“I was involved in a traffic collision in which my brakes failed to stop my vehicle. When I pressed the brakes during a sudden stop, the brakes started to slow down my truck but then the pedal went all the way down to the floor with a rubbing noise and my truck kept traveling until I hit the vehicle in front of me.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 13, 2018 at 340,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet s10. While driving 35 MPH, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest chevrolet buick gmc in tacoma, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 3, 2017 at 64,160 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1996 S10 peaked in 1997, with 127 filed that year. Owners had filed 54 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 97V146001 in September 1997; 151 more have come in since. In 2018 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99V193000
Defect. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99I006000
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.
Risk. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V146001
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Risk. BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
Filed Jun 12, 1997586,058 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Risk. IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Defect. THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT STAY IN PLACE AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 212.
Remedy. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100%.
Filed Feb 22, 199624,906 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. SOME OF THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT WITH TRANSMISSIONS CONTAINING PARTS WHICH WERE NOT MACHINED TO GM'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk. THESE TRANSMISSIONS COULD SEIZE AND LOCK THE REAR DRIVE WHEELS WHILE THE TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION MAIN SHAFT OUTPUT TORQUE USING A SPECIAL TOOL. IF THE OUTPUT TORQUE DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 1996 S10.
SPARE TIRE SEPARATION FROM VEHICLEEngineering analysis EA99018Closed
Opened Jun 30, 1999Closed Oct 20, 2000equipment
SEPARATION OF SPARE TIRE FROM VEHICLEPreliminary evaluation PE99004Closed
Opened Jan 15, 1999Closed Jun 30, 1999equipment
Alleged that wire cable/winch assembly which holds the spare tire/wheel assembly uder the rear of the vehicle may fail, allowing the tire to fall from the vehicle while in motion
SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA97004Closed
Opened Feb 28, 1997Closed Aug 5, 1997Led to recall 97V096001seat belts
Nhtsa's new car assessment program (ncap) tested a 1997 chevrolet s-10 extended cab pickup equipped with a driver-side air bag.the front passenger seat belt was completely cut during the test.
SUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Mar 13, 2018340,000 milesCA
I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION IN WHICH MY BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES DURING A SUDDEN STOP, THE BRAKES STARTED TO SLOW DOWN MY TRUCK BUT THEN THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH A RUBBING NOISE AND MY TRUCK KEPT TRAVELING UNTIL I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 201764,160 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY, AND PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY COMPLETELY. GILCREST CHEVROLET BUICK GMC IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CITED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,160.
Seat BeltsFire
Filed Jun 9, 20162,383,864 milesFL
DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WOULDN'T LATCH. DRIVING AND SMELLED SMOKE. SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER DRIVERS SIDE DASH. STOPPED AND SAW MELTED WIRES. SEATBELT INDICATOR LIGHT WENT OUT.
SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 11, 2014CA
THE ACCIDENT WAS ALMOST HEAD ON MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS HARD THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF IN THE OTHER CAR BUT NEITHER ONE OF OURS WENT OFF. FOR ABOUT A YEAR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE TRUCK WOULD STALL AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 20143,000 milesMI
FOR YEARS MY CHEVY S-10 1996 2WD TRUCK WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF ON THE ROAD OFTEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CHEVY LOOKED AT THE TRUCK MANY TIMES AND ALWAYS SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ONE TIME THEY TALKED ME INTO A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AT 36100 MILES. THEY DIDN'T HONOR THE WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE SHUTOFF PROBLEM AND HAPPENED BEFORE THE 36K WARRANTY LIMIT. THAT COST ME NEARLY 4000 DOLLARS. THEY TRUCK CONTINUED TO SHUT ITSELF OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR YEARS. IT WASN'T TILL A MECHANIC NOT AFFILIATED WITH GM TOLD ME TO STOP USING MORE THAN ONE KEY ON MY KEYCHAIN. THIS GM IGNITION RECALL GOES WAY BEYOND 2005 AND COBALTS. IT GOES BACK TO EARLY 90'S S-10 TRUCKS. NOW WE SHOULD KNOW WHY GM NEVER ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY TRUCK AND DROPPED THE S-10 IN THE MID 2000'S. *TR
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 30, 2013169,970 milesFL
THE LADY TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND I TBONED HER. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 18, 201099,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsCrash
Filed Jun 18, 2008OH
1996 CHEVY S10 ATTEMPTED TO SLOW BUT HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. CONSUMER THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AHEAD, DROVE ONTO THE CEMENT CURB, AND STRUCK A POLE. *NJ UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF THE BRAKE LINES ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND REAR WERE LEAKING. THE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS VERY LOW AND IN FACT WAS EMPTY ON THE HALF DESIGNATED FOR THE REAR BRAKE. THE DRIVER ADMITTED USING THE WRONG TYPE OF BRAKE LINE FITTING WHEN HE DID THE BRAKE SERVICING. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0433-91 THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON AND AROUND THE REAR AXLE. UPDATED 05/14/10.*JB
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Nov 12, 2007125,000 milesIL
STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HAZARD/BRAKE LIGHT FUSE BLOWING OCCASIONALLY ABOUT 2.5 YR AGO... RECENTLY THE FUSE BLOWS ALMOST AS SOON AS YOU TURN THE VEHICLE ON. BULBS ARE GOOD AND LIGHTS WORK UNTIL THE FUSE BLOWS. I'VE REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE IN THAT SAME PERIOD OF TIME. THE MOST RECENT TIME HAD NO EFFECT ON THE FUSES BLOWING. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Nov 6, 200686,000 milesOH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED, AND THE TEMPERATE GAUGE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE RED LINE. THERE WAS YELLOW FLUID THAT OVERFLOWED FROM THE RESERVOIR AND HAD RUSTED THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO FLUSH THE RADIATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Apr 9, 2006MN
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT SWITCH 3 TIMES NOW, THE 2ND TIME I WOULD DRIVE AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLASH HIGH AND LOW LIKE A POLICE CAR, NOW MY DAY TIME HEADLAMPS DO NOT WORK? INCIDENT DATES ARE NOT CORRECT NOT SURE. *NM
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 200694,629 milesMI
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE KNEELING ON THE TAILGATE BOTH CABLES BROKE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CABLES WERE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE TAILGATE CABLES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 3/28/2006 - *NM
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Jan 10, 200691,248 milesMI
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SIDE MIRRORS ON THE DOORS WERE LOOSE AT THE BASE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED BOTH MIRROR ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 29, 2005164,000 milesWV
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 1996 CHEVROLET S-10 WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES, INCLUDING WHIPLASH, A SWOLLEN HEAD, CUT AND SCRAPS, FACIAL ABRASIONS, AND INJURIES TO THE CHEST/LEGS/STOMACH AND A BLACK EYE. THE SEAT BELTS DID CONTAIN THE DRIVER TO THE SEAT. THE DRIVER HAD MARKS ON THE STOMACH LEFT FROM THE SEAT BELT. BUT, THE SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER SAVED HIM FROM FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HIS FACE ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BACK WINDOW WAS SHATTERED AND FRONT WINDOW BUSTED, AND THE DOOR CAME OPEN. . THE CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO AN URGENT CARE FACILITY. THE SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR CONSUMER'S COMPANY TOOK CARE OF THE ACCIDENT, AND DID NOT CALL THE POLICE. THE COMPANY PREPAIRED A REPORT AND HAD PICTURES. *AK
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator ModuleCrash
Filed Jul 14, 2005NC
I WAS DRIVING A CHEVY S-10 WHEN A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF ABOUT 55-60 MPH. I ENDED UP HITTING HER CAR AND IN TURN MY TRUCK ROLLED OVER SEVERAL (6-10) TIMES. THE WHOLE TRUCK FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER AND SIDE TO SIDE AND TOP TO BOTTOM WAS DESTROYED. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. THE SEATBELT DID ITS JOB BUT NO AIRBAG CAME OUT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER HERE IN CONCORD 2 YEARS AGO. I AM VERY BRUISED AND CUT AND VERY UPSET THAT JUST MAYBE IF THAT AIRBAG HAD WORKED I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN ALL THAT GLASS ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE FLYING MY WAY. I KNOW THAT AN AIRBAG WORKS WHEN IT IS HIT JUST RIGHT, BUT AS I STATED THERE IS NO PART ON THAT TRUCK THAT WAS NOT HIT INCLUDING THE FRONT BUMPER AS IT IS ALMOST OFF THE TRUCK. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS TAKING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AS WE SPEAK BUT THERE ARE NUMEROUS PICTURES AND WITNESSES TO THIS. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND THAT I DID NOT PUT ALL MY SAFETY ASSURANCES INTO THIS AIRBAG. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME. CHRISTINE FLORO
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jun 15, 2005172,813 milesTX
DT: ONE OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD SHORTED OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. EVERYTIME STARTING THE VEHICLE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND ONE CAN SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. SATURDAY GOT THE OIL CHANGED AND DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PROBLEMS.*AK
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 200565,000 milesIL
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BUNGY THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE GAVE WAY, RELEASING THE SPARE TIRE.*AK *SB *NM
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed May 22, 20051,000 milesCA
1) THE HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET S10 HAVE NEVER WORKED RIGHT. AT FIRST, WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGH BEAMS, THEY WOULD STAY ON FOR LESS THAN A MINUTE, THEN I WOULD LOSE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. THIS SITUATION IS GETTING STEADILY WORSE. NOW THE LOW BEAMS ARE EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM. 2) THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK, MEANING THAT I CAN'T DRIVE IT AT NIGHT OR WHEN IT RAINS. STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BE ON WHEN YOU USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. 3) I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED, BUT THE SERVICE PERSONNEL JUST TAKE THE MONEY AND NEVER SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT SHORT IN THE WIPER CONTROL/ MOTOR SYSTEM THAT EACH TIME I REPORTED IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERS IN THIS AREA WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM . AND THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS KIND. AS I CAN SEE FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE THIS IS PATENTLY UNTRUE. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PAST WARRANTY DUE TO YOUR AGENTS STALLING TACTICS , IF THIS LETTER DOES NOT BRING REDRESS TO THIS ISSUE I WILL BE FORCED TO TURN THIS ISSUE OVER TO MY ATTORNEYS. SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments1 injured
Filed Jan 18, 200577,000 milesOH
NORMAL USE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE; WAS LOADING A RIDING LAWNMOWER INTO MY CHEVY S-10 PICKUP WHEN BOTH TAILGATE CABLES FAILED, INJURING MY FRIEND. I HAD TO HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE STRAPS, AS THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP. COST WAS OVER $300! *NM
Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Dec 10, 200467,000 milesNY
WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. CAUSES TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN WHEN MOVING. WILL NOT START. HAD REPAIRED ( RIGGED ) BECAUSE THE COST TO REPLACE THIS IS IN EXCESS OF 400 DOLLARS, NOW IS ACTING UP AGAIN. HAD TO REPLACE FAN CLUTCH AS WELL. *AK
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments1 injured
Filed Nov 16, 2004130,000 milesIN
FAILURE OF TAILGATE CABLE WHICH HOLDS UP THE TAILGATE. THE CABLE JUST SNAPPED INTO TWO PEICES. IT BROKE IN THE MIDDLE. SUDDEN UNEXPECTED FAILURE !!! *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Oct 1, 200452,000 milesIN
AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD BRAKES FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PARKING IN THE LOT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LAMP POST AT A SPEED OF 5 MPH. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *TC
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 30, 200413,000 milesTN
WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Aug 30, 2004IL
CONCERNS WITH AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING DURING AN ACCIDENT.*MR THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE HOOD. GM CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT AND CONCLUDED THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED AND THEREFORE THEY WERE NOT RELIABLE FOR DAMAGES. CONSUMER QUESTIONED THE REASON FOR NONDEPLOYMENT WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED AFTER READING "WHAT MAKES AN AIR BAG INFLATE" IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. *PH
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 2, 2004150,045 milesMD
THE CABLES THAT HOLD THE TAILGATE IN THE OPEN POSITION FAIL AND BREAK, ALLOWING THE TAILGATE TO DROP BELOW THE NORMAL POSITION. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE CABLES HAVE BROKEN. THEY WERE REPLACED IN THE PAST WITH PARTS FROM THE CHEVY DEALER. A FRIEND WITH THE SAME TRUCK HAS ALSO HAD THE CABLES BREAK. IF SOMEONE WAS STANDING OR SITTING ON THE TAILGATE WHEN IT DROPS UNEXPCTEDLY, SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT. *AK
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Aug 2, 2004CA
WHILE DRIVING THE SPARE TIRE CABLE SHEARED OFF, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE SPARE TIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CABLE AND RACKET WAS A SET AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT A RECALL WAS NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE. AND AS A CONSUMER THE PAYMENT SHOULD RENDERED ON THE DEALER, NOT ON THE CONSUMER. *AK
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jul 30, 2004PA
CABLE HOLDING SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH BROKE WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15 TO 20 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF IN A SMALL TOWN. *AK *SC
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)Fire
Filed Jun 23, 2004108,328 milesPA
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO TRANSFER CASE FLUID BEING EXPELLED FROM VENT HOSE ONTO THE RIGHT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS IS THE THIRD FIRE IN 1995 AND 1996 S-SERIES GM TRUCKS I HAVE INVESTIGATED IN THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ORIGIN OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash
Filed May 12, 2004IL
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH DRIVER'S BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, HIT A GUARD RAIL, AND ROLLED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AN AMBULANCE WAS CALLED BUT DRIVER REFUSED TO GO WITH THE ANBULANCE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 2, 2004VA
HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS REMAIN OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN COME BACK ON.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 19, 2004ID
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A SLIPPING NOISE WHILE BRAKING. *NM
Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Feb 12, 2004115,000 milesMA
CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 7, 20048,493 milesKS
WHEN TRAVELING ON WET PAVEMENT AND UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, NOTICED A LOUD NOISE, PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, VEHICLE GOT INTO A SKID, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL FOR A BRIEF PERIOD. NOTE-EVERY TIME IT IS WET.*AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 18, 20045 milesMA
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS FAILURE. *CB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 15, 200470,000 milesFL
...FOR 3 YEARS CHEVROLET DEALERS TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH ABS. THEN IN 2000, RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE LABELED CAMPAIGN #C99046. ON 03/28/2000 TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP. BILL STATES REPROGRAM PCM FOR NEW ANTILOCK PROGRAM ...CALLED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TODAY, BECAUSE BRAKES FAILED TODAY THE SAME WAY THEY DID BEFORE REPAIR IN 2000. ...I EXPLAINED THE S10 HAD BEEN BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP ON 03/28/2000, AS SOON AS I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, AND THAT IT APPEARED REPLACEMENT WAS DEFECTIVE. ...I WAS ADVISED THAT CAMPAIGN ENDED 12/2002. WHEN I REITERATED THAT I HAD WORK DONE WITHIN PARAMETERS OF CAMPAIGN,BUT NOW SAME PROBLEM HAD REOCCURRED, I WAS ADVISED IT DIDN'T MATTER, THE CAMPAIGN ENDED 12/2002. ...WHEN I SARCASTICALLY SAID, SO IF I KILL SOMEONE ON WAY TO DEALERSHIP TOMORROW BECAUSE OF ABS FAILURE, YOU'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE? THE RESPONSE WAS: ONLY IF IT HAPPENED BEFORE 12/2002.
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Dec 30, 2003CO
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN TRAVELING OVER 1 MILE DISTANCE, CAUSING VERY ROUGH SHIFING OF GEARS (AT)-(EVEN CAUSES REAR WHEELS TO SCREECH WHEN TAKING OFF AND ALSO SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR). OIL PRESSURE GAUGE GOES UP WITH ACCELERATION, DOWN TO 0 WHEN DECELERATING-2 ATTEMPTS TO FIX, NEITHER SHOP COULD FIND CAUSE FOR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION FLUID IS RUSTY AS IS THE FLUID INDICATOR AREA, REQUIRES EXTENSIVE/COSTLY REPAIR. INTERIOR PANELS SQUEAK. VEHICLE IDLES ROUGHLY. RUSTY DRIVER FRONT DRIVER SIDE BLINKER. ABS BREAKS DO NOT QUICKLY STOP VEHICLE AND VIBRATE ROUGHLY & LOUDLY WHEN IN USE-I'VE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS!
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Dec 29, 2003CA
TIRE DEVELOPED A BULGE THE TREAD BEGAN TO MELT, AND THE RADIAL CORDS BECAME VISIBLE.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Dec 26, 200360,000 milesMS
HEADLIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU TURN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON ONLY THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE DAYTIME SAFETY RUNNING LIGHTS COME ON. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE SEVERAL MILES BEFORE THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON BY THEMSELVES. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ME AND I'M CONCERNED FROM A SAFETY POINT OF YIEW. IT ONLY OCCURS SOMETIMES. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPEAT IT SO THAT I COULD SHOW IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT THE DEALER. I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO WORK OR NOT. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 17, 2003AL
TRANMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, UNLESS YOU GO VERY SLOW. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Dec 10, 200369,224 milesPA
WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LINE LEAKED. AS A RESULT, THE PEDAL BECAME MUSHY AND WAS UNABLE TO GRAB. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, THEREFORE, DIRT SETTLED ON THE LINE AND CAUSED RUSTING. *AK THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE, THE TECHNICIAN(S) NOTICED THE FRONT PADS WORE OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO THE DEFECT. (AC DELCO DURASTOP BRAKES) *SC *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Nov 22, 2003PA
WHILE DRIVING, I NOTICE WHITE SMOKE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. CHECKED ALL MY GAUGES, WHICH WERE ALL FINE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING LIKE NORMAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE STOPPED, BLACK SMOKE STARTED ENTERING THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND GOT OUT. I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. AS OF THIS TIME, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT. *LA
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2003OR
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM *SCC *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › InjectorsFire
Filed Nov 1, 2003168,500 milesCA
FUEL LEAK AT #4 INJECTOR DRIPPING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. EXTREME FIRE HAZARD! I AM A CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC AND I AM GOING TO FIX THIS MY SELF. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THIS ENGINE BUT THE CHEVY DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT FOR THIS VIN #[XXX] (1996 CHEVY S10 PU 2.2 LITER ENGINE). *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module
Filed Oct 28, 200371,092 milesFL
BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE AT 35-40 MPH. BRAKES EMITTED GROANING,GRINDING NOISE.FROM '1996-1999 COMPLAINED TO DEALERS BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY, AND THAT THE ANTI-LOCK SEEMED TO BE "LOCKED" IN PLACE; WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG. ON 03/28/2000 ABS WAS MODIFIED UNDER CAMPAIGN 99V-193,AND BRAKES WORKED. NOW WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE SKIDS AND SEEMS TO GO FASTER.*AK
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 3, 2003AL
THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES WHICH RESULTED IN THE FRAME DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Aug 25, 200380,000 milesAZ
ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCKED INTO POSTION WHILE AT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY- WAS ABLE TO FREE PEDAL WITH SOME REARWARD PRYING MOTION WITH MY FOOT. THERE HAS BEEN 2 OCCURRENCES OF THIS INCIDENT SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK. BOTH HAPPENED ON VERY HOT DAYS IN PHOENIX.*AK
Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 200385,000 milesVA
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS (LEFT & RIGHT), UPPER CONTROL ARMS (LEFT & RIGHT) AND THE SWAY BARS LINKS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 01I018000 DUE TO VIN. *SCC *NLM
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Filed Aug 12, 2003IN
PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH THE CHEVROLET S-10. *MR THE CONSUMER STARTED TO ACCELERATE UP A HILL AND SUDDENLY SHOT UP THE HILL AS THE TACHOMETER HAD GONE ERRATIC. THE CONSUMER THEN SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, THEN SLID. THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SQUALLED THE TIRES BACKWARDS, THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AGAIN. (THIS REPEATED AGAIN ON THE DRIVEWAY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE) THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE DUE TO A BROKEN THROTTLE CABLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED. *SCC *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 5, 2003IN
WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE THEY RELEASE! AND I DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO STOP. BECAUSE OF THIS I HAVE NARROWLY MISSED OTHER CARS, AND HAVE HAD TO USE CURBS TO STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MORE OCCASIONS THAN THE ONE LISTED BELOW.*AK
Complaints 1-50 of 668, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the S10 years to avoid: owners filed 668 complaints, 2.5 times as many as a typical S10 year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (31%).
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
The brakes: 205 of the 668 complaints (31%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (32%), sets off warning lights on the dash (4%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (3%). The typical report comes at 70,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet S10 have?
10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 99I006000, covered 2,400,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet S10 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 80,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 70,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA99018 ("SPARE TIRE SEPARATION FROM VEHICLE"), was opened Jun 30, 1999 and closed Oct 20, 2000.
Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
The manufacturer filed 31 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (13), the transmission (4) and the body and frame (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.