1997 Chevrolet S10

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 469 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Chevrolet S10 years to avoid. Which Chevrolet S10 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
83,000 milesMedian miles at failure

109 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Chevrolet S10 problems

106 of the 469 complaints (23%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor60
211
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes60
1002
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer34
100
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags31
28014
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission27
200
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine12
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes11
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
100
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame9
001
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System · fuel system9
000

1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility problems

23% of all complaints

106 of the 469 complaints are about the visibility.

Share of the 106 visibility complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
90,000 mi
median of 29 reports
Peak year of filing
2002
20 visibility complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 1 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the visibility
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH in rainy weather with the windshield wipers activated. Suddenly and without warning, the wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and eventually the windshield wipers began to function after continuously turning the control mechanism forcefully.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 1, 2011 at 105,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s-10. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH in rainy weather condition when the windshield wipers began to fail intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they replaced the windshield wiper module to correct the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 22, 2010 at 60,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'961997: 36 complaints, 1 about the visibility1998: 53 complaints, 0 about the visibility'981999: 66 complaints, 7 about the visibility2000: 84 complaints, 17 about the visibility'002001: 44 complaints, 19 about the visibility2002: 42 complaints, 20 about the visibility'022003: 31 complaints, 7 about the visibility2004: 42 complaints, 15 about the visibility'042005: 19 complaints, 7 about the visibility2006: 13 complaints, 5 about the visibility'062007: 5 complaints, 1 about the visibility2008: 8 complaints, 2 about the visibility'082009: 7 complaints, 2 about the visibility2010: 5 complaints, 2 about the visibility'102011: 1 complaints, 1 about the visibility2012: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'122013: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2014: 4 complaints, 0 about the visibility'142015: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2016: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility'162017: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility'182019: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibilityRecall 97V096001 (seat belts)Recall 97V146001 (brakes)Recall 98V177000 (visibility)Recall 00V069200 (electrical system)Recall 00V159000 (brakes)Recall 03V159000 (visibility)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation RQ04002NHTSA investigation PE96061
All complaintsAbout the visibilityRecall (red: the visibility)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1997 S10 peaked in 2000, with 84 filed that year. Owners had filed 1 complaints about the visibility before the first recall that covers it, 98V177000 in August 1998; 105 more have come in since. In 2019 owners filed 1 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer03V159000
Filed Apr 28, 20031,755,876 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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 › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V159000
Filed Jun 16, 2000306 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS. A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL-FIRED HEATER FILL PIPE GROUND STRAP CONTACTS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PIPE.

Risk. THIS COULD WEAR OFF THE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE BRAKE PIPE, LEADING TO PREMATURE CORROSION AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY. WHEN BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY IS LOST, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE GROUND STRAP ATTACHMENT, INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE IF NECESSARY.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery00V069200
Filed Mar 3, 2000576 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.

Risk. HEAT COULD BUILD UP WITHIN THE CHARGE PORT AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY WITH A REDESIGNED CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System98V177000
Filed Aug 4, 1998354 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE. RAPID FOGGING OF THE INTERIOR GLASS CAN OCCUR WITHIN TWO MINUTES AFTER THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IF (1) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BETWEEN 35 AND 76 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND (2) WATER HAS COLLECTED ON THE HEAT EXCHANGER DURING PREVIOUS OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.

Risk. IF RAPID FOGGING WERE TO OCCUR DURING DRIVING, IT COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISING THEM TO FOLLOW A "STOP AND WAIT" PROCEDURE TO HELP AVOID WINDOW FOGGING WHILE DRIVING.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V146001
Filed Sep 11, 1997146,167 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Seat Belts97V096001
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.

All 8 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 1997 S10.

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLYRecall query RQ04002Closed
Opened Feb 18, 2004Closed May 27, 2004seat belts

On february 18, 2004, odi opened this recall query (rq) based on two fatality reports involving my 1997 GM s-10 pickup trucks.each report alleged that the belted driver occupant was ejected in a multiple-rotation rollover crash.the my 1997 s/t series pickups use an energy-absorbing loop in the driver seat belt that allows the webbing to elongate up to 10 inches (to mitigate driver injury in frontal crashes).GM also used this energy-absorbing loop seat belt design in my1997 s/t series utility vehicles (chevrolet blazer, gmc jimmy and oldsmobile bravada).GM conducted a safety recall campaign …

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.

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE96061Closed
Opened Oct 25, 1996Closed Feb 28, 1997seat belts

On 9/9/96 NHTSA's new car assessment program (ncap) performed a 35 MPH barrier crash test with a 1997 chevrolet s10 extended cab pickup.the front passenger seat belt was completely cut during the test.

ABS BRAKING SYSTEMEngineering analysis EA94038Closed
Opened Oct 31, 1994Closed Feb 28, 2000brakes

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

Technical service bulletins

63 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 S10. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 21equipment 13electrical system 7transmission 6body and frame 5fuel system 3brakes 3visibility 2
02054Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2003visibility

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT - WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURES. *TT

861108Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 1998visibility

SUBJECT REGARDING HEATER COOLANT RESERVOIR LEAKING. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 22, 2019130,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE SPARE TIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE HOIST ASSEMBLY RETAINER HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 19, 201553,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN RAINY WEATHER, WHICH CAUSED A REDUCTION IN VISIBILITY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 14, 201590,000 milesUT

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE SPORADICALLY WHEN TURNED ON. SOME TIMES WHEN YOU TURN THEM ON, THEY WILL OPERATE NORMALLY AND OTHER TIMES THEY WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL. THE VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL WERE INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM CAN OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT. (REFERENCE GM RECALL 03023)

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 3, 2014145,000 milesID

WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO ENTER THE GARAGE, THE ENGINE ACCELERATES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. LETTING OFF OF THE BRAKES AND REAPPLYING THEM AND PUSHING HARDER HAS EASED THE ISSUE SOMEWHAT. IT DOES THIS VERY FREQUENTLY. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 6, 2014150,000 milesWI

OCCASIONALLY ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES AND COUNTING WHEN INITIALLY APPLYING THE BRAKE AT EITHER 45MPH OR 10 MPH MY 1997 CHEVY S10 VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT WHAT APPEARED TO BE FULL SPEED/THROTTLE. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO BRAKE EVEN HARDER, BUT THEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKES KICKED IN AND SEEMED TO REDUCE THE STOPPING FORCE BY NOT LETTING THE WHEELS LOCK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND ALSO STOPPED ACCELERATING. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 29, 2014187,000 milesMD

SEVERELY CORRODED BRAKE LINES, LINES BLEW. NEAR MISS ACCIDENT. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ACROSS MFRS. . WELL MAINTAINED CARS WITH SEVERELY CORRODED FUEL AND BRAKE LINES. I BET IT CAN BE TRACED TO A CHEAP SUPPLIER THAT SUPPLIED THE BIG 3 FOR A PERIOD OF YEARS. NO CORROSION RESISTANCE ON THE STEEL. CAN'T BLAME THIS ON NE WINTER SALT. MY OEM 1964 LOOKS BETTER THAN MY LATE MODEL VEHICLES. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 11, 2014220,000 milesLA

VEHICAL PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME I HIT HIM RUNNING 55 MPH MY SAFETY BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN SEVERE SEATBELT AND STERRING WHEEL DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND TERIBLE NECK PAIN AND BACK PAIN RESULTING FROM LACK OF AIR BAGNEGLECT

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 31, 2013MD

WIPERS DO NOT ALWAYS START OR STOP WHEN SWITCH IS TURNED ON/OFF. INTERMITTENT SETTING DOES NOT WORK, WIPERS WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AS IF TURNED ON AND NOT IN INTERMITTENT MODE. WIPER BLADE WILL STOP AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS ON WINDSHIELD. *TR

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Feb 23, 201385,000 milesMD

I HAVE READ OF A SAFTEY RECALL ON THIS VEHICAL WITH THE EXACT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME, I SHOULD HAVE HAD PLENTY OF DISTANCE TO STOP, IT'S ONLY A SMALL PICK UP, I KNOW FOR CERTIAN I HAVE A FULLY LOADED WORK TRUCK A FORD 3/4 TON ECONOLINE VAN AND I KNOW I COULD HAVE STOPPED THAT VEHICLE IN TIME. I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKES, THEY JUST WOULDNT DO ANYTHING , IN AN EMERGENCY THEY JUST DON'T CUT THE MUSTARD. I HAD EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, AND MY NEEK HAS BEEN NOT FEELING GOOD EVER SINCE. MY FATHER IN LAW GAVE THIS TRUCK TO MY WIFE HEN HE WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE, AND IT WAS TOLD TO ME HE HAD THE TRUCK INTO THE SHOP REPEATEDLY FOR THE SAME THING SINCE IT WAS NEW. SEEMS TO ME GM SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT AND THE BODY COLLISION, BEINGS THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT AND HAVENT DONE SQUAT, AND PAY FOR MY PAIN AND MEDICAL. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 9, 2012170,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS A MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Seats
Filed Apr 22, 2012136,753 milesFL

PASSENGER SEAT RECLINE HANDLE BROKE OFF WITH THE SEAT IN THE RECLINED POSITION. *TR

Visibility
Filed Sep 1, 2011105,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO FUNCTION AFTER CONTINUOUSLY TURNING THE CONTROL MECHANISM FORCEFULLY. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Dec 22, 201060,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITION WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) YET, THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Visibility
Filed Jun 10, 2010140,000 milesMN

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED ALL DIFFERENT SETTING BUT WIPER DID NOT WORK SO I PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY I CHECKED AND THEY HAD STARTED WORKING AGAIN. I FOUND A RECALL NOTICE (03V159000) WHILE RESEARCHING WHAT MIGHT CAUSE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, BUT WHEN I CONTACTED A DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY RECORD OF THE RECALL. I ALSO CONTACTED CHEVROLET (800 222-1020) ON JUNE 10TH 2010, BUT THEY ALSO TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL IN EFFECT? *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Apr 27, 201093,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE FLUID ABNORMALLY LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND THEN TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE BRAKES LINES WERE CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED AND THE BRAKES WERE BLED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V146001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 06/21/10 *BF UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 1, 201082,000 milesNY

THERE ARE 8 SAFETY RECALLS ON THE CHEVY S10.1997.THE COMPANYS STATE MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST OF THESE RECALLS.BUT MY VEHICLES HAS ALL OF THESE DEFECTS.AND IVE BEEN VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT YET DUE TO THESE ISSUES.IVE BEEN VERY LUCKY.BUT PEOPLES LUCK ALWAYS RUNS OUT.I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ITS BREAKING ME FINANCIALLY BY FIXING THIS ONE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 18, 2010110,000 milesCT

THE BRAKE LINE ON MY 1997 CHEVY S-10 BURST LEADING TO TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY ...LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT ... AN EMERGENCY REPAIR AT A NEARBY STATION COST ME $800 ... THEY REPLACED ONLY ONE SIDE OF BRAKING SYSTEM (THE SIDE THAT BURST) ... I TRIED TO CONTACT CHEVY TO GET THEM TO REPAIR THE OTHER SIDE (THAT WILL LIKELY BURST) AND THEY SAID "NO" - NOT COVERED. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Oct 21, 2009200,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING HOME HE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD. HE CONTINUED DRIVING, AND THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE FIGHTERS COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000. UPDATED 12/07/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED GM PLACED AN OVERSIZED 6 CYLINDER MOTOR IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/09/09

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 19, 2009126,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL # (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). HE WAS ADVISED THAT BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Aug 28, 200970,400 milesIA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP TRUCK. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V159000, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE EXISTING RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHEN IT WAS RAINING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED. THE CONTACT IS ALSO CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE FUEL PUMP ALSO FAILED AT 27,000 MILES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,400.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 20, 2009VA

ON THE 1997 CHEVY S-10 THE HEADLIGHT WIRING IS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH TO CARRY ENOUGH CURRENT TO THE HEADLIGHTS MAKING THEM DIM AND VERY POOR VISIBILITY. PLEASE RECALL AND FIX TO MAKE BETTER VISIBILITY. *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jun 19, 200930,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAILGATE STRAPS (CABLES) CONSTANTLY FAIL. THE CONTACT MADE THE REPAIRS AT LEAST THREE TIMES WITH PARTS PURCHASED FROM THE CHEVROLET DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 062909 *BF UPDATED 07/01/09.*JB

Visibility
Filed Apr 16, 200971,100 milesVI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP AND START AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE MOTOR IS RUNNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD WAIT UNTIL HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,100.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2009117,451 milesMN

A MONTH AGO MY VEHICLE HAD A DASH BOARD LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. IT IS THE AIR BAG LIGHT. DURING THIS PERIOD I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC, HE PLACED IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG AT A COST OF JUST UNDER $100. THE LIGHT HAS CONTINUED TO COME ON AND THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED TWICE DURING THIS TIME. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR RECALL NOTICES FOR THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS. I BELIEVE THIS COULD ESCALATE INTO AN ACCIDENT, AND I CERTAINLY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE MECHANICS OR THE DEALERSHIP FOR DAYS ON END WHILE THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. CHEVROLET SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE IN, GIVE ME A VEHICLE TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 2, 200815,000 milesAZ

I AM FILING THIS REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNER. OWNER NAME IS [XXX]. I AM A PRIVATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SERVICE PERSON, AND HAVE IDENTIFIED TWO SOFTWARE DEFECTS IN THE BATTERY PACK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USED IN THE 1997-1998 MODEL CHEVROLET S-10EV ELECTRIC TRUCK. THE VEHICLE NOTED IN THIS COMPLAINT HAD BEEN COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY A FIRE THAT BEGAN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS CHARGING IN THE CUSTOMER DRIVEWAY. I BELIEVE THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF ONE OF THE TWO KNOWN SOFTWARE PROGRAM DEFECTS. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS REGARDING THESE SUSPICIONS, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY AS TO WHETHER THEY HAVE INTEREST IN INVESTIGATING THE FIRE, AND IF THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM DEFECTS WILL BE RESOLVED. THIS IS THE FIRST OF THREE VEHICLE FIRES OCCURRING DURING CHARGING WITHIN A SIX MONTH PERIOD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 2, 200818,000 milesAZ

I AM FILING THIS REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNER. OWNER NAME IS [XXX]. I AM A PRIVATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SERVICE PERSON, AND HAVE IDENTIFIED TWO SOFTWARE DEFECTS IN THE BATTERY PACK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USED IN THE 1997-1998 MODEL CHEVROLET S-10EV ELECTRIC TRUCK. THE VEHICLE NOTED IN THIS COMPLAINT HAD BEEN COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY A FIRE THAT BEGAN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS CHARGING AT A PUBLIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION. I BELIEVE THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF ONE OF THE TWO KNOWN SOFTWARE PROGRAM DEFECTS. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS REGARDING THESE SUSPICIONS, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY AS TO WHETHER THEY HAVE INTEREST IN INVESTIGATING THE FIRE, AND IF THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM DEFECTS WILL BE RESOLVED. THIS IS THE SECOND OF THREE VEHICLE FIRES OCCURRING DURING CHARGING WITHIN A SIX MONTH PERIOD. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Tires
Filed Sep 28, 2008NY

TIRES FAILED NYS INSPECTION, BULGING SIDEWALL GOODYEAR VIVA 2 BOUGHT AT WALMART. *TR

Visibility
Filed Sep 2, 2008140,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 25, 200814,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT OFF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY FAILED TO RETURN TO THE CORRECT POSITION ON THE WINDSHIELD. SHORTLY AFTER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED AGAIN AND WOULD SPORADICALLY CHANGE SPEED. THE NEXT TIME THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE WIPERS, THEY WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,400. UPDATED 07/29/08. *LJ UPDATED 08/05/08

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 10, 200877,000 milesNY

THIS IS IN REGARDS TO A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP. IT'S A 4 CYLINDER, 2 WHEEL DRIVE. THE LEFT TAILGATE STRAP BROKE. THE STRAP IS CLEARLY RUSTED THROUGHOUT WHICH CAUSED IT TO SNAP. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS TYPE OF STRAP ON A GMC TRUCK. THIS IS NOT A PART FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON TO REPLACE SINCE IT REQUIRES SOME DISMANTLING OF THE TAILGATE. MY CHEVROLET DEALER GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $90 TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE. IT WOULD PROBABLY BE WISE TO REPLACE BOTH OF THEM. IS CHEVROLET AWARE OF THIS IN THEIR TRUCKS AND IF SO ARE THEY CURRENTLY LOOKING AT A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/PanelCrash
Filed Mar 28, 200842,000 milesRI

SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I CANNOT GET THE CORRECT FUEL AMOUNT TO SHOW ON THE GAUGE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WAITING FOR A RECALL WITH NO LUCK. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THE GAUGE SAYS I HAVE FUEL. ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH CAUSING DAMAGE. I WAS PLACED IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION MORE THAN ONCE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. CHEVROLET WANTS ME TO PAY $220.00 FOR PARTS AND ANOTHER $175.00 LABOR AND I CANNOT AFFORD THAT AMOUNT. *TR

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Mar 28, 2008145,000 milesRI

FLUID LEAKS FROM CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 23, 2007260,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THE WIPER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 260,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jul 19, 2007150,000 milesDC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jun 29, 2007139,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED IN MARCH OF 2003. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 148,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 11, 2007102,000 milesFL

CLEAR COAT ON PAINT COMING OFF. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 18, 200798,500 milesNY

BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED, CAR STARTED TO ROLL DOWN HILL, ONLY WAY TO STOP WAS TO ENGAGE THE PARKIG BRAKE. CAUSE WAS BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT. *NM

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 25, 200672,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE LOWERING THE TAILGATE, IT WAS NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE CABLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC. *AK

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 25, 2006167,171 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH HIGHBEAMS TURN ON, LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING FROM HIGHBEAM TO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. TO TEMPORARILY STOP THE PROBLEM WAS TO SWITCH FROM HIGHBEAM TO LOWBEAM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN LEAD TO FATAL ACCIDENTS!!! *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Jul 18, 200693,120 milesWV

WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DURING HEAVY DOWNPOUR. MANAGED TO NAVIGATE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF ROAD WITH SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. DISCOVERED ON YOUR WEB SITE THAT A PROBLEM WITH WIPER CONTROL BOARD WAS IDENTIFIED IN 1997 S10'S. GM STATES THAT MY VIN FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL CLASS (SVC. REQ. #1-420719550) THUS MY TRUCK WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A PART OF THE RECALL AND WAS NOT REPAIRED BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. GM REFUSES TO CONSIDER MY VEHICLE AS PART OF THE RECALL, I WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THIS CRITICAL REPAIR ON MY OWN. *NM

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments1 injured
Filed Jul 12, 200693,685 milesWV

TAILGATE CABLES FAILED DUE TO INTERNAL RUSTING. FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS STANDING ON THE TAILGATE, I SUFFERED SKIN ABRASIONS, BRUISES AND A SPRAINED ANKLE. TAILGATE SUFFERED SUPERFICIAL PAINT DAMAGE AND BOWING IN THE MIDDLE. PARTS MUST BE REPLACED, REPLACEMENT CABLES CANNOT BE OBTAINED WITHOUT ALSO PURCHASING AND INSTALLING NEW LATCH BRACKETS. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 7, 2006125,000 milesAZ

HIT BUMP AT BELOW 15 MPH WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION DURING RUSH HOUR AND SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. CIRCUMSTANCES WERE FORTUNATE IN THAT IT HAPPENED THE WAY IT DID BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HIGH SPEED TAILGATERS. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed May 12, 2006102,699 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT IS LOOSE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS DETERMINED WHILE REPLACING THE DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V200000, REGARDING THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 10, 2006134,000 milesIN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SOMETIMES STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAIN STORM. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL 03V159000, CONCERNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WASHER ONLINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 9, 2006109,198 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND DETERMINED THE NHTSA RECALL # 03V159000 CONCERNING THE VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER WAS EXPIRED.

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Apr 12, 200630,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LEFT TAILGATE CABLE FRACTURED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE TAILGATE HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 5/2/2006 - *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 4, 2006103,300 milesCA

I OWN A 1997 CHEVY S10 AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOP WORKING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE TO FIND OUT IF MY TRUCK FELL UNDER THE RECALL YOU HAVE ON YOUR SITE REGARDING THIS TRUCK AND THEY SAID NO. IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM REPORTED ON YOUR SITE BUT ACCORDING TO THEM ONLY A FEW OF THEIR VEHICLES HAD THIS PROBLEM AND MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM. I AM HAVING IT REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND THE DESCRIPTION THE DEALER GAVE ME AS TO WHAT FAILED IS WORD FOR WORD ON THE RECALL BUT THEY SAY IT IS DIFFERENT. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 23, 200680,000 milesNC

AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ON,#5 FUSE BLOWS CONTINUOUSLY IN FUSE BLOCK, RUNNING LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS DIM. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, DIAGNOSTICS RAN EVERYTHING OK ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP. *NM

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 11, 200639,000 milesKY

WHILE LOADING A VANITY BASE AND SINK INTO REAR OF 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 PICK UP, BOTH TAIL GATE CABLES SNAPPED IN HALF. MY SELF AND A FRIEND WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE BASE WITH OUT ANY DAMAGE TO BASE OR INJURY TO EITHER OF US. BOTH CABLES HAD RUSTED AND THE WEIGHT, APPROX. 150 POUNDS SNAPPED BOTH. GATE WILL CLOSE BUT HANGES WHEN OPENED. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jan 11, 200644,000 milesTX

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN MY CHEVROLET S-10 [XXX] ARE DEFECTIVE AND CHEVROLET REFUSES TO FIX THEM. THEY SAY NO ACTIVE RECALL IS IN EFFECT. DRIVING WITH NO WIPERS IS DANGEROUS AND CHEVROLET SAYS IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THEM. BEING A CHEVROLET OWNER FOR MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS MAKES ME THINK TWICE ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER ONE, IF THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Complaints 1-50 of 469, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20183000Routine
20171000Routine
20161000Routine
20070100Routine
20061100Routine
20050100Routine
200421310Routine
2003178411Fatalities reported
2002214323Fatalities reported
2001308560Above average
2000471983Fatalities reported
1999231520Above average
19986131190High concern
1997 — this page469883Fatalities reported
199666810111Fatalities reported
19959118131Fatalities reported
1994967871Fatalities reported
19932336110Above average
1992180681Fatalities reported
19911749102Fatalities reported
199029500Routine

Compare every S10 year →

1997 Chevrolet S10: questions buyers ask

Is the 1997 Chevrolet S10 a good car?

It is not among the S10 years to avoid. Owners filed 469 complaints, against about 271 for a typical S10 year. The most common complaint is about the visibility (23%).

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet S10?

The visibility: 106 of the 469 complaints (23%) are about it. The typical report comes at 90,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet S10 have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 03V159000, covered 1,755,876 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet S10 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 83,000 miles. For the visibility the midpoint is 90,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Chevrolet S10?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, RQ04002 ("DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY"), was opened Feb 18, 2004 and closed May 27, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Chevrolet S10?

The manufacturer filed 63 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (21), the electrical system (7) and the transmission (6). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

3 deaths 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.