1997 Chevrolet S10 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Chevrolet S10, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility11722.0%
- Brakes10219.2%
- Airbags478.9%
- Fuel system468.7%
- Transmission427.9%
- Engine407.5%
- Driver assistance224.1%
- Body & structure203.8%
- Electrical203.8%
- Seat belts132.4%
- Suspension132.4%
- Interior & seats112.1%
- Powertrain (other)81.5%
- Other / unspecified71.3%
- Steering71.3%
- Tires & wheels71.3%
- Exterior lighting61.1%
- Heating & air conditioning30.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
FLUID LEAKS FROM CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR
AROUND THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, MY TRUCK STARTED SHIFTING INTO "SECOND" GEAR HARD AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TOWARD THE END OF A 200 MILE TRIP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NO LONGER HAS A "SECOND" GEAR. THE TRUCK HAD 48,023 MILES ON IT. I CANNOT DETERMINE FOR SURE IF THE OVERDRIVE FUNCTION IS WORKING, EITHER. WHILE FAILURE DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY, THE POTENTIAL WAS SIGNIFICANT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN USED FOR PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION, NOT COMMERCIAL PURPOSES OR HAULING HEAVY LOADS. REPAIRS WILL BE COSTLY. MY RESEARCH INDICATES REPEAT FAILURES FOR THIS TRANSMISSION. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM MY MOTHER AFTER MY FATHER PASSED AWAY.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
THE VEHICLE WAS LETTING OFF EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE VEHICLE, WHICH PUT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER TO SLEEP. THE DRIVER WAS AWAKENED BY A POLICE SIREN. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. THE BRAKES FAILED TO PERFORM AS DESIGNED WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE SUFFERED MUSCLE AND NERVE DAMAGE DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER-SIDE SEATBELT BECOMES UNLATCHED FROM THE RECEIVER AT RANDOM TIMES DURING DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW DOZEN TIMES.
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS WHEN HIS HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK *NM
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SEAT RECLINE HANDLE BROKE OFF WITH THE SEAT IN THE RECLINED POSITION. *TR
HOOD LATCH AND SAFETY CATCH FAILED ALLOWING HOOD TO BLOW BACK AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CARRIER AND PINION BEARINGS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WAS REPLACED.*JB
THE OIL IN THE DIFFERENTIAL BECAME TOO OLD WHICH CAUSED THE BEARINGS AND BEARING RING TO CHIP NOTE: THIS LETTER IS BEING ANSWERED BY ANAMARI ALONSO UNDER #10006063 FOLLOW-UP LETTER BY SAME CONSUMER,AAJ. GM INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM HAPPENED BECAUSE HE DID NOT PUT ENOUGH MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. DOOR SPEAKERS STOPPED WORKING. STILL DO NOT WORK. 2. BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING (FUSE KEEPS BLOWING). UNKNOWN CAUSE, POSSIBLY LIVING ON A ROUGH DIRT ROAD. STILL DO NOT WORK.
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. *AK *SC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, ENGINE STALLED, AND THERE WERE NO POWER BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. IT WAS AN A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK *NM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRES FAILED NYS INSPECTION, BULGING SIDEWALL GOODYEAR VIVA 2 BOUGHT AT WALMART. *TR
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH SPARE TIRE CABLE SNAPPED. AS A RESULT, TIRE WAS THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
I HAVE NOT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. I DO BELIEVE THEY ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .