2002 Chevrolet S10

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 214 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 3 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
49,000 milesMedian miles at failure

138 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Chevrolet S10 problems

67 of the 214 complaints (31%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame39
005
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · door locks and latches10
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission8
101
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes6
100
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · door locks and latches6
001
Electrical System6
011
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags6
603
Unknown or Other5
000
Suspension5
000

3 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.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed Sep 7, 2026NY

The seat position on this vehicle + all other vehicle my family have do not fit a adult w a 32 “ sitting hight 22 in shoulder hight @less than 160 lbs the seatbelt become deadly and airbag a peg vaggio 120 anchored to seat w a retro fit kit it is attached solid corrects seatbelt geometry leave me 15. “ from the wheel. Peddle extension are allready leaguel for short individual a high back anchor booster seat is a better idea for an operator to be driving a vehicle, and then an unattached booster cushion that they still have to put 2-3/4on top of each other pleat test for driving positions highback booster for small drivers you should make it a federal law for everyone safety I’ve already sent multiple other pictures and here comes more if it will allow me to not a state law you should make it a federal law for everyone’s safety and all points of the United States. End of story that if you’re under 5 foot nine for everyone safety especially if they’re under 170 pounds you could operate a vehicle in the booster seat behind the steering wheel. Any vehicle seating position is for a 5 foot nine occupant.

Engine
Filed May 3, 2024171,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Tires
Filed Mar 26, 2024TX

The contact owns a 2002 Chevy S10 equipped with Tornel Classic All Season Tires. Tire Size: 205/75 R15, and DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's friend noticed that the passenger's front tire had a large bubble. The contact stated that the bubble was the size of a football. The tire was recently purchased online from Walmart. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. VIN Unavailable.

EngineCrash
Filed Mar 21, 2024IL

Driving down highway 56mph went ro pass and the accelerate stayed wide open causing to go off road to shut off truck to be able to slow down and hopefully stop. Hit the gravel on shoulder to avoid collision with other cars spun out of control going in ditch

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 30, 20201,065,000 milesCA

TURNED ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING DOWNPOUR. CHECKED FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. FAULTY SOLDERS ON WIPER CONTROL BOARD. DANGEROUS SITUATION AS VISIBILITY WAS GREATLY IMPAIRED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING CRASH.

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 2020TN

CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET SERVICE -CHARGED 05CVZ BRAKES/ 88911428 STEER/SUP PARTS $219.24 LABOR $366.66/F JOINT KIT/STEERING IDLER ARM 88911297 PART: $97.99 LABOR: $366.66/ 19297307 F-(S)ARM PARTS: $42.89 LABOR: $331.30 ON SEPT 15, 2020, SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT IT WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS FOR HER PARTS TO ARRIVE AT CHUCK HUTTON PARTS DEPARTMENT. CUSTOMER CALLED ON SEPT 24, 2020. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED, SHE WAS STILL WAITING ON THE DELIVERY OF THE PARTS. CUSTOMER SPOKE WITH SERVICE CONSULTANT ON OCTOBER 1, 2020. CUSTOMER WAS ADVISED AGAIN BY SERVICE CONSULTANT THAT SHE IS STILL WAITING ON THE PARTS. HUNG UP PHONE AND CALLED CUSTOMER BACK WITHIN 5 MINUTES, AND SAID HER PARTS WAS HERE, HER VEHICLE WILL BE READY BY 4:30PM THE 1ST. I KNEW THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. SO, I WENT IN ON OCTOBER 2, 2020 BETWEEN 4:30PM-5:00PM. I PAID MY TICKET PRICE OF $1,912.81 WITH A CREDIT CARD. TWENTY MINUTES LATER, I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. MY VEHICLE IS STILL THERE. MY CREDIT CARD WAS BILLED THE TICKET PRICE. THIS IS A VERY BAD CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WITH CHUCK HUTTON SERVICE CONSULTANT (GREEDY COMMISSION) UPON INSPECTION FOUND BALL JOINTS WORN AND COMING APART/THE STEERING IDLER ARM WAS WORN AT THE JOINTS. THE STEERING PITMAN ARM WAS WORN AT THE JOINT. INSPECTED THE STEERING SYSTEM AND ADVISED. REPLACED THE STEERING PITMAN ARM AND LUBE CHASSIS. PRICE GOUGING ON LABOR $1190.40/ INVOICE #2551188 VEHICLE ENTERED SERVICE AREA ON SEPT 15, 2020. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED THE CUSTOMER, HER

Steering
Filed Dec 27, 2018190,000 milesCA

WHEN MY TRUCK RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY, MY STEERING LOCKED UP AND BRAK S FAILED.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 30, 2018SC

TRUCK OR VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 11, 2017NJ

AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND CAN'T GET PARTS

Tires
Filed Sep 19, 201666,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIGER PAW AWP II TIRES, SIZE: P205/75/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 201688,000 milesWI

2002 CHEV. S-10 EXT. CAB, V6 AUTO. 88,XXX MI. 9/10/16 SUNNY, DRY AM MID 70'S.SOUTHBOUND I 41 70MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. NO PRIOR INDICATION OF TROUBLE, NOT OVERHEATED, NO LEAKS. OTHER GAUGES WERE INDICATING NORMAL. I HAD ONLY DRIVEN 5MI. ON STATE HWY. PRIOR TO DRIVING 15MI. ON INTERSTATE WHEN ENGINE STOPPED, V6 VORTEC 4.3L. PREVIOUS SERVICE TO ENGINE INCLUDED WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT 1 WK. EARLIER BY DEALER. NOW ON SIDE OF ROAD VEHICLE WILL NOT START, TURNS OVER, DASH INDICATORS, BATT. STRONG. THIS VEHICLE HAS 88,000 ORIGINAL MILES, I AM SECOND OWNER, 2002 EXT. CAB S-10. TOWED TO LOCAL CHEV. DEALER AND THEY REPLACED MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) SENSOR, $477 PARTS AND LABOR,+ TAX, AND SUGGESTED REPLACING FUEL INJECTOR SYSTEM. I DECLINED INJECTOR REPLACEMENT. DROVE VEHICLE 5MI. ON STATE HWY. TOWARD HOME WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STOPPED, AS BEFORE. TOWED VEHICLE TO GMC DEALER WHO RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE ICM (IGNITION CONTROL MODULE) $375 PART, IT SHOULD ARRIVE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS, AND SAYS IT'S DEFINITELY NOT THE INJECTORS. JUST DOING MY FAIR SHARE TO BOOST THE ECONOMY. IT'S ALL JUST A MONEY GRAB ANYWAY. I FIGURE ANOTHER $500-$1000 AND IT MAY RUN AGAIN. SOLUTION : UNKOWN AS YET. INSTEAD OF CARFAX, WE NEED A PERMANENT LEMON LABEL ON DEALERSHIP DOORS/SHOW ROOM FLOOR INDICATING ANY CAR OR TRUCK HISTORY WITH 2 OR MORE RECALLS AND CONSTANT REPAIRS, MAYBE GM SHOULD HAVE FAILED (BANKRUPT). TOYOTA REALLY ISN'T TO GOOD EITHER. WHAT A CON GAME.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 24, 2016KY

2002 CHEVROLET S-10. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO OIL LEAKING ONTO THE MANIFOLD. *LD

Air Bags
Filed Feb 16, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG ON LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE AIR BAG WITH THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS PUSHED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Tires
Filed Aug 20, 2015VA

I BOUGHT A SET OF GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES AT WALMART. I HAVE LESS THAN 30K MILES ON THEM. I NOTICE THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS BE OUT OF BALANCE, EVEN WHEN I CARRY MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED. THE OTHER DAY, I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN AND THE TECH LOOKED AT ONE OF MY TIRES AND NOTICED A BULDGE ON THE SIDE OF ONE OF MY TIRES AND MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE BELTS SEPERATING AND BEING READY FOR A BLOW-OUT. I ASK IF WALMART WAS REPLACING THEM AND HE SAID NO. AFTER GETTING HOME I NOTICED TWO MORE TIRES WITH THAT SAME BULDGE ON THE SIDE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 201565,327 milesPA

FIRST INCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 2/15/2015, BRAKES PEDAL WENT CLOSE TO FLOOR WHEN TRYING TO STOP VEHICLE, DOWNSHIFTED TRANSMISSION TO HELP STOP VEHICLE. IT WAS DETERMINED RUST HAD CAUSED A HOLE TO DEVELOP IN BRAKE LINE COOLER BEHIND RADIATOR OF VEHICLE. SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. SECOND INCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 5/15/2015, BRAKES BECAME MUSHY LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. RUST CAUSED PIN HOLE LEAK IN BRAKE LINE AT REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER. THIRD INCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 7/26/2015 SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CAUSE YET UNDETERMINED

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 27, 2015100,000 milesTX

THE O-RINGS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM ARE FAILING AT THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AND LEAKAGE, WHILE DRIVING.

Wheels › Hub
Filed Jun 9, 201545,500 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,500. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 8, 201486,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 11/26/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD TWO GAS LEAKS. UPDATED 10/5/2015 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 201498,618 milesMI

BRAKES LOST POWER AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON US-24 IN MICHIGAN. MAIN BRAKE LINE SPRUNG LEAK TO REAR AXLE WAS ABLE TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SAFELY STOP. I HAVE NOT REMOVED LINE YET IF YOU WANT DIGITAL PICTURES MADE MICHIGAN MECHANIC CERTIFICATE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2014100,911 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION ISSUES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,911.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Jun 1, 2013MI

1999 CHEVROLET S10 DRIVEWORKS STEERING INNER TIE ROD END PART NO. DW-ES3380T. RIGHT AGAINST THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER ON MY 1999 S10.THIS COULD CAUSE BINDING IN THE STEERING. COULD CAUSE TRUCK TO CRASH. ECONOMY INNER TIE RODS ARE WRONG BUT PROFESSIONAL GRADE INNER TIE RODS ARE CORRECT. THIS IS A PROBLEM AT MANY PARTS STORES AND ONLINE PART STORES (ADVANCE AUTO, AUTO ZONE, ROCKAUTO, ETC.) I BELIEVE THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 14, 201389,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAR TAILGATE DOOR, THE DOOR FRACTURED BECAUSE THE HINGES AND THE CABLES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 89,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2012161,126 milesNJ

HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT A STARTUP. CODE WAS P0305. SEEN MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND MANY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM WITH CAR. CALIFORNIA RECALLED THIS MATTER AND THE REST OF THE STATES DID NOT. THANKS *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 17, 201289,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CABLE THAT HELD THE TIRE IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR HANDLE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS FOR THE SPARE TIRE CABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 201295,000 milesTX

SUNSHELL BLEW OUT ON TRANSMISSION. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 31, 201213,000 milesVA

AFTER I'D OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AND HAD ONLY ABOUT 13,000 MILES ON IT, IT BEGAN TO PULL HARD ON BRAKING. ONE OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZED AND RUINED THE FRONT ROTOR IN THE PROCESS. ALTHOUGH THE TRUCK WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY, BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE VEHICLE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. CHEVROLET REFUSED TO HONOR THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY OR ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS. THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE TRUCK SAT OUTSIDE. IT IS PARKED ON A PAVED STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. IT IS A TRUCK AND MOST TRUCKS IN MY EXPERIENCE "SIT OUTSIDE," SO I FOUND THIS EXPLANATION TOTALLY UNSATISFACTORY. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO "LIKE A ROCK!" I REPLACED BOTH FRONT ROTORS, BOTH FRONT CALIPERS (UPGRADED FROM OEM) AND OF COURSE THE BRAKE FLUID AT MY EXPENSE. AGAIN THIS YEAR, IN MAY 2012, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A FRONT CALIPER SEIZING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THE DEALER VERIFIED THE PROBLEM AND SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CALIPERS, PADS AND, IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LINES. THEY OFFERED TO DO THIS FOR A MERE $975 PLUS TAX AND $80 FOR NEW PADS. I WILL ONCE AGAIN REPLACE THE CALIPERS, PADS, FLUIDS AND THIS TIME THE BRAKE LINES WHICH I SUSPECT WERE THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM. WHEN I FLUSHED THE LINES TO REPLACE THE FLUID BACK IN 2006 AND AGAIN IN 2012 THERE WAS OBVIOUS CONTAMINATION IN THE LINES WHICH WHEN IT BUILDS UP IN THE CALIPER, IN MY OPINION, CAUSES IT TO SEIZE. I'VE OWNED A NUMBER OF VEHICLES MOST OF WHICH SAT OUTSIDE FOR YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENC

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 20, 2012100,000 milesCA

MYSELF AND TWO FRIENDS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH BAD GASONLINE CAPS AT APPROXIMATELY 10 YEARS OF VEHICLE LIFE. THE WEAR AND TEAR OVER 10 YEARS HAS DIMINISHED THE SEAL CAPACITY OF THE GASOLINE CAP. THE GASOLINE CAP DEFECT OR NORMAL WEAR/TEAR SEEMS TO RESULT IN EVAP CANNISTERS BECOMING SATURATED, WHICH RESULTS IN AN IDENTIFIED SMALL LEAK IN THE SYSTEM DURING SMOG CHECK IN CA. PERHAPS, THE COINCIDENCE OF GAS CAPS SEALS WORN AND EVAP CANNISTER NEEDING REPLACEMENT AT THE SAME TIME WITH A FEW PEOPLE IS STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT, BUT THE COST TO REPLACE A GAS CAP ~$30.00 AND EVAP CANNISTER ~$300.00 IS SIGNIFICANT. WHAT ADVISORIES OR IMPROVEMENTS MAY BE MADE IN THIS AREA? I RECOMMEND THREE SOLUTIONS: 1. REPLACEMENT GASOLINE CAP SCHEDULE BY MANUFACTURER; 2. NOTIFICATION TO CAR OWNER TO REGULARLY CHECK GASOLINE CAP SEALS AFTER 7 YEARS BY MANUFACTURER; AND/OR 3. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN OF GASOLINE CAPS TO LAST LONGER. *JS

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 201224,678 milesMI

FIRST INCIDENT OF THIRD DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. PLASTIC ASSEMBLY HANDLE SHATTERED DURING OPENING AND DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED. SECOND INCIDENT OF FAILURE WAS IN FEBRUARY 2012. SAME INFERIOR PLASTIC HANDLE ASSEMBLY CRACKED AND SHATTERED UPON ATTEMPING TO OPEN THIRD DOOR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 16, 2010150,000 milesCA

2002 CHEVY S10 LS CREW CAB THE DOOR STRIKERS CAVED INTO THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE.THIS HAPPENED WITH IN ONE DAY OF EACH OTHER. ON PHOTOGRAPHED INSPECTION THE STEEL HAD RIPPED IN THE SHAPE OF THE CLIP BEHIND THE DOOR STRIKERS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING FLAW IN DESIGN,I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW LAUNCHED A COMPLAINT WITH PHOTOS HE TOOK AS WELL. CHEVY SAID THE TRUCK WAS TO OLD, EVIDENTLY THE DOORS CAN FALL OFF YOUR TRUCK IN 8 YEARS AND CHEVY DOES NOT CARE. I HAD TO WELD THE STEEL MY SELF SINCE THE DOORS WOULD NOT SHUT. CHEVY WILL BE HIT WITH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT EVENTUALLY WHEN SOMEONE FALLS OUT OF THEIR CRAPPY TRUCK. UNLIKE TOYOTA WHO IS TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS CHEVY WILL JUST GIVE YOU THE MIDDLE FINGER. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY TRUCK UNLESS IT IS A 74 OR UNDER.SHAME ON CHEVY FOR SELLING SHOTTY CARS AND TRUCKS NO WONDER THEY WERE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. NOW MY DOOR LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WON'T LOCK THE PLASTIC SEAT HANDLE SNAPPED OFF AND THE VISORS ON BOTH SIDE THE PLASTIC MIRROR HINGES JUST CRUMBLED BAD PLASTIC I CAN LIVE WITH BUT DOOR STRIKERS FALLING INTO THE FRAME I JUST CAN'T CONDONE THAT. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT SINCE DAY ONE ,WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK. A REAL WASTE OF MONEY DIDN'T EVEN LAST 10 YEARS. CUSTOMER NO SERVICE AT CHEVY WAS A WASTE OF TIME AND FRUSTRATING. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS THE DOOR STRIKERS RIPPING OUT IS AN ISSUE OF BEING TO OLD IT IS A SAFETY

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 2, 2010MI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED BUT THEY WERE UNAWARE WHAT CAUSED IT CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,628.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 3, 201047,813 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER S-10. THE CONTACT STATED IN RAINY WEATHER, THE RAIN WATER WOULD LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT HER EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,813. UPDATED 07/06/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/19/10*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 30, 201052,634 milesPR

FRAME CRACK PASSENGER SIDE. 2002 S-10. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 23, 2010110,000 milesOH

BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON 2002 CHEVY S-10 CREW CAB. ONE BRAKE LINE BEGAN LEAKING. DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING TWO LINES. WHEN REPAIR WAS BEING COMPLETED A THIRD BRAKE LINE BEGAN TO LEAK. THE PARTS ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE FROM GM AND THE DEALER SAID IT COULD TAKE MONTHS TO GET.WAITING TO SEE IF A LOCAL SHOP CAN MANUFACTURE THE THIRD LINE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE LINES CORRODED DUE TO BRINE USED ON ROADS DURING WINTER. I SAW AN ARTICLE STATING THAT THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING OTHER GM TRUCKS BETWEEN 1999 AND 2003 FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM BUT THE S-10 IS NOT LISTED AS HAVING AN ISSUE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I CAUGHT IT EARLY BY SEEING A PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER MY TRUCK. THE BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. I DO NOT FEEL VERY CONFIDENT ABOUT THE REMAINING LINES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 19, 201025,000 milesMD

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT OBSERVED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THAT THE SPARE TIRE UNDER BODY ATTACHMENT WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Nov 12, 2009175,000 milesMI

2002 CHEVY S-10 CREW CAB REAR AXLE FAILURE FAILURE DUE TO WATER IN AXLE HOUSING DUE TO VENT PIPE BEING LOCATED BETWEEN CAB AND BED, OCCURRED ONCE, REAR AXLE LOCKED UP COMPLETE REBUILD OF REAR AXLE RELOCATION OF VENT PIPE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 19, 2009110,000 milesOH

DOOR HINGES WERE WELDED FROM FACTORY THE WELDS LOOKED POOR JUST SPOT WELDED. *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jun 8, 200949,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAILGATE CABLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE TAILGATE DRAGGED ONTO THE ROAD SURFACE DUE TO THE FAULTY CABLE. THE TAILGATE WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. SHE HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jan 31, 200951,437 milesMI

THIS IS THE THIRD VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE THAT I HAVE HAD TO HAVE A DOOR HINGE, BUSHINGS AND/OR HINGE PINS REPAIRED ON. 2004 CHEVROLET BLAZER FOUR DOOR (ODI NUMBER) 10255992. 2003 CHEVROLET BLAZER TWO DOOR (ODI NUMBER) 10256634. THE DOOR IS DROPPING CAUSING A PROBLEM TO EITHER OPEN OR CLOSE THE DOOR. DOOR STARTED CREAKING ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME A SAFETY PROBLEM TO CLOSE IT PROPERLY. IT WAS RUBBING ON THE LOCK STRIKE. DOOR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER THE OTHER TWO WERE FOUND TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE DOORS. I PRESUME THAT THE SAME REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THIS AS IT IS STILL IN THE DEALERS SHOP AS OF TODAY. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE IT WILL HAVE COST FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS PLUS TO REPAIR THESE DOORS AND MAKE THEM SAFE. IT IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM FOR GM AS IT HAS BEEN GOING ON IN VARIOUS MODELS SINCE THE 80'S. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 26, 200965,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE STRAPS FAILED AND WERE RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT NHTSA WOULD BE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THERE ARE RECALLS ON OTHER CHEVROLET VEHICLES, BUT NOT THE CONTACT'S MODEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 17, 2009NY

THE MECHANISM TO OPEN THE 3RD DOOR ON MY CHEVY S10 PICKUP HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. I HAVE STOPPED REPLACING IT, AS IT SEEMS FUTILE. THIS COULD PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE BACK IN THE BENCH SEAT AND THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE (OR BE RESCUED FROM THE SEAT), ESPECIALLY IF THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER OR INCAPACITATED. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Dec 22, 2008MD

TAILGATE OF S10 FLEW OFF BACK OF TRUCK. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 7, 200849,500 milesIN

I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY S10 EXT. CAB PICKUP TRUCK WITH A VORTEX 4.3 LITRE ENG. WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE BAKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY I NOTICED I HAD NO REVERSE GEAR, IT IS ALSO SLIPPING IN ALL OTHER GEARS. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER HAULED ANYTHING HEAVY AND ONLY HAS 49,500 MILES ON IT . I GOT DOWN TO THE STOP SIGN AND TRIED TO PROCEED AND THE FORWARD GEARS STARTED TO SLIP AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN ONCOMING CAR. I HAVE HEARD AND TALKED TO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE VEHICLES WITH THE 4L60E/4O65E TRANSMISSIONS. I FEEL THESE COULD BE DANGEROUS. THEY SEEM TO ALL HAVE THE SAME SUN SHELL AND SUN GEAR PROBLEMS. I FEEL GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD RE-CALL THEM. *TR

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Oct 27, 200832,500 milesVA

THERE WAS NO INDICATION THE SPARE TIRE WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 60MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD THUD AND THE TRUCK SHOOK. I LOOKED BEHIND ME TO SEE MY SPARE TIRE SLIDING DOWN THE ROADWAY, ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BEHIND ME. IT ALSO PUT A DENT AND REMOVED SOME PAINT FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BUMPER. THIS OCCURRED AT 32,000 MILES ON TRUCK. I WENT BACK AND RETRIEVED THE SPARE AND THREW IT INTO THE BED OF THE TRUCK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE DROP DOWN CABLE UNDER THE BED HAD CORRODED AND SNAPPED LESS THAN AN INCH FROM THE END, DROPPING THE TIRE AND LEAVING NOTHING BUT THE FRAYED CABLE BEHIND. THIS IS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THAT PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Structure
Filed Sep 29, 200820,000 milesMI

TAIL GATE CABLES ON 2 YEAR OLD S-10 TRUCK FAILED. DEALER WOULD NOT COVER COST OF REPLACEMENT. TWO YEARS LATER COMPANY HAD A RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT AND DEALER STILL WOULD NOT REIMBURSE COST OF REPLACEMENT. CALLED GM AND FOLLOWED THEIR INSTRUCTIONS TO SEND IN RECEIPT FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT NEVER HEARD FROM THEM, CALLS NOT RETURNED. COMPANY AND DEALER WERE LONG ON TALK, VERY SHORT ON SERVICE. THIS IS ONE OF THREE SERIOUS S-10 DEFECTS, SO FAR. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Sep 17, 200880,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE FOLDED AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 10/16/08 *BF UPDATED 10/20/08. *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Sep 8, 2008HI

DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS ON 2002 CHEVROLET S10 TRUCK. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE DEFECTIVE. DURING THREE DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE LAST ACCIDENT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jul 23, 2008NY

I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF MY S-10 ZR2, THE 3RD DOOR HAS BEEN UNUSABLE WITH SUBSTANTIAL COSTS PUT INTO IT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS FIXED. IT WOULD BE NICE IF CHEVROLET WOULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES BECAUSE IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE SOMEONE RIDE IN THE THIRD SEAT. *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jul 17, 200855,000 milesOR

TAILGATE CABLE SNAPPED WHILE TAILGATE WAS DOWN. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALS CORROSION INSIDE THE CABLE. NO UNUSUAL WEIGHT WAS PLACED ON TAILGATE. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE WHICH WAS RECALLED IN THE SILVERADO LINE SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IN THE S-10 LINE. *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Jun 8, 200854,543 milesWV

TAILGATE HINGE AND CABLE ASSEMBLY RUSTED AND FAILED. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 13, 2008107,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S-10. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE PARK, NEUTRAL, AND DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE LIGHTS DIM. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS EMPTY EVEN WHEN IT IS FULL OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 214, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20183000Routine
20171000Routine
20161000Routine
20070100Routine
20061100Routine
20050100Routine
200421310Routine
2003178411Fatalities reported
2002 — this page214323Fatalities reported
2001308560Above average
2000471983Fatalities reported
1999231520Above average
19986131190High concern
1997469883Fatalities reported
199666810111Fatalities reported
19959118131Fatalities reported
1994967871Fatalities reported
19932336110Above average
1992180681Fatalities reported
19911749102Fatalities reported
199029500Routine

Compare every S10 year →

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.