Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1. I had just left the house to go to work. I pulled out on to the main street where a normal amount of rush hour traffic was staged. Additionally, road work was being done, so vehicle speed was very slow. I coasted forward about 10 feet and placed my foot on the brakes. When I did nothing happened, it did not stop. In addition, the idle raced slamming me into the vehicle in front of me. Damage was done to my truck bumper, but not to the van in front of me. Also, a couple of weeks ago I was driving down the highway when the brakes went high and hard and the brakes experienced total failure. Fortunately, the late afternoon rush hour traffic had afforded me an opening to the right. I turned the key off and drifted over. Many people could have died that day had I not had god and quick reflexes.
In November of 96 consumer was driving during icy conditions. Driving approximately 40 MPH and tried to stop the vehicle, lost control, went into a spin and slid off road into a revine. Prior to losing control, consumer pressed the brakes, the pedal went to the floor but did not lock. On four other occasions when approaching an intersection and began to brake, the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle went past normal stopping distance.
When traveling and upon making a sudden stop on wet pavement, the pedal traveled to the floorboard; brakes locked up, causing the vehicle to skid, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing two accidents on two different occasions. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer has yet to replace any parts.
While driving vehicle about 40 MPH there was another vehicle in front when consumer applied the brakes to stop vehicle before rear ending the other vehicle. Upon applying the brakes one of the wheels on the front of the driver's side locked up. Dealer nor manufacturer were contacted.
While traveling at highway speed of 45-50 MPH on a wet road had to apply brakes in an emergency stuation which caused front driver's tires to blowout, and vehicle hit guardrail. Vehicle was struck again by another vehicle on driver's side, and still both air bags did not deploy.
When brakes are applied the brakes slip, and the pedal goes the the floor, resulting in extended stoppnig distance, causing the vehicle to collide. The dealer has changed the front brakes and rotors prior to the collision. Dealer has been made aware of the accident.
I received a recall notice from GMC on around August 2000 saying I must bring in my truck for a recall on the ABS system. I made an appointment with thomas GMC/Pontiac in coon rapids minnesota for 09:00 am on 12/08/00. The service representativ e (mike vanerem) took my keys and vehicle, and I received a call from him @ 10:29 am stating that I can pick up my vehicle as he was told by his person in his office (marion) to refuse to do the ABS recall on my vehicle as it was listed as a salvage vehicle because a new body was put on and they wouldn't get paid from GMC if they honored this national highway safety administration (nhsta) recall. I believe this is a safety issue that needs attention and I would like this matter resolved to my satisfaction and to the satisfaction of the nhsta.
Consumer smelled fuel while driving, and vehicle was running rough. Mechanic took off plastic cover that protected fuel tank. It was filled with mud and water which had eaten a hole in fuel tank. Consumer can not pay cost for replacing fuel tank, therefore, consumer applied epoxy as needed, consumer receieved letter that brakes were defective, consumer has concerns with brakes almost causing accident.
While driving 30 MPH applied brakes and ABS light/ brake light came on. There was a loud groaning noise, and pedal felt hard, no braking action. Consumer used emergency brake to slow down vehicle. Since then, brake lights come on intermittently. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet. Consumer states left front rotor was replaced due to excessive wear.
When brakes are applied at 45mph and higher pedal is normal, but there is extended stopping distance. Dealer has inspected vehicle and has not been able to duplicate problem. There is a recall listed on vehicle make and model; however, this vehicle is not included due to VIN. The manufacturer has been notified.
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.
Brake complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 GMC Sonoma, 39% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (67 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 GMC Sonoma brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-193 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jul 19, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.