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 S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet S10. While driving 25 MPH, the brakes failed to respond and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The anti lock brake system warning light illuminated prior to the failure and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 07/28/16
Consumer has exprienced brakes failure more than one time. The first time brake warning light came on. Consumer was told that due to faulty parts the brake master cylinder was replaced 2 times. Consumer was pressing the brakes to stop when she crashed into the back of a vehicle driven 10mph. The consumer was driving 40mph. Due to crash, the master cylinder was replaced again at approximately every 7,000 milees. The brakes would lose pressure third time. Consumer went to dealership who bled the brake system and checked the caliper code, (no-code), there was air in the lines.
On jan 19, 2002 I was driving south on route 17, when a car cut across the intersection down the road in front of me and a couple of other drivers. I had to applied the brakes, and listened to them groan and glide all the way till they hit the floor , after which I then rolled into the car in front of me. Everyone but myself managed to stop in time with a shorter stopping distance. I must have went 300 ft with brakes fully applied before slaming into the car in front of me. Chevrolet should replace the haynes braking computer system with one that works as tested.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet S10. While driving at approximately 15 to 20 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal but to no avail. The brakes would not engage and the contact depressed the brake pedal several times before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated the failure would occur intermittently on several occasions. The vehicle had not yet been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 190,000.
ABS brake problems; first the ABS warning light came. Taken to dealer and reset. Then about (2) weeks later driver hit a patch of black ice, and had no control. Vehicle spun, entered ditch and struck a vehicle already in a ditch who had same type of spinout. Truck bounced of other vehicle, spun again, and landed front end in ditch. On October 31st, 1997, owner was informed that truck had no front brakes. On November 3rd, the brakes were turned, and the pads were replaced. The problem no longer exists.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet S10 pickup. The contact stated that there is a safety recall on the service brakes hydraulic antilock system, however, it does not apply to her VIN. She also stated that the ABS light began illuminating intermittently on July 4, 2006 and still continues. The current mileage is 95,000 and failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 02-01-08. The consumer stated when she applied the brakes, the battery gauge and indicator goes left or to the center.
The antilock brakes have failed on several occasions. Cold weather enhances the problem. One accident as occured and several near misses. Contacted GM and the local dealer. They both indicated no recall had been issued on this vehicle for the ABS brake system. Dealer wanted to replace the master cylinder which is in working order. My research indicates that there has indeed been several ABS recalls for this vehicle. I need some help in resolving this problem. Thanks.
In 1999 I was involved in a wreck where the anti lock breaks would not stop my truck until just last week there had not been a recall for same now there is one and I have had my truck repaired at the dealership; my question is; is there any recorse to make general motors pay for the accident verses my having paid the $1000 deductable and my insurance company paying the rest/ plus my rates are higher for the next 18 months.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet S10. While driving at 40 MPH and preparing to stop, the contact noticed that the anti-lock brakes engaged instead. The stopping distance increased to 150 feet because of the failure. The contact replaced the four wheel drive selector switch himself. The VIN was unavailable at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. The current mileage was 190,015.
ABS brakes; when applying the brakes normally in wet weather, the pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing an accident. Master cylinder had been replaced due to it leaking. Fuse for horn and interior lights kept blowing. Air conditioer was not blowing cold. Battery had a bad cell, causing vehicle to not start.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from September 1989 through August 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing…
Remedy: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Loss of power assist
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 323 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Chevrolet S10, 35% of the model year's 917 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (236 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet S10 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-193 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jul 19, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet S10 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 67 crashes, 1 fire and 45 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.