Calbear, Yes it could be normal for the "entire" stove to get very warm / hot when the oven is on. Especially the control panel and cooktop center. This is where the oven exhaust and vent is routed. The oven door and side panels will get pretty warm as well. If a repair is needed it will most likely require the oven insulation wrapper and check and seal the vent flue. There are allowable surface temperatures, you may want to have a servicer or the local gas or electrical company come in and test the surface temperatures with a meter.