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 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Left front wheel hub assembly failure, tie rod end & elec sensors on lh axle that help operate ABS (wheel speed sensors), torque converter slippage.: left front tire was not secure and wobbled during driving due to faulty hub assembly; ABS wheel speed sensor cracked causing ABS not to work properly; transmission slips out of overdrive under normal highway driving speeds when gearshift is in the "od" position; car starts off in what appears to be too high of a gear making it very sluggish to move-danger to pull into traffic with this. Local GM dealer mechanic stated he has reported the faulty wheel speed sensor problem to GM because many vehicles of this same model have had same problem for which the ABS control module had been replaced in error not solving the problem-vehicle makes "clicking" sound when applying brakes and causes headlights to dim and flash making it appear that I am …
ABS operated erratically. Firstcrash resulted when consumer attempted to stop while approaching a stop light traveling at approximately 35 to 40 MPH under cold/wet weather conditions, and brakes failed to engage. Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Dealership examined vehicle at beginning of March, and found nothing wrong with ABS. On March 16th, 2001, under rainy/icy conditions, consumer was traveling at approximately 30 to 40 MPH when she tried to apply brakes. Brake pedal went to the floor, and braking system failed to engage. Vehicle went into a ditch, causing rear end of vehicle to swing around into ditch, and causing 3 tires to flatten, and $9000.00 of damage. Consumer has not been in possession of vehicle since second occurrence. Dealership has provided consumer with no information as to the cause of this defect. The brakes fail completely when it gets wet and cold.
This complaint is for the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. A pulsation was being felt when the brakes were applied (even on dry pavement). The fear is that this defect May cause a future crash. What I eventually discovered is that the ringed gears the wheel speed sensors detect vehicle speed with had cracked. First the left side near 50000 miles; later the right side near 68000 miles. The gap from the crack is sending the ABS computer false speed signals. The ABS computer does not give a warning code for this. It "acts" as if trying to stop on ice, even though the pavement is dry (I.e. Pulsations in pedal). My temporary fix for the moment was to disconnect a connector for the ABS system to cause the ABS to shut down and allow non-ABS braking. Since the fix will be in the hundreds of dollars, I'm hoping for a safety recall. The ringed gear is clearly a defective part.
I started to hear a slight clicking sound when I pressed on my brakes, only every once in a while, like the sound I would hear when I would hit a pot hole in the road while I was braking and my "low traction" light would come on. It progressively had started to get worse over the course of the month. I have had two garages look at my car, and they cannot figure out what is making the repeated and very evident clicking sound everytime the brakes are touched. I have had a diagnostic test done on the car and no codes are showing up. They say it could be the ABS module, but they are not sure, and that I would have to bring it to the dealership to have it investigated further. They were (the garages) both puzzled at what this sound would be caused by.
New brake pads installed May 2002. Squealed from beginning. Then a metal to metal noise began intermittently when applying brakes. Took to car repair shop twice, one time being feb. 2003(have receipt) and was told brake pads were still like new. Metal to metal noise continued and happened more and more but never constant. Finally, on incident date, car made terrible noise each time brakes were applied and would have been a safety hazard to drive. Car towed and found that the rotors were completely destroyed and brake pads completely gone in the period from feb. 2003 to oct. 2003. Dealer assumed problem was associated with an owner maintenance problem instead of determining why brake rotors went.
I would be driving down a road and suddenly the engine would die. I would immedeiately have no power steering nor power brakes. This happened several times. I have now stopped driving the car. No codes would show. My mechanic cannot find anything. When I take it to him, it did not act up. It is intermittent. Sometimes it would start right back up. Other times it would take hours or many hours before it would finally restart.
When applying the brakes at any speed I feel I don't have the security of knowing I will stop in time. The low traction light is always coming on and now I must replace the brakes. I hit a van because of this. I feel this car is unsafe but proving this is another thing. Dealers look at it and tell you that you are the first one to complain.
I have a 1999 Monte Carlo that repeatedly has engaged the ABS brake system for no apparent reason at low speeds only, often decreasing the ability to stop the car. I have seen many published reports of this problem in GM trucks and would like it known its not limited to trucks/SUV's.
1. Anti-lock braking system - warning light came on - mechanic checked system determined the system shut down due to corrosion of the ABS relay in the fuse block --- 2. Brake system worked, ABS did not ----- 3. Replaced ABS relay switch, fuses, and fuse block
In wet weather you can't stop car, on the highway if you step on the brake pedal it is very hard. Often car will go 200 yards or more without any brakes before they engage. There is a special policy on this but didn't help.
Brake complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 39% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.