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 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo I purchased in February, 2001 has had serious and numerous defects since I purchased the car two years ago. The transmission, engine, caliphers, and breaks have each been repaired by the dealer at least twice. On feb.15, 2003, the key got stuck in the ignition of the car, and because the car was then out of warranty, I was forced to pay $406.00 for a repair of the vehicle. On February 20th, 2003, the car started leaking oil and the transmission "jumps" from the parking gear into drive whenever it is turned on. I am asking that the GM manufacturer. The compalints on this vehicle are ongoing. The date indicated below is only the date of the latest incident with this car. To repurchase the vehicle for the monthly payments and interest I have already paid
Dt: febuary of this year ABS traction sensor and brake system warning light illuminated. When backing iout of driveway or in normal driving at any given speed the brakes would grab and the traction active lights would illuminate. Took vehicle to a dealer, they said it was the left rear wheel hub sensor that failed, but could not duplicate problems consumer was having at that time. The dealer did not replace this, but did reset the sensor. When vehicle was driven away from dealer brakes still had the same problem. Within 24 hours the same issue was actived on the vehicle. Returneds to dealer, this time they replaced the left rear wheel hub sensor. About a month later this happened again. Did phone dealer about this. Consumer made another trip to the dealer, who noted again the left rear wheel sensor had gone bad again. …
Series of high cost repairs at my expense with no warranty: driver infomation center has always been wrong and inaccurate and unfixable; at 24446 miles, replaced front rotors at my expense (; ac at 30825 worked intermittenly and battery light indicator stayed on and serpentine belt worn out (replaced with after market brand ($90) that has lasted perfectly at almost 80,000 miles; engine coolant leak notice by Chevrolet on July 2003 fixed on 7/30-03 at 58009miles; at 34607 vibration from intermid. Steering shaft and bushing replaced ($60); vibration back at 75,000miles and they would not fix it; chev diagnosis on 7/8/04 for left rear wheel speed sensor needs left rear wheel hub assembly (ABS brakes will not work and not fixed, $700) and turn signals work intermittenly (not fixed) and ac compressor leaking (not fixed, $900), and driver seat power seat heater defective (not fixed, $230).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. When the contact started the vehicle, he noticed a warning message indicating service traction system and ABS failure. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The technician flashed the computer system to clear the code. The vehicle has not been repaired and the failure persists. The contact researched the failure and was able to determine that the wheel sensor on each wheel, ground, control system, or a faulty wiring harness could be causing the failure. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer and notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 140,000 and current mileage was 153,000.
I took my Monte Carlo in at 25,000 miles for bad steering wheel vibrations when braking and brakes not holding in damp weather (either rain or car wash). The service consultant told me that whoever rotated my tires used the wrong torque when putting the wheels back on. He said that messed up my rotors. I told him that I had never rotated my tires. He said that my warranty wouldn't be honored because I had not rotated my tires. I took it to another chev dealer and he said that brakes were not covered under warranty and it was not unusual to have to have my rotors turned and new pads at that mileage. I have had all new cars and never had to have a complete brake job at that mileage.
My 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has a safety-related defect with the front brake rotors. The rotors are made of a composite material and warp very easily. At 1500 miles, I noticed a steering wheel vibration when applying the brakes at 45-60 MPH. I had the rotors removed and resurfaced at my local garage since the Chevy dealer told me that brake repairs would not be covered under the warranty. I now have 25000 miles on the vehicle, and the braking vibration is recurring. My mechanic tells me that the rotors must be replaced. This is clearly a safety-related, design defect that Chevrolet is refusing to fix. NHTSA should investigate this and force Chevrolet to fix the problem.
I have a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo ss. I recently started getting a service traction control light coming on. Also, my ABS would engage at an inappropriate time. I would be easing to a stop and the ABS would kick in for no reason. I took it to the dealership and after paying about 1,000.00 to have the speed sensors replaced'.I have the same problem. After doing some internet searches I have found 'thousands' of similar complaints. Apparently it is a problem with the wiring harness that is incidentally a much less expensive fix. There are consumer reports of their ABS engaging at high speeds for no reason. I see this as very dangerous.
I drive a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. I have had to have my rotors replaced twice and a complete brake job done all before my factory warranty is up. I have been told this is not a safety issue and that rotors are a wearable item. I am concerned that this will be a continual problem with repeat trips to the dealership to replace what appears to be a defective part and it's continual use as a replacement part. 90% of my driving is interstate driving and the fear of braking irregularities or effectiveness is frightening to me. Something needs to be done to prevent this problem--not just cover it up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, all of the lights illuminated on the instrumental panel. The brake pedal was applied and the pedal depressed to the floor. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the accelerator pedal was applied and the traction control activated, causing the anti lock brakes to seize the wheels. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated that when driving at low speeds and braking to a stop, the traction control warning light illuminated along with other warning lights. As she depressed the brake pedal, the contact would feel a vibrating sensation before the vehicle would come to a stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. After diagnosis they advised that the ABS system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 148,000.
Brake complaints in other Monte Carlo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 12% of the model year's 276 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, though it has 5 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 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire 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.