2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 158 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 7% of the 158 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“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“While driving the car to work, heard a clunk-grind sound on a right turn. Drove to work anyway on the freeway - about 15 minutes. When pulling into my parking spot, turning right, the clunk-grind sound appeared again and then just made a grinding sound. After having the car towed to a chevy dealer, was told it was a broken right-front axle. The dealer is currently repairing, but the car is less than two full years old and has only 41,500 miles. I called chevorlet customer service and they are picking up almost 50% of the $600 repair bill. …”
NHTSA complaint #10137986, filed 2005-09, 41,500 miles“Just purchased 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ls 2d today, vehicle has 1st gear engagement (slips), when pulling off from stationary position vehicle will lose power then jerk/clunk forward like being hit from behind only occurs when pulling off from stand still position or making turns, also noticed dash board panel is separating from airbag compartment and glue/foam showing.”
NHTSA complaint #10394494, filed 2011-04, 57,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10578652, filed 2014-04, 221,549 miles“2003 Monte Carlo ss. New problem, but occurs every time this sequence of events is followed. Traction control light on dash comes on after backing up with steering wheel turned, then shifting to drive and moving forward. Light is accompanied by growling sound from front end. Pavement is dry, so there is no valid traction issue. Light turns off after 5 - 10 seconds and growling sound disappears. Have not had vehicle checked out by Chevrolet yet, but I see a huge expense coming. Appears to be a common problem on the Monte Carlo / impala based on various website reports. …”
NHTSA complaint #10334280, filed 2010-06, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 12 | 29% |
| 2006 | 27 | 24% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 3% |
| 2001 | 17 | 6% |
| 2000 | 14 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 6% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 6% |
| 1995 | 25 | 15% |
| 1987 | 3 | 60% |
| 1986 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
49 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsAir bags
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 31, 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