VehicleVerdict

1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brakes problems

The 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 39 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

39

Brakes complaints

18%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

01I014000BrakesSeptember 24, 2001

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO Z34 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS IS REDUCED MORE THAN A DRIVER WOULD EXPECT.

Consequence

THE BRAKING COULD FEEL DELAYED MOMENTARILY WHEN LIGHT OR MODERATE FORCE IS APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH.

Remedy

DEALER WILL MODIFY THE FRONT FENDER LINERS TO REMOVE A PORTION OF THE CLOSEOUT PANELS IN THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 2004.

What owners report

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.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 20, 2004 · crash

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?

NHTSA has 39 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brakes — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 01I014000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.