2nd May 2010, 18:21

I have a 2002 Monte Carlo SS. Bought it in 2004, and it was maintenance free until 2008.

Since then I have had to replace the power windows, the ignition switch... could not turn car air HVAC or radio off, and lately the tracking control light issues. This warning light comes on in conjunction with the ABS warning light, which recommends I pull over and restart my engine. In absence of doing this, my brakes lock up.

Have spent $1500 on misc. solutions for the traction control, but all I get from the mechanic is they can only guess at what the problem is without an error code. Traction control light comes on at low speeds when either braking, accelerating, or turning. Sometimes the brakes lock up at speeds when braking at 30 to 40 km, which is scary as you have to pump the brakes and hold on.

I have 160000 KM, and it had about 100000 KM when I bought it in 2004. Now I drive with the traction control off, however this does not stop me from getting warnings about the ABS.

Since the Monte Carlo and Impala are essentially the same vehicle, I am not sure why GM does not come clean with this problem..

Oh yes, after a number of years about complaining about my catalytic converter, it was replaced on a recall last year... only 3 years after they started replacing them in the USA. I live in Vancouver Canada.

10th Jul 2010, 00:27

I have a 2000 Monte Carlo SS, which I bought in the end of 1999 from a dealership in North East Philly (NEW). I have had the car for 10 years now and it has ~200,000 miles. I have not had to rebuild the tranny or have the engine rebuilt. I am now experiencing a few issues.

1. Coolant leaking (must be an internal leak, but the oil does not look milky). There are no visible external leaks.

2. Passenger side, water leaks on the floor (not coolant). Has something to do with the window seal for the cabin filter (guess the seal needs to be replaced or built up with silicon).

3. Transmission started to make whining noises, but this was only after the shop said they pushed something back in. (I think they're full of crap as they also said they could not find a coolant leak, which caused to make the whining noise)

4. Replaced the drive side CV joints.

5. Blower-motor, A/C and turn signals and flashers went. I fixed everything but the A/C, as that seems to be the job that costs the most.

Other than that, the car is great. Really it comes down on how you treat the car. Don't try to go from 0-60 in 4 seconds (that's how you ruin your tranny). I treat the car as if I was driving my 2005 Benz S500. Treat them well, replace the oil (every 3000 miles), and you should not need to rebuild/replace the engine for 300,000 miles or rebuild/replace the tranny until 225,000 - 250,000 miles (if it goes further, I would be lucky).

14th Jul 2010, 15:22

I have a 2003 SS that I bought with 10 miles on it. I have not had any problems with it; it now has 100,000 miles on it. Love my car.

30th Sep 2010, 09:41

We installed a new ignition switch but the car still won't go in park. Does anyone know how to adjust the gear linkage? It is like you have to jam the shifter up into park and if it won't go in park you can't get the key to shut off.

Any help would be appreciated!

15th Oct 2010, 19:19

I have a 2003 MC. My cars shifter started to give a lot of resistance shifting from any position from park to reverse, neutral, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. The resistance is followed by a loud click.

Can anyone offer advice as to what this could be? I am aware of the brake switch, which seems to be working properly.

Feel free to contact me at bowhuntz2010@gmail.com

7th Nov 2010, 23:06

I have a 2000 Monte Carlo. The red brake light came on in the dash, so I changed the brakes, but it won't turn off. I checked the liquid, and unplugged and plugged the sensors, but it won't turn off. Is there a reset or something?

3rd Dec 2010, 20:29

Replaced body control module at 65K.

Replaced cat converter at 80K (warranty).

Driver heated seat failed.

Replaced 2002 Monte tranny with rebuilt.

30K miles later, the car surges up hills and with slight acceleration.

NEVER buy GM if are going to keep the car past 40K!

5th Dec 2010, 20:10

"NEVER buy GM if are going to keep the car past 40K!"

We never got the chance, considering all of ours were dead before then!

3rd Mar 2011, 10:45

I have a 2003 Monte SS.

The following things have happened:

Transmission went at 100,000 miles.

Brakes have been worked on 3 times.

Some valves replaced too.

Water tank.

Brake line or ebrake jammed up so back wheels immobile.

Window on left side motor out.

Electrical problem unknown.

CD player spits out CDs that are burning hot.

All lights in the car dim low then light erratically.

I love the car, but am definitely trading it in. I had the '10 Impala as a rental when mine was being fixed and loved it.

3rd Mar 2011, 21:08

@ 5 of Dec 2010 @ 20:10, that may be your experience with GM, but I own and have owned 5 Pontiac's, two 98 Sunfire SEs, still have both one with over 250,000, original motor and transmission, was rebuilt at 205,000. The other one is at 154,000, and I had one 2000 Grand Prix GTP with 110,000 miles, sold for $5,500 down payment for an upgraded 2007 Grand Prix GXP.

I had a 96 Grand Am that did required an engine rebuild at 130,000, but that's most likely from me red lining the rpms.

I own one Chevy 3500 Duramax diesel with 76,000 miles, and I own one 03 Impala SS with 132,000.

I own a 2007 Corvette Z06 with about 14,000 miles.

Every GM vehicle I have owned has done excellent by me. They have been the most low maintenance vehicles ever!! I change all my car's oil every 3,000 miles (except for my diesel truck). The Corvette I change the oil every 1,500 miles. Or every two months, whichever occurs first.

Treat your GM vehicle with care and preventative maintenance, and it'll last a long time with many miles!