2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Only has 59,000 miles. Car stalled in traffic. No crash/accident resulted. Intake gasket leaked anti-freeze into engine and oil lubrication system. The anti-freeze got into the ball bearings (as well as rest of engine) and caused corrosion damage and misfires. The engine threw a rod. The nearest Chevrolet dealership says that the engine must be replaced, and will cost $5,000 dollars. Warranty is no longer active despite low mileage due to number of years that have passed, nor will they offer a discount. However, this problem is a notorious problem with the 3.4L V6 engine offered by Chevrolet/hm. However, they refuse to acknowledge the problem despite the fact that thousands of complaints are listed all across the internet on this specific issue. This issue can also cause manifold explosions and collapses and related engine failures.

- Springfield, IL, USA

Son owns 2002 Monte Carlo coupe. Recently, the catalytic converter plugged and backed up heat into the intake manifold and burnt a hole into the intake manifold. It is not allowing coolant into the intake manifold. He went to carcomplaints.com and found many others with the same problem, some even having fires develop. The car is sitting in the shop still, X 1-1/2 months, with lots of repair required and cost.

- Bussey, IA, USA

My 2002 Monte Carlo GM 3.4L engine leaks oil into cooling system. This is a known problem with the 3.4L engine. Several people I know that own this very engine experience the same problem. It is believed that dexcool antifreeze installed in the car when new, reacts with the intake manifold gasket causing deterioration of the gasket. This results in engine oil seeping into the cooling system contaminating the radiator, sensors and all parts related. GM dealers would not fix, car just out of warranty.

- Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA

I own a lemon of a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ss. Nothing but problems since I bought it last year. Steering column problems, cost $200 to fix, catalytic converter replaced, covered by warranty thank god. Today it is in the shop again for leaky gasket and wheel bearing/ hub replacement which is costing another $500. This was bad because the ABS breaks didn't always work which was scary since I wondered when they were going to give out totally and I would be in an accident. The transmission solenoid also needed to be replaced which cost us another $700. Is there any help for us" I wonder what will be next with this car, it is a nice looking car, but it sucks mechanically!! please help! any suggestions"

- Pardeeville, WI, USA

2/28/2007. 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo's cooling system failed which caused the engine to fail. The engine was rebuilt. The consumer was told that there was a service bulletin issued to dealers but there was no customer notification. This failure has been reported to the manufacturer.

- Detroit, MI, USA

I purchased a 2002 Monte Carlo, and within a year the low coolant light came on, I took it back to where I purchased it and they said it was an electrical problem, and I had nothing to worry about, but each time my oil was changed they filled my coolant, and eventually the light went out, recently I have had to add coolant (dex cool) every other day, and I was told that my intake manifold gasket as gone out, and after speaking with three other mechanics they informed me this was common with GM engines of my year, now I am looking to spend somewhere around $800, to fix my car.

- Chicago, IL, USA

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, consumer would like the manufacturer to cover the cost of replacing the faulty intake manifold gasket. The failed intake manifold caused the coolant light to illuminate on the dash.

- New Rochelle, NY, USA

We own a 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo. The vehicle started to overheat. The dealer told us it needs a new head gasket at a cost of $1000 plus. I called Chevy to see if this was a common problem since the car only has 50,000 miles on it and they said yes. They have not issued a recall. After doing research I have found out that many people are experiencing this problem and Chevy will not fix this defect.

- Providence, RI, USA