RoadVitals

1994 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.
967
Latest Apr 29, 2016
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.
8
Latest May 11, 2009
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.
129
52 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 967 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Chevrolet S10, most frequently naming the brakes, visibility and engine categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 19 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

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

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

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
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
07E021000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

Mar 12, 2007
742 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
DELPHIView on NHTSA.gov
99V193000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Jul 19, 1999
1,125,749 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 99041View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA99018ClosedEngineering Analysis

SPARE TIRE SEPARATION FROM VEHICLE

Opened Jun 30, 1999
Closed Oct 20, 2000
EQUIPMENT
PE99004ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SEPARATION OF SPARE TIRE FROM VEHICLE

Opened Jan 15, 1999
Closed Jun 30, 1999

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

EQUIPMENT
PE96048ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

Opened Jul 19, 1996
Closed Nov 13, 1996

lower clamp of the steering linkage intershaft may separate fro steering gear shaft due to disengagement of clamp bolt and/or improper fit of the lower clamp with the steering shaft.

STEERINGLed to recall 96V195000
EA94038ClosedEngineering Analysis

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM

Opened Oct 31, 1994
Closed Feb 28, 2000

THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 99I006000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 967
Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 2016

HARD BRAKE PEDAL, VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET, BRAKING. ALL R/F BRAKING COMPONENTS CONTRIBUTED TO INCIDENT. POSSIBLY RECALL 991006000 WAS NEVER EXERCISED.

NHTSA ID
10862226
Incident
Apr 25, 2016
Mileage
118,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2012

1994 CHEVROLET S10 BLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE DAMAGE DONE BY TOW COMPANY. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE ADVISED THE TOW COMPANY, THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF AT THE REPAIR SHOP, TO INFORM THEM NOT TO TURN ON THE ENGINE BEFORE DRAINING OFF SOME OF THE OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TOW COMPANY DID NOT COMPLY WITH HER REQUEST, AND THEREFORE, WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON, IT DESTROYED THE PISTON RODS.

NHTSA ID
10450996
Incident
Sep 25, 2011
Visibility
Filed Jun 22, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 162,000.

NHTSA ID
10408484
Incident
Sep 1, 2010
Mileage
162,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 3, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BLOW THE FUSES TO THE MAIN IGNITION POWER SOURCE OF THE COIL. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BY INSTALLING A PLASTIC PIPE IN THE ENGINE. HE CALLED THE DEALER BACK, AND THEY LAUGHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ID
10257314
Incident
Jun 3, 2007
Mileage
104,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jun 13, 2007

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED MANY TIMES TO START OR STOP. I HAVE HAD TO SOLDER AGAIN THE MAIN BOARD A NUMBER OF TIMES. GM SAID IT WAS NOT ONE OF THE RECALL UNITS YET IT HAS THE SAME SYMTOMS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10193128
Incident
Jun 12, 2007
Mileage
80,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 31, 2005

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE (SECOND OWNER) I NOTICED A GLITCH IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, NOTABLY A SUDDEN CEASE IN OPERATION, WHETHER OR NOT THE INTERMITTENT SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. THIS OCCURRED USUALLY AFTER 20 OR MORE MINUTES OF DRIVING, WHICH RESULTS IN SOME FAIRLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE OPERATION IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. *NM

NHTSA ID
10146634
Incident
Oct 20, 2005
Mileage
120,000 mi
Filed Sep 29, 2005

DT: THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE VERY END OF THE CABLE RUSTED . THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 8, 2005. HEARD A NOISE FROM UNDER THE TRUCK AND REALIZED THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID
10136349
Incident
Aug 8, 2005
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2005

DAD: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SAA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING IT TO CUT A HOLE IN THE WIRING THAT LED TO THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THIS WAS THAT IT KILLED THE ENGINE, AND LED TO NOT HAVING POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN DISCUSSING THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER'S CONCERN WAS WITH THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE TELEPHONE NUMBER SO HE COULD CONTACT THEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
10137197
Incident
Sep 10, 2005
Mileage
86,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

990730016A

POWER TRAIN

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

240699

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

SUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT

776001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION CONCERNING ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE OR TAP NOISE BEFORE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE (REPLACE PISTON AND/OR ROD ASSEMBLIES). AK

776001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KNOCK, RATTLE OR TAP NOISE FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE KNOCK, RATTLE OR TAP NOISE FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT RATURE (REPLACE PISTON AND/OR ROD ASSEMBLIES). *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
1994Viewing9678566.9
19932336569.3
19921806569.5
19911749768.1
1990295463.7
1989485564.0
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.