Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet Corsica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
(1) for over a year now my anti-lock brakes on 1998 Chevrolet Corsica have failed to stop the vehicle in rainy wet conditions. I cannot drive the vehicle when rainy or wet. The brakes catch and release repeatedly eventually causing the car to slide (this even happens when driving 10 MPH). After the first 15 stops it will eventually begin to stop without doing this. But in the case of the accident I had been driving for 30 minutes and the car failed to stop. (2) I was driving 20 MPH with 3-4 car lengths between myself and car in front of me. The brakes did not stop in time. I hit the vehicle in front of me. (3) I have taken the vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer on 3 occassions for this problem. They keep telling me that there is nothing wrong with the brakes. They say that they are supposed to do that. If that were the case, we would all be dead. …
Braking problems: brakes were wearing prematurely and ruining rotors vehicle had abnormal vibrations while applying the brake...found that the calipers/bushings were too long shaved off 1/4 inch and it cured the problem ...they were dragging constantly as a result...have had no problems since this was done. Lighting: have experienced problems while night driving...when putting on the high beams I have lost all lighting inside and out...once u switch back problem is cured this has happened several times and it is shocking when u can't see...does not happen every time... …
Fuse #9 on the vehicle keeps repetedly blowing out rendering the anti-lock brakes, the airbag, the power locks,the power lights, the rear defogger, the A/C blower,andthe instrument panel inoperable. This vehicle has been in 5 separate times for repairs for the aformentioned problem. Due to the fact that all safety features on the vehicle become disabled, I do not believe that this vehicle is safe to drive. The dealership has been unable to find the problem, and has also sublet the vehicle to 3 other Chevrolet dealerships that have also been unable to correct this problem. I am a pregnant mom with 3 children....safety is definitely an issue!!!!!!!
Would like to have the entire recall history of this car, it is very important that I have it due to the fact that this is a driver's ed car with many students just starting how to drive. I originally found out that threr were a large number of recalls from midas muffler when I went in to have the car services. I had the brakes done completely, the front wheel bearings replaced (both sides). The back wheel bearnings need to be done very soon. Please let me know if these are part of the recall.
After replacing the original front rotors and pads the brakes began to shutter shortly after the brake job. The only solution offered by the mechanic at Chevy garage was to turn rotors. This works for short period and starts up again. The mechanic stated the rotors are too small for the vehicle and the heat causes warping. The original brakes did not have the problem until completely worn out. I have put 2 sets of disc and new pads on and the problem continues.
Consumer noticed when driving rear of vehicle was swaying on road. Contacted dealer, dealer noticed lower control arm was out of position, causing the problem. Dealer replaced lower control arm. Please provide any further details. Consumer states she did contact dealer, consumer went to an independent shop to have work performed.consumer also had front brakes replaced.
All 4 brakes went out, no peddle, garage found dirty sensors only, rest all good. Master cly. Full, pulled ABS fuse, good, replaced, then had peddle but had garage check it as thats were I stopped with no brakes. Similar prob. 2 years earlier on Ford explorer. Former us govt. Car.
When ABS brake pedal is depressed, would get strange noises & pulsation. Pushing on brakes pedal, it would push foot back up. Had taken to dealer & had pads & rotors changed. Still noise persists. Was intermittent, but now is constant.
Vehicle on wet pavement and jerks when the brakes are applied. Also, extended stopping distance occurs. Dealer contacted and attempted to repair the vehicle, but problem still exists. Problems can result in serious accidents.
Intermittently when the brakes are applied hard they lock up, and the pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has test driven the vehicle and could not duplicate the problem.
Brake complaints in other Corsica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Corsica?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet Corsica, 19% of the model year's 110 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Corsica brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Corsica. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.