RoadVitals

1999 Chevrolet S10 Transmission Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the transmission system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Transmission reportsComplaints 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.
21
Latest Apr 17, 2010
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
9%
of 231 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1999 Chevrolet S10 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 21 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming transmission

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalTransmission
Filed Apr 17, 2010

THE REASON THERE IS SO MANY ACCIDENTS & DEATHS WITH CELL PHONE USE IS THE PHONE & AUTO MAKERS DON'T REALLY CARE. ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS HAVE THE CELL PHONE RECEIVE A SIGNAL FROM THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TO INTERRUPT OR STOP THE INCOMING/OUTGOING CELL PHONE SIGNAL AS SOON AS THE WHEELS ON THE CAR MOVE. WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AGAIN THE CELL PHONE SIGNAL RE-ACTIVATES. COME ON PEOPLE WITH THE ELECTRONIC WIZARDS WE HAVE TODAY THIS WOULD BE A SLAM DUNK.THE PHONE &CAR MAKERS MAY HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER DOLLAR OR 2,ON SAFETY BUT I THINK IT IS WORTH IT .THE "TEXTING AND TALKING VIOLATIONS WOULD DECREASE ALSO. I WILL BE SURPRISED IF THIS IS EVEN READ OR FORWARDED THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CARE. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT TODAY IS $$$ . PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG". *TR

NHTSA ID
10326101
Incident
Apr 16, 2010
Mileage
61,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 27, 2007

I HAD A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COME ON, HAD IT SCANNED, IT WAS TROUBLE CODE P1870. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS...MY MECHANIC TOLD ME HAD TO REBUILD MY 4L60E TRANSMISSION AND/ OR TORQUE CONVERTER. INSTEAD WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER REGULATOR VALVE WITH A SONNAX TCC REGULATOR VALVE KIT. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS FROM 1999 AND BACK. *JB

NHTSA ID
10183631
Incident
Feb 20, 2007
EngineOther / unspecifiedTires & wheels+1 more
Filed Aug 15, 2006

FOR THE SECOND TIME MY 1999 CHEVY S-10 PICKUP HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP BECAUSE I HAVE LOST SECOND GEAR AND REVERSE. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR, THE FIRST TIME IT COST ME $1,600.00 TO REPLACE A $44.00 PART BECAUSE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE OVERHAULED. THE TRANSMISSION IN THE CHEVY IS MADE WITH INFERIOR PARTS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO HAVE ALL THE GEARS REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND A MOTOR. THE S1-S OF THIS ERA NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED AND THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE PROTECTED!! *NM

NHTSA ID
10165514
Incident
Aug 15, 2006
Mileage
78,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Apr 22, 2005

A CHECK ENGINE SOON SERVICE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD CAME ON. I HAD IT CHECKED AND FOUND OUT THE CODE WAS 1870, A TRANSMISSION CODE. I CALLED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND THEY ALL STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS GENERALLY THE ALUMINUM VALVE BODY HAS WORN AND NEEDS TO HAVE A STEEL SLEEVE REPAIR KIT INSTALLED. IT COST ME $265. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. JUST CALL ANY OF THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND SEE HOW MANY OF THE VALVE BODIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE 1999 CHEVY S-10. MINE IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10118280
Incident
Apr 20, 2005
Mileage
52,123 mi
ElectricalTransmission
Filed Jun 21, 2004

1. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK AT APROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR CONDITIONER ON, BUT NO RADIO THE TRUCK JUST DIED WHILE I WAS IN THE OUTER LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. NO NOISE, IT JUST LOST POWER AND DIED. I MANGED TO GET THE TRUCK INTO THE OTHER LANE AND OFF THE HIGHWAY AS IT SLOWED DOWN LUCKELY WITH OUT INJURY TO MYSELF, MY PASSANGER OR ANYONE ELSE ON THE HIGHWAY. 2. ON A TRUCK WITH NO MORE THEN 48,362 MILES I EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE TRANSMISSION PUMP EXPLODED WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. ALL PARTS ON THE TRUCK APPEAR TO BE IN NEW CONDITION EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICAL IS 5 YEARS OLD. SEVERAL OF THE ORIGINAL STICKERS FROM THE FACTORY ARE STILL VISABLE WITH NO SIGN OF WARE. I HAVE ALL MAINTAINCE RECORDS ON THE TRUCK AVAILABLE TO SHOW IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THE TRANSMISSION FLUED AND FILTER WHERE NOT SCHEDULED FOR MAINTAINCE UNTIL 50,000 MILES. 3. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE TRUCK AND I HAVE SAVED THE OLD PARTS FOR EXAMINATION. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE ORIGINAL PART WAS REORDERED BUT HAD BEEN CHANGED BY THE MANUFACTURE TO A NEW PART # DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE OLD. TRANSMISSION PARTS WHERE REPLACED WITH NEW GENERAL MOTORS PARTS. *AK

NHTSA ID
10078561
Incident
Jun 8, 2004
Mileage
48,362 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 24, 2004

THIS IS PATHETIC...I HAVE A 1999 CHEVY S-10 E-CAB 4CYL AUTOMATIC. PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE SOMETHING FIERCE. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT...I ONLY HAVE 3 GEARS AND CAN'T GO ABOVE 40MPH BEFORE I HAVE NOTHING. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 64000 MILES ON IT...AND OF COURSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I BOUGHT IS OUT...THANKS GM. SEEMS THIS IS ALL TO COMMON FROM ALL THE MECHANICS I'VE TALKED TO ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. NOW I'M LOOKING AT A MINIMUM OF $1200, AND THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE IT'S A FRIEND OF A FRIEND. HOW CAN THEY NOT MAKE A VEHICLE THESE DAYS THAT DOESN'T LAST 100,000 MILES? GUESS THEY FIGURED IT OUT IN JAPAN...HERE IN AMERICA THEY THINK ABOUT THE ALMIGHTY BOTTOM DOLLAR...NOT GIVING THE CUSUMER A GREAT CAR TO BUY...AT LEAST ONE THAT LASTS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10058832
Incident
Feb 23, 2004
Transmission
Filed Feb 23, 2004

GENERAL MOTORS TRANSMISSION FAILURE.4L60E TRANSMISSION STARTED HAVING TROUBLE BEFORE 50,000 MILES. IN THE SHOP NOW.*AK

NHTSA ID
10058752
Incident
Feb 19, 2004
Transmission
Filed Jan 13, 2004

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 45000 MILES ON IT AND ITS TRANSMISSION IS ALREADY BURNED OUT. IT WILL COST MIN. $1500 TO CORRECT. WE HAD ONLY PURCHASED IT 6 WEEKS BEFORE IT FAILED. THE WARRANTY WAS ALREADY OVER. GEARS STARTED TO SLIP, THEN CAR STOPPED DEAD ON MAIN ROAD.

NHTSA ID
10053027
Incident
Dec 1, 2003
Mileage
45,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Sep 8, 2003

I HAVE A 99 S-1O EXTREME I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW. IT ONLY HAS 43000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO FAIL. I HAVE STARTED GETTING A HUMMING NOISE OUT OF IT. I HAVE REPLACED THE FILTER AND FLUID, BUT IT STILL REMAINS. I WAS AT SOME MESSAGE BOARDS TONIGHT ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 4L60 TRANSMISSION THAT GM USES IN A GREAT DEAL OF THEIR VEHICLES AND THEY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THEM FIXED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10037410
Incident
Sep 7, 2003
Mileage
42,500 mi
ElectricalTransmission
Filed Jul 9, 2003
Fire reported

CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS JUST FLUSHED APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10026906
Incident
Jul 2, 2003
Mileage
60,000 mi
EngineTransmission
Filed Mar 18, 2003

THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. IT FELT AS IF THE GEAR WAS IN NEUTRAL, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT WATER AND TRANSMISSION FLUID CAME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION BREATHER WHICH CAUSED THE FLUID TO TURN PINK, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THE ENGINE STALLED ON OCCASIONS. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID
10009606
Transmission
Filed Jan 25, 2003

AFTER A PREVIOUS DAY OF UNEVENTFUL USE,I NOTICED ON THE MORNING OF 10/1/02,THAT AFTER STARTING, THE TRUCK WOULD ONLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND REVERSE.WHEN AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE,THE VEHICLE FROZE.THE TRUCK WAS THEN TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP,AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED.THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT AS WELL AS A TORQUE CONVERTER,WHICH WAS LITERALY TORN APART.THE TRANMISSION SPECIALIST ASKED ME HOW MANY MILES WERE ON MY TRUCK,AND WHEN I TOLD HIM, (ONLY 56,000) HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURED IN A VEHICLE WITH SUCH RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE.IN FACT AFTER EXAMINING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS MORE CLOSELY,HE CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURED AS A RESULT OF THE FAULTY WAY IN WHICH THESE PARTS WERE MACHINED.THE TOTAL COST FOR ALL OF THIS WAS AROUND $1,284.00.ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CONTACT GM,BUT THEY WERE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSABILITY.I UNDERSTOOD,AS I EXPLAINED TO THEIR SERVICE DEPT.THAT MY 36,000 MILE WARRENTY WAS UP,HOWEVER SINCE THIS FAILURE WAS AS A RESULT OF A FLAW IN MANUFACTURING,AND NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR I WAS WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO ASK GM TO ACCEPT RESPONSABILITY AND REIMBURSE MY EXPENSES(AT LEAST PARTLY).THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT'S FORM LETTER RESPONSE WAS "I"M SORRY WE CAN"T HELP YOU".MY REASON FOR WRITING ALL OF THIS IS IN THE HOPES THAT MORE ANGRY CONSUMERS LIKE ME WILL COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK AND CREATE A VOICE LOUD ENOUGH THAT GM WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO IGNORE.B.W.

NHTSA ID
10003407
Incident
Oct 1, 2002
Mileage
56,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jun 20, 2002

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED DESTRUCTION OF THE CLUTCH AND DANGEROUS LOSS OF DRIVE POWER DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF GRASS OR OTHER DEBRIS SUCKED INTO CLUTCH DURING ORDINARY AND CUSTOMARY USE. *TT THE CONSUMER HAS HE GRASS PACKED OLD CLUTCH IN HIS POSSESSION*NM

NHTSA ID
566208
Incident
May 8, 2002
Mileage
35,909 mi
Transmission
Filed May 20, 2002

VEHICLE STOPPED ON INTERSTATE RT. 81 NEAREST EXIT ALTMAR, NY. TRANSMISSION CEASED.*AK

NHTSA ID
762080
Incident
May 19, 2002
Transmission
Filed Jul 3, 2001

WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING (DISENGAGED AND LOST POWER). THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND FATALITIES. THIS HAPPENED ON A 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 70,000 MILES THAT HAD BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY.*AK

NHTSA ID
747717
Incident
Jul 1, 2001
Transmission
Filed Nov 24, 2000

PER DELARESHIP, REVERSE BAND IN TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND SPREAD FIBERS THROUGHOUT TRANSMISSION AND CONVERTER. TRNASMISSION MUST BE REBUILT AT COST OF $1,350. HIGH MILEAGE DUE TO DAILY COMMUTE OF 150 MILES. IT DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT THAT REVERSE GEAR OF TRANSMISSION SHOULD WEAR OUT AT 58,000 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ID
736840
Incident
Nov 13, 2000
Transmission
Filed Jul 25, 2000

TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CONSUMER HAS TO SHIFT THE GEARS BY HAND WHEN IT SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC. WHEN IN TRAFFIC AUTOMOBILE DOES NOT PICKUP. *AK

NHTSA ID
865978
Incident
Jul 22, 2000
BrakesPowertrain (other)Transmission
Filed Jun 20, 2000

SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP TO ZERO & THEN GO BACK TO 50. ALSO, BRAKE PEDAL WOULD PULSATE, AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON/TRANSMISSION STUCK IN ONE GEAR WHEN SHIFTING. TOOK TO DEALER & HAD PROBLEMS REPAIRED. ALL PROBLEMS WERE INTERMITTENT AND NOT READILY DUPLICATED. SINCE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEMS HAVE RETURNED.*AK

NHTSA ID
863892
Transmission
Filed Jan 19, 2000

VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO FRIST OR SECOND OR THIRD GEARS. ALSO VEHICLE GRINDS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID
855092
Body & structureTransmission
Filed Jul 25, 1999

1) ONE MORNING, I GOT TO WORK AND OPENED THE 3RD DOOR TO GET MY WORK RELATED ITEMS OUT. AFTER WORK WHEN I WAS GOING HOME, THE 3RD DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE HANDLE WOULD MOVE, BUT WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. HERTIAGE SAID THAT THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY AT THE FACTORY. ON 23 JULY, THIS PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED. 2) WHEN I HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. IT SOUNDS AS IF THE ENGINE IS BEING MAXED OUT. IT TAKES LONGER FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO "KICK IN". TO ME, IT DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID
709151
Incident
Jul 24, 1999
Body & structureElectricalSeat belts+2 more
Filed Mar 6, 1999

2/25/99 TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO SERRA CHEV IN JACKSON FOR CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT, SMELL OF BURNING ODOR, DRIVERS DOOR HARD TO SHUT, DRIVERS SEAT BELT LOCKS UP ON STRAIGHT AND LEVEL. 3/1/99 ENGINE QUIT WHILE DRIVING 35-40MPH. TOWED TO SERRA CHEVROLET. WIRE WAS FOUND BURNT AT TRANS AND DIST. 3/6/99 TRUCK AGAIN QUIT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 30 MPH IN 2ND GEAR. TIRES LOCKED UP AND TRUCK COASTED TO STOP. THIS IS A 4 LANE,55MPH HIGHWAY. WAS NEARLY HIT BY VEHICLE BEHIND. LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING STEERING. TRUCK IS AGAIN SITTING AT SERRA CHEVROLET HERE IN JACKSON. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING AND TWICE FOR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING, BEFORE IT CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
704107
Incident
Feb 25, 1999

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.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .