RoadVitals

1989 Chevrolet S10

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
48
Latest Dec 12, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Aug 11, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 48 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet S10, most frequently naming the seat belts, tires & wheels and interior & seats categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Seat belts1019.2%
  • Tires & wheels611.5%
  • Interior & seats59.6%
  • Electrical47.7%
  • Engine47.7%
  • Fuel system47.7%
  • Body & structure47.7%
  • Brakes35.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94029ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Jul 29, 1994
Closed Jul 31, 1996

AN ALLEGED MALFUNCTION IN THE ATLERNATOR RESULTING IN ENGINE COMPARTMET FIRES.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EA92015ClosedEngineering Analysis

HIGH IDLE FLARE

Opened May 22, 1992
Closed May 28, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE92001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HIGH IDLE FLARE

Opened Jan 7, 1992
Closed May 22, 1992

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE91057ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURE

Opened Mar 6, 1991
Closed Jul 12, 1991

There is no summary currently available

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 48
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 12, 2004

I HAD A TIE FAILURE ON A GOODRICH P225/70-R14 M&S TIRE. THE SIDEWALL SPLIT ON THE TIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO EXAMINED IT AND SAID THAT THE SIDEWALL FAILURE WAS DUE TO SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT. WHEN THE OTHER TIRES WERE EXAMINED, ONE OF THEM WAS FOUND TO HAVE A SIDEWALL CRACK THAT HAD NOT YET GOTTEN ALL THE WAY THRU THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE THAT FAILED DID SO AT LOW SPEED SO THERE WAS NO WRECK, BUT A SIDEWALL FAILURE AT ROAD SPEED COULD HAVE LED TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10102758
Incident
Dec 9, 2004
Mileage
58,000 mi
Filed Jan 15, 2004

PAINT PEELING ON HOOD AND TOP. CONTACTED GM 5 YEARS AND 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WOULD BE DONE AS IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO WORK WITH ME!! CONTACTED AGAIN AFTER I READ ABOUT CLASS ACTION SUIT AND WAS TREATED WITH NO RESPECT!!! THE LADY I SPOKE WITH SAID GO AHEAD ANY SUE AND SEE WHERE IT GETS YOU. I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS DUE TO PAINT PEELS FLYING OFF MY HOOD AND HITTING THE WINDSHIED. VERY DISTRACTING TO SAY THE LEAST. P.S. I HAVE 234,000 MILES NOW ON THIS VEHICLE. SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD ADVERTISMENT FOR GM.

NHTSA ID
10071102
Incident
Aug 15, 1994
Mileage
78,500 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 3, 2003

STEERING WHEEL TURNED 180 WITHOUT WARNING AND LOCKED UP. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING COLUMN TURNED 180 DEGREES WITHOUT WARNING AND LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BOLTS WERE LOOSE. THE DEALER REINSTALLED THEM WITH THREAD LOCKERS. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10038522
Incident
May 9, 2003
Mileage
209,410 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 28, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH REAR PASSENGER FIRESTONE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONSUMER CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE BLOW OUT. *AK *PH *NLM

NHTSA ID
10026361
Incident
Jun 30, 2003
Mileage
20,000 mi
Body & structureSeat belts
Filed Mar 11, 2003

POSSIBLE DOOR LATCH/HANDLE AND SEAT BELT FAILURES. *TT *JB

NHTSA ID
10009045
Body & structureBrakesFuel system
Filed Jul 7, 2002

WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I ASKED A SALESMAN WHY THERE WAS RUST SHOWING ON THE UNDERNEATH OF THE NEW VEHICLE I WAS PURCHASING. HE COMMENTED THAT ALL THE NEW VEHICLES HAD THAT. I WALKED THE LINE AND FOUND THAT ALL THE IN CHEAPER VEHICLES HAD RUST BUT THE MORE EXPENSIVE VEHICLES DIN'T. THAT MADE ME WONDER IF CHEVROLET WAS MANUFACTURING SUBSTANDARD VEHICLES. MY EXPERIENCE SINCE HAS REINFORCED THAST IMPRESSION. BOTH NEW VEHICLE I BOUGHT HAD EXTENSIVE PAINT PROBLEMS. THE MAJOR FRAME COMPONENETS BEGAN TO RUST VIGOROUSLY. I APPPLIED RUST INHIBITORS TO NO AVAIL. NOW THE CALIPER AND BBRAKE COMPONENETS ON THE LEFT SIDE HAVE BEEN REPLACED/ THE BRAKELINE BURST WHILE IN A GAS STATION DUE TO RUST . WHEN I GOT TOTHE PARTS HOUSE I WAS GIVEN STORY AFTER STORY ABOUT S-10S BLOWING THEIR BRAKE LINES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. NOW I HAVE THE PROBLEM OF GAS SPRAYING ONTO THE GAS TANK AND FRAME FROM THE SAME PROBLEM, THE FUEL LINE IS RUSTED THRU. THE ENTIRE DR4IVERS SIDE OF THE TRUCK IS RUSTING DOWN AND 50% OF THE S-10 IN THIS AGE CLASS ARE IN SIMILAR SHAPE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BRFORE WE HAVE MORE DEATHS ON THE HIGHWAY. PUTTING A SPLASH GUARD ON THE REAR WHEEL 'S FENDER WOULD ELIMINATE MOST OF THE SPLASHED AAREA, WHICH I'VE BEEN TOLD IS BEING DONE ON NEWER VEHICLES. YOU HELP ON THIS MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *AK

NHTSA ID
763900
Incident
Jun 20, 2002
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 25, 2002

FRONT BUCKET SEAT LATCH DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE. LATCHES DOES NOT WORK AND WILL NOT HOLD.*AK

NHTSA ID
8006337
Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2001

STEERING WHEEL IS COMING LOOSE. *AK

NHTSA ID
886495
Incident
Apr 15, 2001

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

990730016A

POWER TRAIN

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT

GM161514

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

END GATE LATCH RATTLE (INSTALL REVISED STRIKER). *TW

GM561204

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

WATER LEAK AT THE A/C RECIRCULATION DOOR (INSTALL NEW HOOD HINGE SEAL). *TW

9310A343

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

FRONT DOOR SIDE GLASS BINDING/TRACK DISENGAGEMENT. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet S10 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018300—
2017100—
2016100—
2007010—
2006110—
2005010—
2004213046.8
20031784051.0
20022133259.6
20013085361.9
20004719364.5
19992315363.5
199861311363.9
19974698465.2
199666810466.4
19959118668.8
19949678566.9
19932336569.3
19921806569.5
19911749768.1
1990295463.7
1989Viewing485564.0
1988374160.3
1987275461.5
1986224364.3
1985113369.7
1984843—
1983743—
1982251—
1981100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.