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1994 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems

532 complaints (55% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 38,000. 110 crashes reported.

owner complaints
532
of this car's complaints
55%
typical mileage
38,000
crashes
110
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    436
  • Foundation components
    43
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    16
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    12
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    10
  • Antilock
    8
  • Power assist: vacuum
    7
  • Foundation components: drum
    7

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet S10 brakes problems in other years

1990199520002018

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Chevrolet S10 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 240Brake failure 143Grinding brakes 10Spongy pedal 9Premature wear 8

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported July 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Risk
If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.

Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 21, 1994 · 30,263 vehicles affected
What is wrong
A vacuum hose can detach from the power brake booster check valve as a result of engine backfire.
Risk
This can result in increased engine idle and loss of power brake assist after depletion of the booster vacuum reserve.
Remedy
Dealers will install a clamp on the power brake booster assist.

Recall number 94V228000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Abs braking systemOpened October 31, 1994, closed February 28, 2000

This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v‑193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.

EA94038

Abs braking system failsOpened June 17, 1994, closed October 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

PE94046

What 1994 Chevrolet S10 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 29, 2016 · Brakes · 118,000 miles · NC

Hard brake pedal, vehicle was moving on a city street, braking. All r/f braking components contributed to incident. Possibly recall 991006000 was never exercised.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Brakes · NY

Dt: the contact owned a 1994 chevrolet s10 pickup. While on the ny throughway at mile post 145 west bound with two lanes of very heavy traffic all the vehicle in front of contact's vehicle were hitting the brakes because it was heavy traffic. Contact's vehicle was on the outside passing lane going straight with plenty of room barely hit the brakes and they went to the floor. Since everyone in front suddenly stopped contact's vehicle had to move over, went on the median in the highway to keep from hitting the vehicle in front and passed about 40-50 vehicles. Began down shifting, and finally got the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop, and they repaired both brake lines. Contact knew someone that owned a 1996 chevrolet silverado and had same problem, brake line broke and vehicle went into a wall. Also, knew a retired mechanic, who stated that this was a known problem with gm ABS brakes. The back brakes had to be adjusted very tightly to have brake pressure. The police officers did not fill out an accident report because there was no accident.

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · OH

I purchased my 1994 chevy s-10, VIN [xxx], new in '94. Within the first 3 months of ownership, I noticed a problem with the rear braking system. The problem, the adjustors are shoving the shoes too tight against the drums, causing them to drag, glazing the shoes, & after periods of time, burning up the shoes, warping the drums. I've had to replace shoes & drums an average of every 30,000 miles. Taken the truck back several times with no results or problem acknowledgment. They clean them, adjust them, charge me, ship me out the door. When the roadway is wet or snowy, the rear brakes constantly lock up. This has thrown me into several intersections, into oncoming traffic, because of no brakes. When the rear brakes lock up the front brakes unload, leaving me with no brakes. The front pads go an average of 80,000 miles without needing changed. You ask for number of failures. The brakes fail during rains, snow, etc? Each time I hit my brakes during these conditions is a failure. I can't list all incident dates, there's too many! I listed approx. Begin date instead. This is still ongoing today! For gm to recall safety belts as a "safety hazard" is one thing. To totally ignore & hide a braking problem as nothing is quite another. I feel brakes are a bit more of a safety feature. I feel the braking system is very important. For gm to ignore this problem verifies why their stock is now considered junk bonds! Just like my truck, junk! I ask for a reply, as I would like to know if you have gotten other complaints or comments on this braking system, in this year. I've talked with others & learned they have the same problem and have been blown off by dealers as well. Thank you for your time and help with looking into this matter. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Brakes, Tires · OH

Vehicle's ABS have been replaced three times.*mr the ABS was replaced under recall but failed again. The vehicle uniroyal tires seemed to be out of round. *nm

Filed Jul 21, 2004 · Brakes · CA · 1 injury

Consumer stated that his son was driving along at a speed of 25-30 MPH when another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him. The driver of the other vehicle stated that his son applied his brakes plenty of times, but the vehicle kept traveling at the same speed. Also, he stated that the vehicle never slowed down, which caused him to plow right into the back of the person's vehicle. This caused the other vehicle's air bag to deploy, injuring the passenger some. Consumer stated that after researching the internet he found that there were recalls on the brakes. He states that he has never received any recall on this vehicle.

Filed Nov 30, 2003 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · RI

Brake line failed, causing loss of all brake fluid and braking power, - almost caused an accident. Second failure in 12 months (2 different areas of vehicle).

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · KY

While driving applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Brakes · 13,068 miles · GA

When the brakes were applied, the pedal traveled to the floor, the master cylinder was replaced, however the problem persisted. *jb....the fist notice of impending failure was very slowly sinking brake pedal while stopping in traffic. As more stops were made the rate of the pedal sinking became faster. Cups in the maste cylinder were letting brake fluid leak by them. New master cylinders did not solve problem.

Filed Apr 2, 2003 · Brakes · 86,000 miles · TX

Brakes not working properly. Pedal is down to floor for braking. Brake shoes are new. No air in line.

Filed Dec 30, 2002 · Brakes · 136,000 miles · MI

While driving consumer smelt an awful smell coming from the air vents. Consumer pulled the vehicle over, and had it towed to a dealership. The dealership indicated that the cause of the smell, was due to the air cooler line coming detached, which caused the oil to leak out, and destroy the engine. Please provide more details. Ts

Questions about the 1994 Chevrolet S10 brakes

Does the 1994 Chevrolet S10 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 532 complaints about the brakes of the 1994 Chevrolet S10, 55% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 38,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1994 Chevrolet S10 brakes?

Yes, 2 recalls: 99V193000, 94V228000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet S10 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet S10 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (532 complaints), 1995 (320 complaints) and 1996 (219 complaints).

Other 1994 Chevrolet S10 problems

Visibility 241Engine 66Acceleration 39Fuel system 38Transmission 37Electrical 28Suspension 21Body 20Seat belts 16Steering 15Seats 13Lights 12Tires 11Airbags 3Wheels 2Locks 1

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