Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and the computer turned on and off as smoke emitted under the hood. The contact extinguished the fire. A police and a fire report were not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
My father n law, n I were going to see a family member 12miles away from his home, when we stopped. At the convenience store for snacks, etc... We literally couldn't have been out of car 5 min, when store clerk yells hey someone's (chevys) smoking? We saw it was his n went to investigate the problem I went straight to driver side of vehicle n popped the trunk(thinking it wasn't more than a blown radiator hose) lord n heaven was I wrong, the engine looked as if it were all on fire...I immediately pushed hood down n ran for an extinguisher luckily the store had a good one. This recall as the country n state n manufacturers, call it is seriously deadly, to b 100 percent honest it is flat out wrong. Something this deadly should b notified to all current owners, of the vehicles. …
Tl *- the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. On February 3, 2007 the contact started the vehicle, then turned it off quickly after realizing she had forgotten something in her home. The contact went back inside the home, then returned to the vehicle. The contact started the vehicle a second time and heard an explosion coming from under the vehicle loud enough that the neighbors came and offered assistance. While inside the vehicle the contact smelled smoke. The contact's husband opened the hood and witnessed a fire coming from the engine. The contact's husband used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The vehicle was transported to the rizza Chevrolet 8200 south harlem ave, bridgeview il 60455, tel [phone] for service. The contact filed a complaint with GMC #71-478219613, and was told to wait 48 hours for an agent to be assigned to the case. …
Had issues with electrical in 2015 in which gas gauge and other gauges, speedometer were "bouncing". Auto repair determined it was the fuel pump and replaced it to the tune of $600. This year, while driving at highway speeds when car suddenly looses all power and turns off. Brought back to same repair shop who stated battery cables were loose and tightened them free of charge. Now 4-5 months later and same issue is occurring which happened 4 times today. Twice while making a hard turn. Terminals are completely tight. Earlier this year could not turn ignition key and tapped it with a hammer to get it to turn. I have been reading quite a bit about an ignition switch recall, but no mention of it by the dealer for two recall fixes this year regarding the ignition key and fob, and some cover on the engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restarted after multiple attempts. In addition, the entire instrument panel failed. On one occasion, the vehicle coasted past a stop sign and another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the vehicle. A police report was filed and the contact sustained neck injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but the failure was unable to be determined. The contact received NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and refused to compensate the contact. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that the head lamp lenses had been oxidized and that there was a film build up which affected the visibility of the low beams while the vehicle was in motion causing the lighting to be dim. The contact also stated that the key less entry function failed intermittently and that upon entering the vehicle, it would not start. The contact was able to utilize the owners manual to override the system by either disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable or resetting the computer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 2,400.
I have a 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo ls that has been experiencing electrical problems. The cruise control light comes on spontaneously without the button being pressed and when this light spontaneously comes on, the heating/cooling systems do not turn on when dial is turned on. When the cruise control light turns off, the heating/cooling system works without any further problem. I have called two different dealerships in my area and spoke to two different service advisors and they are not aware of any issues yet there are forums where other owners have been experiencing this problem for some time now.
Hello, I had an ignition switch replaced on my 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (VIN [redacted]) for a cost of $715.92 on 4.23.2013 due to a key turning issue. I then received a notice about the ignition switch recall in feb 2015. I think I should be eligible for reimbursement. The repair shop said I was not eligible. Work was performed at : r.m. Burritt motors inc. 340 state route 104 oswego ny 13126. Phone [phone] thank you for looking into this [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle did not start unless the contact waited for ten minutes. The contact stated that the key was removed while the ignition was turned to the on position and the engine remained running. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While driving 55 MPH, smoke appeared from the glove compartment and the engine burst into flames. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The contact has gone back and forth with the manufacturer, but they have not inspected the vehicle. Four years after the fire, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 09V116000. The current and failure mileages were 36,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 24% of the model year's 230 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 6 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.