Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I bought a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier new, in July 1995. I had the following major repairs done on the car. On 8/97 -entire exhaust from converter back bad baffled under warranty. On 10/97-serpentine belt/rotors/alternator & recall on hazard lights under warranty. 4/00-head gasket,seal,oil,filter,coolant;recall on cover,shield,retainer,sealant (dealer covered costs under a special policy adjustment. 4/00-EGR valve 10/00-adjust serpentine belt;replace serpentine belt 10/01-replace back brake pads,clean front pads 05/02-replace fan belt & tensioner;recall on ignition switch 06/02-broken forward clutch housing,clutch,gaskets,fluid,left front axle assembly 07/02-replace battery,bad cell due to car sitting for so long during previous repair 12/03-water pump, head gasket, thermostat,oil,filter,coolant $461.79-50% of bill reimbursed by Chevrolet upon written request 07/03-rear brakes; …
ABS was heard and felt to make clicking sounds - brake pedal went soft - brakes and ABS lights turned on. Brakes were fine afterwards but the experience repeated a few times before it could be checked out. Computer reading indicated DTC 38 (left front emb will not hold motor). After 5 days when able to get into dealership the dash lights finally went out and dealer unable to find a system failure. One year later (June 7-2000) same experience with car. Will see if dash lights reset in a few days. Brakes work fine except for that moment soon after startup and leaving house area.
Front rotors were completely falling apart, they had to be replaced. Disc was rusted and coming apart in layers. Rotors had to be replaced at 21miles and at 45miles, needed change again. Consumer felt it May have bee a manufacturer'd defect.
The first incident with my 1995 base model Chevrolet Cavalier was when the horn stopped working, when I needed it most on a freeway when someone was about to hit me while changing lanes. The horn failed, and it had to be replaced at a cost of about $100, which I covered, since the vehicle was recently off of warranty. Months later, the trunk latch refused to work. I could not open the trunk from the rear or from the inside of the car. In late 2000, my brakes were making grinding noises. Turns out the rotors were badly warped at 50,000 miles. Now, 15,000 miles later, the brakes are grinding again, which leads me to believe that the rotors May once again be warped. At the beginning of 2002, I took my car in for a routine inspection, only to discover that the head gasket was cracked and leaking coolant all over my engine. The head gasket had to be replaced, which was a very costly repair. …
When applying the brakes the pedal pumps back and the ABS light comes on. I've been told that the ABS accumulator has exploded and it is a common problem seen with this car.
While driving, at approx. 55mph experience sudden emer. Brake malfunction, when rear wheels locked and starting to smoke, while parked vehicle rolls backwards.
Poor ABS performance, in stop and go situations at speeds below 10 MPH, the pedal goes to the floor, then it becomes hard and the vehicle stops.
ABS, in for repair, the ABS light and regular lights stayed on, replacement calipers and disc pads and rotors, in front also making a loud noise. Tt
While traveling on highway he applied his brakes and there was a loud grinding noise coming from rear wheel. Dealership was aware of problem.
When you apply the brakes the car stalls. Consumer does not know if vehcile has the anit-lock breaking system . Please describe details.
Brake complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, 10% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.