repaired · 2017 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
2002 Chevrolet Monte CarloProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 230 owner complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-400 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 7, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has problems
230 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
55Electrical system7 crash/fire/injury
38Engine19 crash/fire/injury
33Exterior lighting
30Engine and engine cooling
27Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
20Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
18Steering
9Fuel system, gasoline
8Structure
6419 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 55 | 7 |
| Engine | 38 | 19 |
| Exterior lighting | 33 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 30 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 27 | 1 |
| Air bags | 20 | 7 |
| Steering | 18 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 9 | 4 |
| Structure | 8 | 3 |
| 19 other systems | 64 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
95kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 42 electrical system complaints. 50% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles21under 100k miles21100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other Monte Carlo year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Monte Carlo median. How we score
'70'73'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'90'91'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'10
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo safety ratings
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and the recalls they led to.
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESLed to recall 04V-090
In owners' words
What Monte Carlo owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL RESET WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE GUAGES WILL SWEEP AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL DING AS IF IT WAS JUST STARTED HOWEVER THE CAR NEVER STALLS AND THE RADIO STAYS ON ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE.
WAS GOING ABOUT 55-60 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY RPMS STARTED TO DROP AND I LET OFF GAS AND IT JUST DIED. IT CRANKS AND TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT FIRE
PASSLOCK SYSTEM; CAR WILL RANDOMLY (TEMPERATURE BASED?) REFUSE TO START DUE TO POORLY CONSTRUCTED PASSLOCK SENSOR. I KEEP MY DASH APART SO I CAN POKE AT THE CONTACTS (CORRODED? CHEAP TIN PLATING) TO HOTWIRE MY CAR WHEN IT LOCKS OUT. TOOK 20 MINUTES TO GO SEE IF MY WIFE WAS OK AT THE ER, THANKS…
Own a 2002 Monte Carlo?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.