Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3 | 3% | 104,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% | 37,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% | 17,000 miles |
| 2003 | 24 | 15% | 26,000 miles |
| 2002 | 37 | 16% | 46,000 miles |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% | 54,000 miles |
| 2000 | 16 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 1999 | 49 | 39% | 66,000 miles |
| 1998 | 24 | 24% | 100,000 miles |
| 1997 | 36 | 22% | 96,000 miles |
| 1996 | 47 | 30% | 92,000 miles |
| 1995 | 45 | 27% | 119,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
These issues have been spotadic since I aquired the vehicle in october of 2021. Not infrequently the ABS system feels like it is trying to engage at low speeds with light braking such as in a parking lot. This also happens after coasting(no gas, no brake no cruise control))and then accelerating The radio will randomly stop playing or begin playing. The turn signal indicator chimes randomly stop chiming when the turn signal is in use though the interioir indicator light will flash normally. I have not been able to stop when this occurs with the turn signal still active to get out and verify it the turn signal is actually working At random times a loud clacking sound will come from behind the dash in the general vicinity of the radio and there will be no out put from the dash vents until the clacking stops. …
I was driving down century boulevard my speed was approximately about 35 r 37 miles an hour,the speed limit is a 35 miles hour zone.when all of a sudden all the traffic suddenly stopped real fast, it was about three to four in front of me.so I try to brake that's when my steering wheel got hard to where I couldn't turn away in time so I can avoid a crush.in a result I hit a lady car from behind on her left side bumper and to my right side bumper.there where no injuries,no police report was file.we had just exchange information and insurance information.before this had took place my I could not turn off my ignition having problems with my power steering and if I brake too hard my steering columns with jurr or stiffen up making real difficult for me to turn.
I have had numerous lights, noise, continuously for the last 7 years have replaced numerous parts, only to last awhile then the lights, noise return. Seems there is no cure for this malfunctioning problem, have heard GM is aware of these problems but have never received a letter regarding them, the anti-lock traction control braking system on these cars are headaches and troublesome, and expensive with no cure in sight, have spent tons of money on these problems, still keep having them.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in reverse the brakes were engaged but the vehicle would not stop. The vehicle continued to reverse until the brakes were applied repeatedly the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where both front rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 06/13/11
I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it was thowing 11codes when i brought it in saying that was the problem,which i could not have drove it their in that condition and never would.got in touch with corp office. In the mean time I had it towed back to them on DEC1,,,.Because its undrivable. Then on Dec11 got a call from corporate say i had to pay 253.00 for a Diagnostic also they told them it was throwing 21 codes when i brought it in.whats the Truth? …
I was driving on the freeway and my steering was tighter at 75 MPH. My ABS light came on which has flashed on before about 6 times but quickly went off. I thought those time my car was just having a computer fluke. But this time the ABS light was lit with my steering tight. Traction control light came on and said it was off. My brakes started to lock on me as I tried to pull over which was a hassle considering I couldn't turn the wheel easily . Eventually I was able to pull over without a major accident although it was a close call. It took more than 1/2 a mile to get my car to stop. My car was towed. The wheel hub was so damaged that the repair shop said that they are surprised it didn't fall off. The sensors were just floating around . Thus my ABS and traction control warning lights turning on and off. …
My 2003 Monte ss had been smoking and having problems accelerating & shifting and put on testers and read code and I needed a air flow sensor so I had that put on, was recommended I get tune up so I got that, and had just put new battery in the car. The following day after putting gas in the car I was leaving gas station and lost acceleration again and the car smoked again. I soon lost all power including gas & breaks and windows. People passing by were honking and said the underneath of car and under hood had flames in front of car. I had to throw it in park and jump out because the peddles quit working and the car exploded in flames and had I not had my window down I would have been locked inside and could have lost my life. The engine and whole electrical wire harness had caught fire and the car burned up with 3-5 minutes. …
I own a pristine 2003 Monte ss, stored every winter and maintained by my mechanic husband. I have 2 issues with the car. First, I never use my bright lights because my headlights go out if I do. Second I am having brake issues. I have had the same thing with a silverado truck before. ABS would come on a slow speeds when not needed, dry pavement or gravel. Really scares me because I had an accident in my silverado truck from this same problem. Now my ABS light and service traction control are always on and not working. I have been a die hard Chevy owner but I am so unhappy with the break systems in them. I have another foreign car that I drive in the winter and love the brakes.
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain passenger vehicles were produced with lower than specified torque on both front brake caliper to steering knuckle attachment bolts. With improper torque, the clamp load at the joint May not be adequate to prevent movement between the caliper bracket and knuckle.
Remedy: Dealers are to tighten both bolts to the specified torque. Owner notification began on June 28, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac 1-800-620-7668.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
NHTSA investigations
Degraded braking performance
There is no summary currently available
Degraded braking performance
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Monte Carlo years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (49), 1996 (47), 1995 (45), 2002 (37) and 1997 (36) model years. Brake complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 04V-287 (service brakes, hydraulic, Jun 23, 2004); 96V-122 (vacuum, Jul 1, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (151 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (57).
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.