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Exterior lightingPart report

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
4%of 158 total for the year
Median mileage
48,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 4% of the 158 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I own a pristine 2003 monte ss, stored every winter and maintained by my mechanic husband. I have 2 issues with the car. First, I never use my bright lights because my headlights go out if I do. Second I am having brake issues. I have had the same thing with a silverado truck before. Abs would come on a slow speeds when not needed, dry pavement or gravel. Really scares me because I had an accident in my silverado truck from this same problem. Now my ABS light and service traction control are always on and not working. …”

NHTSA complaint #10874573, filed 2016-06, 90,000 miles

“Turn signals work intermittently. Occasional clicking of turn signal relay heard despite no turn signals being illuminated. Hazard lights fail to work.”

NHTSA complaint #10238974, filed 2008-08, 72,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 40 MPH with the headlights activated on auto, the interior and exterior lights failed to remain illuminated. The failure has been occurring since 2004. The vehicle was taken to the service center six times while still under warranty. The vehicle is no longer under warranty and the service center will not take the vehicle without charging a fee. The contact is unsure of how long after taking the vehicle to the dealer did the lights begin to fail. He feels that the failure was never repaired and is a safety issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #10238769, filed 2008-08, 40,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200725%
200611%
20051714%
2004125%
200374%
20023314%
20013613%
2000177%
199954%
199844%
199785%
199611%
1995148%

Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Electrical system
49 complaints
Engine
32 complaints
Engine cooling
25 complaints
Brakes
24 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Steering
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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