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 Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact stated the ABS activated at low speeds. The mechanic bled the brakes and replaced the brake pads. The ABS activated while driving around a curve at less than 5 MPH. The roads were icy, and the vehicle was in 4-wheel drive. The brakes locked, but the vehicle kept moving until it crashed into another vehicle that was parked. The ABS had been activated at low speeds six months before the accident. The ABS activation was intermittent, and many times the brakes were difficult to depress. The vehicle is currently at a different mechanic shop, which determined that the problem May be with the ABS sensors. Updated 1/11/2006 - the vehicle was taken to the service dealer who determined that the ABS sensors were corroded. The dealer cleaned the sensors and sprayed the with an anti-corrosion spray. The consumer has filed a complaint with the manufacturer.
The rear axle seal continually failed, allowing gear oil to soak the rear brake shoes. The oil soaked rear brake shoes cause many problems, many affecting the ABS system, and directional stability of the vehicle during stops, the distance required to stop, and a general poor feeling of the brake system. The oil soaked rear brake shoes cause the rear wheels to lock up at low speeds when the brake is applied, especially when the conditions are wet. Under all braking conditions, the vehicle will pull to one side or the other. Because the rear brakes are not contributing to slow the vehicle down, as designed, the front brakes do more of the stopping, and the ABS is more apt to detect an actual skid. The ABS, unlocks the lock wheel, thus overlaoding the other front wheel, causing that wheel to skid, and the ABS unlocks that wheel next. …
The ABS/hydraulic system has again gone out on my vehicle. After my first complaint 5 years ago, I had the anti-lock braking sensor replaced--unfortunately it was prior to GM's current technical service bulletin when the vehicle would have still be under warranty. Now, I am experiencing the same problems. I feel that GM has opted to make a temporary less expensive and quick fix rather than offering their customers a permanent and safe solution to this problem.
(1) have had to replace braking system 3 times in last 4 months (2) vehicle keeps pulling to the right and the anti-lock brakes have been activating for no reason (3)replaced rotors, calipers and brake pads 3 times in 4 months (4)when starting from start position brake calipers stay a little closed and eventually loosen up once the vehicles picks up speed.
When making a sudden stop the brakes fail, the pedal goes to the floor which happended on 010301 resulting in an accident. This problem has happened on several ocassion. The problem has been reported to the dealer on each ocassion. The dealer has not been able to reproduce the situation. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Driving down a mountain about 45mph and saw a vehicle in front of the Suburban, put on brakes, was about 90 feet behind the vehicle. Applied foot to the brake pedal, and the Suburban just kept going. Let off of the brakes and applied foot again and the vehicle kept going until it hit the back of the vehicle that was in front.
The brakes fail to operate properly when applied as directed in the manual if the road surface is slippery for any reason. I have been involved in at least three crashes because the brakes release instead of pumping. The dealer sevice dept insists that the brakes were not properly engaged. That is hogwash!
When the brakes were applied in a panic stop, pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distanced which caused a minor collision resulting in minor injuries. The dealer has been notified. * ak two weeks after accident-ABS dash indicator light came on-brakes very soft.
Consumer was traveling on icy pavement and applied force to the brake pedal and the vehicle continued to move due to the master cylinder leaking, causing the consumer to have a collision. Poor brake performance ea95-026.
Was driving vehicle about 55 MPH, left front wheel fell completely off, 3 studs were broken, was driving on axle/brake assembly/ignition lock sticks/ replaced master cylinder and leaking oil pan, headlamp was also replaced.
NHTSA investigations
Poor brake performance
Poor performance of ABS brakes
Brake complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 169 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban, 37% of the model year's 457 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (125 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Suburban brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 6 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 Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 25 crashes, 0 fires and 7 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.