NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 243 owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Most complaints involve electrical system (59) and engine (38). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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”
“TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO WORK AND HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE OR LOCAL ROADS. SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON IN A FEW SECONDS, OTHER TIMES IT TAKES AS LONG AS THIRTY SECONDS”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Carlo Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Monte Carlo Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (59), engine (38), exterior lighting (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).