Received a letter indicating possible engine compartment fire. Called dealership several times and informed that needed part was not available. While driving vehicle home on city street the engine compartment went up in flames. Video was taken of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10871919, filed 2016-06, 120,000 miles“I keep rewriting this because for some reason it keeps timing out everytime I look for the video to attach. I brought the car to taska twice for underhood fire and ignition. No head gasket got fixed no spark plugs there is several issues water keeps getting in tires are rotted electrical problems and now head gasket is messed up because the hood wasn't put on till afterwards for the recall the ignition is still not fixed. Last time I drove it back it stalled out and smelled over heated”
NHTSA complaint #11730812, filed 2026-04“Takata recall. Well I noticed it dropping oil onto the engine & intake 12/5/2018 and now it seems like it's been getting worse cuz it's gets so hot it starts smoking from the oil on the engine intake I'm still driving the car”
NHTSA complaint #11252646, filed 2019-09“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the plastic intake plenum cover for the engine detached. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10818871, filed 2016-01, 139,000 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 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…
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 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
49 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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