Chevrolet Monte Carlo Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo across 12 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (45). The words owners use most often: “applying brakes” (7% of reports).
- 282service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 25%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Applying brakes: mentioned in 20 of 282 complaints (7%)
- Brake rotors: mentioned in 19 of 282 complaints (7%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 19 of 282 complaints (7%)
- Wet weather: mentioned in 18 of 282 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 83 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 282 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Monte Carlo | 1 | 1% | 5 |
| 2005 Monte Carlo | 4 | 3% | 37,000 |
| 2004 Monte Carlo | 8 | 3% | 16,000 |
| 2003 Monte Carlo | 22 | 14% | 18,758 |
| 2002 Monte Carlo | 27 | 12% | 29,000 |
| 2001 Monte Carlo | 24 | 9% | 24,046 |
| 2000 Monte Carlo | 11 | 5% | 35,100 |
| 1999 Monte Carlo | 45 | 36% | 65,500 |
| 1998 Monte Carlo | 20 | 20% | 58,000 |
| 1997 Monte Carlo | 33 | 20% | 96,450 |
| 1996 Monte Carlo | 44 | 28% | 85,000 |
| 1995 Monte Carlo | 43 | 25% | 119,461 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: Depending on whether one or both bolts backs out or fractures, the result can be locking of the affected wheel during braking and an abrupt steering input in the direction of the locked wheel, reduced braking and noise from the affected wheel, or severing of a brake hose, increased brake pedal travel, and reduced steering control. Reduced braking or steering control could cause a crash.
Fix: 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
Model years: 1996
Problem: These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Risk: If this condition were present in a situation where stopping distances were small, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet monte carlo. While driving various speeds, the check engine, service traction, and abs warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hub with the abs sensor needed…
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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that when the attempting a left turn, the traction control warning light would illuminate and the vehicle would stall. The contact had to replace the abs wiring for the front driver side wheel to correct the failure. The vin was…
I have had consistent problems with the abs on this vehicle. I have had it diagnosed at chevrolet dealers and independent dealers in va. I have replaced all wheel hub/bearing assemblies. That is not the problem. The problem is with the abs wheel sensor wiring harnesses. It is obvious if you go…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet monte carlo. The contact stated that the abs lamp illuminated and when she tried to engage the brake pedal it remained in the up position, made a loud noise and failed to engage. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Monte Carlos have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 282 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
The most frequent phrase is “applying brakes”, in 20 of 282 complaints, followed by “brake rotors” (19).
Other Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems
- Electrical System problems (600)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (296)
- Steering problems (200)
- Engine problems (197)
- Exterior Lighting problems (157)
- Power Train problems (148)
- Air Bags problems (134)
See all Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems.