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 G20 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet G20. While driving 40 MPH, the brakes failed. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by engaging the emergency brake. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet G20. The contact was driving 20 MPH and applied the brakes when the pedal depressed to the floorboard abnormally. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home where an independent mechanic examined the vehicle but was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 62,173. The plunger in the master cyclinder was incapable of propelling the brake fluid through the lines and the brake cyclinders could not expand. Vehicle has stop because of transmission. Failure during down grade. Vehicle picked up speed when transmission was used to stop its forward progress. Updated 11/09/2011
Dt: the contact stated one month ago he noticed a brake problem. When applying the brake at any speed the pedal went to the floor and there were no brakes. Just as he was pressing the pedal the ABS light came on. After he was off of the pedal the light disappeared. He the contact cited recall 99i006000. He called the manufacturer, and they told him this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
ABS equipped: upon depressing the brake pedal to make a sudden or a gradual stop on dry pavement, consumer noticed pulsation in the brake pedal, steering wheel shook, making it very difficult to stop the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer stated brakes needed replacing.
Owner has ABS brakes, he states that his rear wheels locked up under braking; he also notes that his electrical system could be the cause ot the problem, he took vehicle to several dealers and was that their was fauly wiring and a speed sensor.
Front end- when applying the brakes the entire front end shimmies and vibrates making it difficult to control the van. We have only owned this van for less than 2 years but this should not be happening.
Concerning airconditioning system: the A/C was innoperative when I purchased the vehicle and had to be serviced before it was released to my ownership. For each autmn season since I have owned the vehicle, the A/C has failed after the first hard freeze for our area. It has been my suspicion that an o-ring or seal has been defective. This past May when I took it in for A/C service because it would not cool, I had to pay out-of-pocket for the service since the vehicle was off warranty. My complaint is that GM/Chevrolet appears to provide defective seals/o-rings/valves for aftermarket repairs. The dealership reported that "Chevrolet airconditioners always leak and coolant refill is expected". Ha! My second compalaint about this vehicle is its braking system/service. The dealership turned the rotors on this vehicle at 21000 miles. …
When driving differential would make grinding noise. Noise was like it was straining when acclelrating and/or braking. Consumer had a loss of power had to replace sway bushings, vehicle began to over heat in which thermostat was replaced, consumer complained of noises from rear end but was advised could not duplicate, consumer also complained of a ticking noise but was advised that was normal, also speaker on left side has static unable to be duplicated, noise in brakes when backing up,front door does not close properly makes a bang noise,drive belt squeaking, serpentine belt was replaced, water leaking into vehicle windshield was fitting pooly replaced windshield, vacuum brake booster was replaced,steering wheel vibrates at 40 MPH, cigarrette lighter when in use smokes due to ashes on lighter element also ignition coil had to be relaced due to corrosion hydraulic system was replaced .
Anti-lock brakes have failed two times in panic stops, brakes will release on rough roads, brakes have failed in reverse, dealer has replaced master cylinder but three failures have occured since. Brakes are getting worse with pedal going to floor in panic stops and releasing. Had failure in mountains this summer in reverse (pedal going to floor and brakes releasing). There is something very wrong with the design of these brakes!
Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall number 99i006000/ manufacturer's recall 99046/ ABS brakes. Consumer not sure if dealer made the recall repairs. Vehicle was still experiencing problems with extended stopping distance when attempting to stop. The driver is experiencing brake problem after it was fixed for recall.
Brake complaints in other G20 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Chevrolet G20?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Chevrolet G20, 44% of the model year's 82 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet G20 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Chevrolet G20, though it has 3 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 G20 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries and 1 death 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.