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.
Vehicle has had to have brake rotors replaced 5 times in 5 years, and turned 3 other times. Dealership and private mechanic have said repeatedly that they see a lot of this and that it is a factory problem, but no one seems to know what the problem is or how to fix it other than 300-400 at a time.
The contact was under the impression that she purchased a brand new vehicle. She experienced several problems since the purchase of this vehicle. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership three times, and no corrections have been made. The dealer discovered the rotors were bent, and brakes leak fluid. The vehicle stalled, and shook terribly. The air bags were fell out of the dashboard. The seat belts on the driver's side intermittently worked. The dealership insisted there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. She contacted the attorney general's office regarding the lemon laws. She attempted to get the dealership to take the vehicle back, but they will not offer any assistance. The vehicle was no longer under warranty even though it had only 10,000 miles on it at this time.
The contact stated when opening the driver's side door the door will not stay open. The door will close unless he holds it open. The vehicle has been to the dealer, and they replaced the door stop. The replacement of the part did not repair the problem. Also, the contact was having problems with the brakes. While pressing on the brakes he could feel some type movement in the brake pedal. This only happened when backing the vehicle out of the driveway. The driveway is on a slope position. The dealer indicated the braking problem was normal. The dealer stated the rotors were out of round. Updated 01/25/06.
Since buying the vehicle the consumer had a problem with the rotors. They have been replaced twice. While braking the rotors caused the steering wheel to shake violently. Took vehicle to the dealer for a third time yesterday. The dealer said this was an issue with the lamination on the rotors. The consumer did not have rotors replaced because he was afraid he would be charged for the repair as well the dealer placing the same type of rotors that have been rusting in the past. The mechanic noted air bubbles in the casting in the rotors which the caused the rusting. When the vehicle was driven at speeds of 60 mph or even 30 mph, the consumer noticed pulsation in the brake pedal, however, when approaching exit ramps and when more pressure was applied to the pedal, a more severe pulsation would cause the steering wheel to vibrate violently. Other problems: The driver's window switch was inoperative and the front brakes would grind when stopping due to rotor problem.
When pressing on the brakes vehicle shook heavily. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the rotors wore out prematurely. Rotors had been replaced at 5,000 miles.
- Avella, PA, USA
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2002 Monte Carlo ss started: At about 13000 miles started vibrating when braking. Took it in to the dealership at about 15000 miles and they said the rotors needed to be turned. I paid for that to be done. At about 28,000 again started vibrating while braking. Took it to a brake specialist and he said the rotors needed replacing. Called the dealership and they said they could not pay for this to be done (not in warranty coverage) so we had the outside specialist put on rotors with a 50,000 mile warranty. I see many other folks have this same problem. Why does GM not cover this" I thought when I bought a new vehicle I wouldn't have to sink more money into repairs until after the 36,000 warranty was up. Hope GM straightens this out. I was looking at a used 2001 Grand Am for my daughter but I see there are many of the same complaints on that vehicle. Guess my life long relationship with GM vehicles is becoming questionable" hope GM gets this straightened out before they loose other devoted GM folks.
2002 Monte Carlo - at 38000 miles this will be the 2nd time the brake rotors on this car need to be repaired. The front end vibrates when applying brakes at any speed. GM service dealer advised me to wait until the pads were worn this time before repairing rotors"????? the customer service representative I talked to suggested taking the car to a different dealership for a 2nd opinion????" it is unacceptable that a high perfomance car would have such a defect or design problem.
2002 Monte Carlo : at 29,000 miles needs all front and rear brake rotors resurfaced due to warping and new brake pads. This was described to us as normal and not covered under any warranties. Vehicle is driven majority of time on the interstate highway where brakes are not needed much. In addition, when turning a noise was heard/felt in steering wheel. G.M. dealer service center had to replace inner steering shaft in steering column? (their description) this was repair under warranty.
When the brakes are applied vehicle involuntarily changes lanes. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the rotors. However, problem has not been corrected.
Car pulsates when braking. I took car into repair shop and was told before inspection that they had been receiving a lot of service work from the brake systems on the newer Monte carlos with the 6th generation body style. Upon inspection, it was determined as discussed prior to inspection that the front rotors were warped and the rear rotors are rust pitted. They also reported that the rear caliper was leaking.
These issues listed below are troubles I have had with my 2002 Monte Carlo bought vehicle new 4/15/02 and 21/02, front bumper paint began to peel. Bumper repainted./5/02 rear speakers begin to crackle and quit working. Replaced./30/03 took vehicle to Chevrolet garage due to vehicle pulsating when stopping and the car having trouble starting. Front and rear rotors found warped and resurfaced. Cars fuel pressure regulator found to be leaking down and was replaced. 8/21/03 car pulsating again when stopping. Returned vechicle to Chevy garage. Found rear rotors rusted again and replaced rear rotors. Was told tires were cupping in rear. Rotated tires on 8/22/03 and found score mark on rear drivers side rotor. 8/22/03 returned vehicle to Chevy garage showed service manager the defect and was told the part would not be replaced at this time eevn though rotor was scored. S.mgr stated this was normal condition due to brake pad metallic lining. 8/24/03 contacted GM customer service about issue. Asked to have new rotors and brakes put on vehicle. Response was "GM is aware of issues with our brakes and rotors, but if there is no defect the part would not be replaced." I restated about the score mark on the new rotor and was told sorry nothing they could do at this point. 9/2/03 while oil was being changed two bolts where noticed missing from the transmission pan. Will be serviced on 9/4/03 repair pending. 9/3/03 vehicle having trouble starting again. Engine hesitates for 10-20 sec. Will be addressed on 9/4/03 this vehicle only has 24,000 miles on it. I need new brake pads and new rotors due to defects in parts. Vehicle has 7yr/100,000 mile warranty. Do I have a lemon?
Bad rotors, they replaced pads once, turned rotors the second time, said it was fine the third time and said I needed my tires rotated and now the fourth time replaced front rotors and stiil same vibrations when braking, feels like the wheels are gonna fall off.
While driving at any speed and when applying brakes front end will vibrate violently. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic indicated rotors needed to be replaced or turned. Vehicle has only been driven a couple thousand miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sheridan, AR, USA