Chevrolet Monte Carlo Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 13, 2026 · 282 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles13 · 16%
10k–25k miles21 · 25%
25k–50k miles16 · 19%
50k–75k miles13 · 16%
75k–100k miles9 · 11%
100k–150k miles9 · 11%
150k+ miles2 · 2%

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

Peak: 1999, with 45 complaints
1995: 431995431996: 441996441997: 331997331998: 201998201999: 451999452000: 112000112001: 242001242002: 272002272003: 222003222004: 8200482005: 4200542006: 120061

n = 282 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes, Hydraulic complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2006 Monte Carlo11%5
2005 Monte Carlo43%37,000
2004 Monte Carlo83%16,000
2003 Monte Carlo2214%18,758
2002 Monte Carlo2712%29,000
2001 Monte Carlo249%24,046
2000 Monte Carlo115%35,100
1999 Monte Carlo4536%65,500
1998 Monte Carlo2020%58,000
1997 Monte Carlo3320%96,450
1996 Monte Carlo4428%85,000
1995 Monte Carlo4325%119,461

When owners reported it

Peak: 2000, with 34 complaints
1995: 3199531996: 13131997: 191997191998: 32321999: 221999222000: 34342001: 342001342002: 22222003: 292003292004: 20202005: 162005162006: 882007: 5200752008: 662009: 6200962010: 332011: 6201162012: 332017: 120171

n = 282 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Service brakes, hydraulicJun 23, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V287000 · 47,991 vehicles

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:vacuumJul 1, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V122000 · 3,591 vehicles

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…

Received Jul 10, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11003988

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…

Received Apr 30, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10456865

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…

Received Mar 20, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10452427

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…

Received Jan 17, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10444058

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…

Received Jun 15, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10407013
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Click here for more car pictures at my Flickr site. O'Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine Summer Nationals Minnesota State Fairgrounds St. Paul, Minnesota July 201. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Chevrolet Monte Carlo problems.