2004 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 2004 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
- Brakes620.7%
- Body & structure310.3%
- Electrical310.3%
- Airbags310.3%
- Visibility310.3%
- Suspension26.9%
- Tires & wheels26.9%
- Steering26.9%
- Powertrain (other)13.4%
- Fuel system13.4%
- Engine13.4%
- Interior & seats13.4%
- Exterior lighting13.4%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SERVICE AIR BAGS IS STUCK ON ALSO THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WONT GO OFF.
EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER FAILED TO LATCH IN LOCKED POSITION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE COLLAPSED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABLES WERE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE LIFT GATE TO STRIKE THE BUMPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
I HAVE A 2004 S-10 PICKUP AND HAD A NEARMISS A PERSON WAS SITTING ON MY TAILGATE AND THE LEFT TAILGATE CABLE BROKE AND THE RIGHT ONE IS BULGING I BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE HOW DO I GET THESE CABLES CHANGED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE AND REINSERT THE FUSE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT THE EXACT FUSE WAS THAT WAS BEING REMOVED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHEN DRIVING AND HORN STARTS SOUNDING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARK AND WITHOUT KEYS. PROBLEM REPORTED TO GM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. GM DEALERSHIP WORKED ON THE VEHICLE AND SAID THAT IS WAS FIXED. PROBLEM HAS REAPPEARED. ALSO A LOT OF MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS **TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SERVICE AIR BAGS IS STUCK ON ALSO THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WONT GO OFF.
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUE TO BLINK OFF AND ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE PURCHASED 2/23/04 NEW 2004 S-10 CLUB CAB - IN FEB 05 WAS RETURNED DUE TO COOLANT LEAK - BOTH ENG. OIL COOLER HOSES REPLACED. ALSO FUEL GAUGE WAS ERRATIC THEY REPLACED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN TANK REPLACED MILEAGE 15777. AT THAT TIME THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NO REPAIR WAS MADE. MARCH 9, 2005 MOTOR HAD A TICKING NOISE - A LIFTER COLLAPSED AND REPLACED ALONG WITH THE INTAKE GASKET. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK - THEY FOUND THE REAR EXTENSION HOUSING LEAKING -THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REMOVED AND SEAL REPLACED. OCT 10, 2005 TRANSMISSION LEAK AND ENGINE NOISE UNDER ACCELERATION - REAR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SEAL REPLACED AND ENGINE PRESSURE CHECK. MARCH 30, 2006 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EXHAUST SYSTEM RATTLING - THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MILEAGE 34,997 JUNE 2007 TAIL LIGHT ON RIGHT NOT WORKING - WIRING ISSUES REPAIRED TWICE. NOVEMBER 2007 GRINDING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO 4WD BUT ONCE PUT BACK INTO 2WD OKAY. MARCH 2008 - 4WD MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ENGAGED AND ALSO MAKING CONTINUING NOISE WHEN IN 2WD - FOUND TO BE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. WIPER MOTOR GUIT - REPLACED. MILEAGE NOW 74,540 THIS IS WHERE I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. LOVE TRUCK SIZE AND COMFORT BUT TO MANY PROBLEMS. WILL PROBABLY GO WITH DIFFERENT BRAND NEXT PURCHASE BUT ONLY AFTER MUCH RESEARCH. FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSAXLE ISSUE AND FEEL MANUFACTURER. SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ONE. *TR
THE FRONT WINDOWS ON MY TRUCK WOULD COME OFF TRACK WHILE BEING ROLLED UP WHEN TRAVELING. I DRIVE A 2004 CHEVROLET S10 CREW CAB. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR AWHILE. EVERY TIME I TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET FOR REPAIRS THEY WOULD SAY IT WAS FIXED, BUT IT WASN'T. THEN THEY FOUND OUT FROM GM THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM IN A LOT OF THE SAME TRUCKS. SO GM TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO PUT SHIMS IN THE WINDOWS TO KEEP THEM ON TRACK. SINCE THIS HAS BEEN FIXED I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO CHEVROLET AGAIN FOR THE WINDOW MOTOR BURNING OUT FROM THE PRESSURE THE SHIMS WERE PUTTING ON THE MOTOR.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUE TO BLINK OFF AND ON.
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR FRONT SUSPENSION:WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. BUT DEALERSHIP HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR SIX MONTHS. WODS REPAIRS, EAST MAIN STREET, BROCTON, NY, 14716. SERVICE MANAGER EDWARD WOODS , 1718 792 4483.*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
VEHICLE PURCHASED 2/23/04 NEW 2004 S-10 CLUB CAB - IN FEB 05 WAS RETURNED DUE TO COOLANT LEAK - BOTH ENG. OIL COOLER HOSES REPLACED. ALSO FUEL GAUGE WAS ERRATIC THEY REPLACED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN TANK REPLACED MILEAGE 15777. AT THAT TIME THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NO REPAIR WAS MADE. MARCH 9, 2005 MOTOR HAD A TICKING NOISE - A LIFTER COLLAPSED AND REPLACED ALONG WITH THE INTAKE GASKET. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK - THEY FOUND THE REAR EXTENSION HOUSING LEAKING -THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REMOVED AND SEAL REPLACED. OCT 10, 2005 TRANSMISSION LEAK AND ENGINE NOISE UNDER ACCELERATION - REAR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SEAL REPLACED AND ENGINE PRESSURE CHECK. MARCH 30, 2006 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EXHAUST SYSTEM RATTLING - THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MILEAGE 34,997 JUNE 2007 TAIL LIGHT ON RIGHT NOT WORKING - WIRING ISSUES REPAIRED TWICE. NOVEMBER 2007 GRINDING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO 4WD BUT ONCE PUT BACK INTO 2WD OKAY. MARCH 2008 - 4WD MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ENGAGED AND ALSO MAKING CONTINUING NOISE WHEN IN 2WD - FOUND TO BE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. WIPER MOTOR GUIT - REPLACED. MILEAGE NOW 74,540 THIS IS WHERE I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. LOVE TRUCK SIZE AND COMFORT BUT TO MANY PROBLEMS. WILL PROBABLY GO WITH DIFFERENT BRAND NEXT PURCHASE BUT ONLY AFTER MUCH RESEARCH. FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSAXLE ISSUE AND FEEL MANUFACTURER. SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ONE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON A CLEAR, DRY DAY A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED. ALL THAT REMAINED WAS A REMNANT OF THE TIRE AND THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC, VALLEY TIRE, WHERE THE TIRES WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD FOUR GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS TIRES , SIZE P235/75R15. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE TIRE WAS UNDER INFLATED.*AK
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
THE SERVICE AIR BAGS IS STUCK ON ALSO THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WONT GO OFF.
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PINION WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEEMS TO BE BINDING IN DRIVETRAIN UPON ACCELERATION WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT FROM A STOP. DEALER (CARMAX) FOUND NOTHING DURRING TEST DRIVE OR ON RACK INSPECTION. I DID GET MY CONCERNS DOCUMENTED BUT NO RESOLUTION. 4000 MILES ON TRUCK.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FUEL TANK ON MY TRUCK HAS CRACKED WHERE THE INLET TUBE CONNECTS TO THE TANK , CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THERE IS A RECALL BY CHEVROLET FOR THE SAME CONDITION ON 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE WITH THE PLASTIC TANK. GENERAL MOTORS HAS DISCONTINUED THE TANK FOR REPLACEMENT AND WILL NOT VERIFY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TANK ALSO. THE TANK EMITS GAS FUMES OUT OF THE CRACKS DUE TO EGR PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE PURCHASED 2/23/04 NEW 2004 S-10 CLUB CAB - IN FEB 05 WAS RETURNED DUE TO COOLANT LEAK - BOTH ENG. OIL COOLER HOSES REPLACED. ALSO FUEL GAUGE WAS ERRATIC THEY REPLACED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN TANK REPLACED MILEAGE 15777. AT THAT TIME THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NO REPAIR WAS MADE. MARCH 9, 2005 MOTOR HAD A TICKING NOISE - A LIFTER COLLAPSED AND REPLACED ALONG WITH THE INTAKE GASKET. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK - THEY FOUND THE REAR EXTENSION HOUSING LEAKING -THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REMOVED AND SEAL REPLACED. OCT 10, 2005 TRANSMISSION LEAK AND ENGINE NOISE UNDER ACCELERATION - REAR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SEAL REPLACED AND ENGINE PRESSURE CHECK. MARCH 30, 2006 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EXHAUST SYSTEM RATTLING - THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MILEAGE 34,997 JUNE 2007 TAIL LIGHT ON RIGHT NOT WORKING - WIRING ISSUES REPAIRED TWICE. NOVEMBER 2007 GRINDING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO 4WD BUT ONCE PUT BACK INTO 2WD OKAY. MARCH 2008 - 4WD MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ENGAGED AND ALSO MAKING CONTINUING NOISE WHEN IN 2WD - FOUND TO BE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. WIPER MOTOR GUIT - REPLACED. MILEAGE NOW 74,540 THIS IS WHERE I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. LOVE TRUCK SIZE AND COMFORT BUT TO MANY PROBLEMS. WILL PROBABLY GO WITH DIFFERENT BRAND NEXT PURCHASE BUT ONLY AFTER MUCH RESEARCH. FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSAXLE ISSUE AND FEEL MANUFACTURER. SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ONE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 CHEVROLET S-10 CREW CAB TRUCK TAILGATE CABLES FAILED. THE CABLES EACH BROKE IN THE CENTER CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO DROP AGAINST THE REAR BUMPER. CONTACTED CHEVY ABOUT THEIR SPECIAL POLICY 06020 TO REPLACE THE KNOWN DEFECT, BUT IT ONLY COVERS 2000-2003. HOWEVER, 2004 USES THE SAME CABLES. I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE CABLES. *TR
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
VEHICLE PURCHASED 2/23/04 NEW 2004 S-10 CLUB CAB - IN FEB 05 WAS RETURNED DUE TO COOLANT LEAK - BOTH ENG. OIL COOLER HOSES REPLACED. ALSO FUEL GAUGE WAS ERRATIC THEY REPLACED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IN TANK REPLACED MILEAGE 15777. AT THAT TIME THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NO REPAIR WAS MADE. MARCH 9, 2005 MOTOR HAD A TICKING NOISE - A LIFTER COLLAPSED AND REPLACED ALONG WITH THE INTAKE GASKET. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK - THEY FOUND THE REAR EXTENSION HOUSING LEAKING -THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REMOVED AND SEAL REPLACED. OCT 10, 2005 TRANSMISSION LEAK AND ENGINE NOISE UNDER ACCELERATION - REAR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SEAL REPLACED AND ENGINE PRESSURE CHECK. MARCH 30, 2006 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND EXHAUST SYSTEM RATTLING - THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MILEAGE 34,997 JUNE 2007 TAIL LIGHT ON RIGHT NOT WORKING - WIRING ISSUES REPAIRED TWICE. NOVEMBER 2007 GRINDING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO 4WD BUT ONCE PUT BACK INTO 2WD OKAY. MARCH 2008 - 4WD MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ENGAGED AND ALSO MAKING CONTINUING NOISE WHEN IN 2WD - FOUND TO BE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. WIPER MOTOR GUIT - REPLACED. MILEAGE NOW 74,540 THIS IS WHERE I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE TRANSAXLE GOING OUT. LOVE TRUCK SIZE AND COMFORT BUT TO MANY PROBLEMS. WILL PROBABLY GO WITH DIFFERENT BRAND NEXT PURCHASE BUT ONLY AFTER MUCH RESEARCH. FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSAXLE ISSUE AND FEEL MANUFACTURER. SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ONE. *TR
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 .