1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 22%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,225miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 22% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,225 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes have been worked on at least 6 times this time they totally locked up and were smoking at the service desk. I also have been having trouble with my engine oil and engine running ruff and hard to start. A oil consumption test was started where I have lost more than 15qts of oil within the last several months. It is now at the dealer and the engine is out.”
NHTSA complaint #707764, filed 1999-06“First, the A/C went out. As I was driving the car in for maintenance, suddenly, while driving, all the power went out. Fortunately, no other cars were on the road, and I was not traveling very fast. My car began to slow, but I was able to turn into a parking lot. As I pulled into a space, I tried to step on my brakes, but they didn't work. It turns out that my alternator was out, so I didn't have any power. But it seems to me there should be a back-up system for the brakes, so that they would still work in this situation (or in a more dangerous situation, e.g., if I had been on the highway). …”
NHTSA complaint #735902, filed 2000-11“While driving and without prior warning engine loses power, and ABS braking system becomes inoperable. Dealer has been contatced. Results from complete diagnostic work-up where that vehicle was experiencing these problems due to a low battery cell. Consumer replaced battery, and I was experiencing same problems as before. Please provide furthur details.”
NHTSA complaint #891279, filed 2001-06“Brakes require excessive stopping distances when wet, creating for very dangerous conditions when conditions are wet. You apply brakes and there is nothing for several seconds and conditions worsen with time. Dealer was contacted they say everything ok no problems they said they adjusted rear brakes no difference. Also all lights go on and off without warning randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #704489, filed 1999-03“While driving 55 MPH steering wheel locked up. Consumer tried to unlock it but was unable to do so. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and hit a median steel barrier. Then, vehicle rolled three times and landed upside down on the highway. Upon impact, both frontal airbag did not deploy. Driver sustained neck and back injuries and was transported by ambulance, to the hospital. Vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10067494, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10023171Oct 31, 2007Abs pump running when not needed.
- 10017542Sep 1, 2005Revised front wheel speed sensor replacement procedure.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 24 | 15% |
| 2002 | 37 | 16% |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% |
| 2000 | 16 | 7% |
| 1999 | 49 | 39% |
| 1998 | 24 | 24% |
| 1997 | 36 | 22% |
| 1996 | 47 | 30% |
| 1995 | 45 | 27% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
30 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology