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 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
All of the paint on the trim molding has come off. After repeated attempts to talk to the manufacturer and told basically to get lost I gave up and haven't purchased another Pontiac since. Of course, our family has made three new car purchases since then but none of them Pontiac.
While at a stop vehicle proceeded forward, another vehicle coming at 30mph hit consumer's vehicle head on, and airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupants in this crash. Also, the ABS light came on. Please provide further information.
The vehicle's ABS system light came on, dealer said it was an electrical problem. Also water came underneath the vehicle. For this problem to occur vehicle had 2 accidents due to extended stopping distance without any prior warnings.
While driving about 30-35 MPH, no inclement weather, good road conditions, consumer experienced total brake failure while going downhill. Consumer lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a drainage ditch. Please describe details.
The problem with the ABS: usually occurs within the first mile driven after start up. When the brake is applied, the pedal goes way soft and car lurches forward. A mechanical sound is heard and the ABS light then comes on. I am unsure if the ABS works or not after that, but the light is on. I have not taken it to the dealer as I can not afford to have it looked at at this time. This happens regardless of road conditions (wet, dry, ice, etc.) the cruise control problem has rendered it useless. It will hold a speed, but will not accelerate when switch is depressed. When using cruise control and left or right turn signal is used, the vehicle accelerates until signal is turned off. The brake lights get condensation inside them after rain or a wash, and ther trunk has leaked so bad that it filled the spare tire well (all the way up) with water. …
I purchased this car with low mileage and have cared for it exceptionally well and I have had two major equipment failures. These should not occur at such relatively low mileage totals. I understand some models of pontiacs have had recalls for the brake system, but I was told this model does not have a recall for that equipment. I will defintely consider another model of car other than this one within the next year because of my frustration.
Vehicle would make a squealing sound when brakes were applied. Vehicle wouldn't pass inspection in state of ny. Rotors/calipers and pads were replaced to bring up to state standards. Consumer has put out over a $1000 repairing brake system. Dealer stated that emergency brakes had to be done once a week to keep it from messing up back brakes. If not it, wears the brakes out.
Cassette player failed to work. Error 13 reported on display. No way to reset, and will no longer play tapes. Also, fuse cover falls off when opening the passenger's side door. In adddition, transmission would not shift out of second gear/ ABS brake failure and cruise control cable fell off its housing, resulting in cruise control failure.
Drove 40-45 MPH for approximately four hours, without using brakes. When consumer tried to stop, on slight decline, the automobile did not slow car down any. Brake pedal did not seem to go all the way to the floor. Pressing harder and harder did cause vehicle to slow down enough to avoid collision.
Brake rotors: at 17000 took in because of grinding noise. No problem found. 24000 miles took in and had to replace rear rotors and all four brake pads. 43000 miles had all four rotors repalced and all the brake pads and a rear caliper. Dealer says this is normal.
Brake complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix, 25% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 Pontiac Grand Prix brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.