This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I have a 1999 Monte Carlo that repeatedly has engaged the ABS brake system for no apparent reason at low speeds only, often decreasing the ability to stop the car. I have seen many published reports of this problem in GM trucks and would like it known its not limited to trucks/SUV's.
1. anti-lock braking system - warning light came on - mechanic checked system determined the system shut down due to corrosion of the ABS relay in the fuse block --- 2. brake system worked, ABS did not ----- 3. replaced ABS relay switch, fuses, and fuse block
This complaint is for the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. A pulsation was being felt when the brakes were applied (even on dry pavement). The fear is that this defect may cause a future crash. What I eventually discovered is that the ringed gears the wheel speed sensors detect vehicle speed with had cracked. First the left side near 50000 miles; later the right side near 68000 miles. The gap from the crack is sending the ABS computer false speed signals. The ABS computer does not give a warning code for this. It "acts" as if trying to stop on ice, even though the pavement is dry (I.e. pulsations in pedal). My temporary fix for the moment was to disconnect a connector for the ABS system to cause the ABS to shut down and allow non-ABS braking. Since the fix will be in the hundreds of dollars, I'm hoping for a safety recall. The ringed gear is clearly a defective part.
Brake pedal goes down when the car is in stop position as a result moves foward you have to press down the pedal the dealer replace the master cilinder but the car still doing the same thing. I took the car back to the dealer for repair, but they say they cant mach what I say. So what I am suposse to do the car is very unsafe to drive. And they diagnostig was wrong, I got a second oppinion that is mayby the buster, the car stay in the dealer two day and because nothing wrong was found I have to pay for a car rented. Where I can take the car for second oppinion with authority over the dealer? I have a warranty in this car.
- Orlando, FL, USA
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The dealer is not showing a record of the replacement of a computer chip they told me they replaced in 04/01 concerning the failure of my brakes at that time. Also, I had taken it in for the same complaint on the brake problems atleast 4 times.
In wet weather, the brakes on this car take alot longer to stop the vehicle than the driver anticipates. The brakes feel mushy, and the brake pedal has to be pushed down quite alot to even slow down at a somewhat reasonable rate. And even then, the car takes alot of distance to come to a stop. When I called a Chevrolet service depatrment, I was told that it was normal for anti-lock brakes in wet weather. However, I have had several cars with antilock brakes before this one, and none of them ever had the problem with slowing down in wet conditions that this 1999 Chevy Monte Carlo ls has had. It has gotten so bad in wet weather, that I finally parked it. It is not safe to drive in wet weather.
Since car was purchased I have complained of poor braking when wheels are wet due to rain, snow or car wash..complained to 2 different dealerships who acknowledged that GM is having brake problems on some models, and there is nothing they can replace to improve the design of the brakes and refused to even take wheels off to check pads and rotors unless I agreed to pay for inspection...after filing previous complaint with NHTSA website, I was contacted by GM for a tech serv bulletin/recall to cut away a piece of the fender liner, engineers said would fix trouble..I brought car to mcguire Chevy in marshfied, mass to have recall performed and have noticed no improvement..this design flaw is an accident waiting to happen..at highway speeds, it's always a mystery how hard I'll have to apply brake pedal pressure, and how long I'll have to wait before car actually slows down!...in this day and age to have a major car company at a loss as to how to make a car stop consistently with 4 wheel discs should be criminal, or at the very least negligent!!! GM should be forced to correct this problem immediately! this car will be out of bumper to bumper warranty in February of 2002. Please help.
During inclement weather /rain brake system fails to operate properly. There is a delay of 10 to 15 seconds after brake pedal is pressed before vehicle slows down. Dealership has examined vehicle and cut out a part of the wheel well. This repair has failed to remedy the problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
When coming to a stop at slow speeds and applying brakes pedal goes to floor, no braking action. This has happened 3 times. Dealer replaced master cylinder 3 times in January 2000, June 2001, and September 2001.
Rear brakes prematurely wore out. Also, when applying brakes suddenly, calipers won't release and wheels locked up. Dealer said nothing was wrong with them.
The brakes will not operate to stop the vehicle normally when driven in the rain at highway speeds. The pedal will get hard like there is no power brakes working. After you ride the brake with considerably more effort the brakes will return to normal and slow the car. If they are needed in an emergency situation, they are useless. The car was brought to the dealer when new. The rotors where changed but the problem persists. To this day I have to anticipate the problem when in the rain so as not to get into trouble from it. I think the company knows this is a problem since on the next year designed car the brakes where made much bigger. Both in the brake rotor size and the caliper and brake sixe. I am an a.S.E. certified master mechanic so I know what I'm speaking about. Contact me if you like and I can explain more.
When applying brakes under normal conditions at 25mph pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has replaced master cylinder. Manufacture has been notified. Please provide additional information.
Intermittently when brakes are applied on an incline vehicle will roll forward. Dealer has inspected vehicle, H0owever, problem still exists. Please provide additional information.
After reading the other consumer complaints about the Monte carlos I feel that I should also inform you about the experiences I have had with mine. At a little over 7000 miles my calipers started "sticking". I would go to back up or move forward and the right front caliper would make a whining noise. Took to the dealership 3 times for that problem and finally on the 3rd attempt the caliper was "reconditioned"..... problem still exists. The problems with the engine would take way too much room to go into full detail but I would like to briefly explain those problems as well. My car has been in the dealership 5 times now for a total of 17 days for tapping noises in the engine. It has had the pistons, rings, camshaft, lifters, tensioner pulley and flywheel replaced... all this and now the motor is sluggish and feels as though it has lost power.I have been lucky enough that this car hasn't put me on the side of the road yet. But with me being a full time student taking night classes at a college 15 miles from my home it is a scary thing to think that this is possible with a new vehicle.
Brakes failed when they are wet. I'm not sure whether it's just the front brakes. When it's raining out, it is dangerous.there is approximately a 5 second delay after you apply the brakes.one time in particular I was only going 40 mph, applied brakes, nothing, when they did grab the car went towards the right side of the roadway, I almost lost control of it.
The pistons and rings were initially replaced after hearing tapping noises in engine compartment. Five months later, the cam and lifters were replaced which still doesn't seem to have fixed the engine problems. The brake caliper has "hung up" numerous times since the car purchased. Complaints started for that problem soon after purchase and was finally fixed in may of 2001. June 2001, problem still exists. Dealer says in order to check the problem we have to pay diagnostic fee even though the factory warranty is still in effect. June 2001, now the tensioner pulley is bad. What next"?"
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wilmington, MA, USA