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 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While towing our 42 foot camper with the 1 ton GMC dually truck we had a sudden loss of truck braking causing us to run thru a red signal light. The brake lines had rusted and burst leaving very little braking from truck. The brakes were inspected by a GM dealer only 6 months ago and were deemed OK after a 1200 dollar repair bill to replace rear brakes. . This is a real safety issue with such a catastrophic loss of braking . This truck is made for towing and should never have the braking ever be compromised. The truck has 125000 miles and should have had a more durable design integrated into the brake lines.there also was an enhanced chance for fire since brake fluid was sprayed on engine when brakes failed.
Dt: the consumer states there is massive rust on the rear brake line. This caused the brake line to rupture. Brake fluid was leaking out, causing a problem while trying to brake. The service dealer stated the brake line needed to be replaced. The dealer did not remove the old brake line when they installed a new one.
Brakes: driving on freeway at approximately 35mph attempted to slow down because there was an accident ahead, brake pedal went completely to the floor and vehicle would not stop, resulting in a crash/injuries.
ABS system is working intermittently when driving at any speed. Computer chip is not applying enough pressure to rear brakes, no wear on rear brake shoes. Brake failure resulted in accident.
Front disc brake pads wear out too quickly. I only have 17,000 miles on the current pads and they are worn out. I contacted GMC. They say they are sorry but that's the way the brakes are on that year of truck. They say there is no after market fix for this. GMC literature on their new 2000 Sierra trucks say the pads are "4 times" larger than on previous trucks. This tells me GM was aware of a problem and corrected it on their new trucks but haven't done anything to assist owners of older trucks. I feel GM should be required to manufacture an after market caliper with larger pads for installation on older trucks in order to correct the problem with their undersized brakes. I tow a trailer and this has especially been a concern of mine due to the added weight going down the highway. I have a friend at work that has the same truck but his is a 1994 model. …
#1, I spent 1,164.73 to have my anti-lock brakes repaired at a dealer. I found a safety recall of 1.4 million reports of brake failure,with kelsy-have parts ("kcb4"and "ebc4"units).why if I had to spend over $ 1,100.00 to have my truck repaired was I not notified????? #2 my emergency flashers button is jammed and the dealer wants 485.00 to repair. I had the windshield wiper repaired. Why is my emergency equipment failing? And there is no recall notice!!!! #3 my emergency brake cable and handle-both broke. How much is a dealer going to rip me off to repair. #4 I had to repair the cold solder joints on my hot/cold switch so my A/C would run cold. Once again the dealer wanted to replace the whole unit-"rip me off!!" #5 why after almost 100 years cant a car maker build their cars better rather than causing the consumer to keep the parts/service industry booming. …
ABS brake system fails in slippery conditions. Brake pedal goes almost to floor and truck feels like it wont stop . Have almost had accidents a few times when there should have been plenty of time to stop. When this happens there is a growling nois from under the car. Front brakes wear out rear brakes hardly worn after 85000 miles as though they are not being used. Wiper moter stopes intermittantly in rain . High speed does not work. When not working cannot drive car in rain . Have had stop while driving which is dangerous. Found that you have listed a recall . However the GMC web site did not offer this information. As second owner of record I should have been notified . My daughter was first owner and to my knowledge she was never notified of any recalls.
Consumer's ABS light comes on periodcally, and stays on for 2-3 days at a time. Consumer took vehicle to suttle motor corporation olds. Cadi. GMC dealership--[phone]. Dealer repaired vehicle in November, 97. Computer indicates that the valve body May be going bad, so they got the light to go off. Dealer says the vehicle is now fine. The light still comes on after the dealer says it's fixed.
ABS light went on permantly and ABS didnot work had to have motor replaced because of motor and valve failure feb 2000, same problem happened in July 2000 with the same results and the motor had to be replaced again, now has happen a third time with the same problem and same solution March 2001, there is no reason this unit should have to be replaced three times in 13 months.
On regular road conditions when applying the brakes the vehicle pulls to the right. The front brakes pads were replaced, and rotors resurfaced at 18,000 miles. At 25,000 replaced front right rotor assembly, and at 27,000 replaced caliper assembly. At 28,500 increased clearance between calipers and brakes pads. Vehicle still pulls to the right when applying the brakes.
Brake complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 GMC Sierra, 16% of the model year's 261 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 GMC Sierra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 GMC Sierra, 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 GMC Sierra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.