Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On June 1, 2000 I was going to work, while driving down the highway I realized I was going a little faster than the speed limit and pressed the brakes. At that point in time my 1998 Monte Carlo ls veered to the left and I had no control. The car went through the median to oncoming traffic before I regained control. The marks on the road were felt to show that my brake system had locked up. (I do have the police report and pictures of the scene).
Consumer states while traveling 40 MPH when depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle highdroplaned into a ditch as a result. Ph consumer complained previously of delayed stopping especially in wet weather.
At approximately 4 pm I was driving with three other people in my car on the street in the south saint louis county(railroad crossing weber rd and close to new hampshire) and we were going across the railroad, when all functions of my car died and the brakes .steering. Engine , all went off and I got scared but in the heat of the moment I pulled my emergency break and pulled the car to a stop. All these happened on a very well paved street., and all happened just when I crossed the railroad tracks. I was very frighten as well all the people in my car. I was wondering if any of this that happened to my car has to do with the recalls that happened with GM ignition switches. I also talk to my friend and he said that he used to have a Chevy lumina 1995 and same thing happened to him on a highway in south saint louis and he did same thing and no one got hurt. …
Dt: the contact states the vehicle spins out of control when the brakes are applied. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer, who stated there was no recall. When the vehicle spins out of control the road conditions are normal. The consumer states that the vehicle does make a loud squeaking noise. The brakes have been replaced once during the past year, and have been repaired at least 3 times since then. The vehicle spins out of control during normal braking procedures. The service dealer states that the brakes are wearing unevenly.
Brakes failed at 25 MPH causing consumer to rearend another vehicle. Damage to vehicle was $2100. Vehicle had been taken to dealer numerous times in past, beginning in August of 2000. Dealer replaced calipers/pads, and turned rotors. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with brakes. Also, neither airbag deployed.
Doors will not stay open at positions less than full open, and even then slight wind will cause them to close. Have received numerous !! Bruises and gouges to legs mostly , but some arms, fingers, and often hurt back- due to premature closing of door. [it closes hard too!] suppose hinges inadequate for the weight/dimensions of the doors, or mechanism not functioning properly. Due to size/weight of doors - in tight parking spots - it is most often- impossible- to open door fully. Have had other cars same model- never this problem. Doors should have interim positions where it will remain open without exerting a continual outward pressure. Very dangerous when children are passengers entering or disembarking from the vehicle, without an adult in immediate presence.[could easily casue a broken bone by premature closing on an unsuspecting child. …
The vehicle has intermittent brake failure during wet or rainy conditions. The brake pedal will go to the floor and requires pumping to get the pressure back up. We have had the vehicle to 2 different dealerships. The dealer was unable to duplicate concern has a potential for catastrophic results. An associate of mine whom is a district service manager for general motors has informed me that there is a bulletin out on the brake pressure modulator valve for the w-body vehicles. But since the part is so expensive the dealers will not root cause the component and will not perform a bulletin search.
Hard pedal with brake fade when stopping from highway speeds - due to warped rotors. Since dealer turned rotors, brakes make klunking, clicking grinding noise during low speed application, but squealing noise at highway speeds with no application. ABS activates prematurely over the slight bumps and won't return control to driver, but no error lamp. Service manager advised GM feels this is normal operation.
When brakes are applied, they cause headlights to dim. Also, a clicking sound would come from dashboard and front wheels would lock up momentarily. Dealer was notified. Low track light would illuminate in dry conditions. The clicking and dimming lights seemed to be a short in the ABS, ABS reluctor was cracked. Cv axle was replaced.
Vehicle has been at dealer to be serviced a few times. Dealer has turned brake rotors twice & replaced them. Then, gave consumer manufacturer's phone number. Dealer was told by manufacturer it was normal wear & tear, and consumer would have to pay out of their own pocket for repairs.
NHTSA investigations
Degraded braking performance
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 24% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.