Chevrolet S utility problems
The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.
In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.
The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.
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Chevrolet S utility model years
Common Chevrolet S utility problems
Common problems reported by owners of Chevrolet S utility cars include engine piston and ring issues, transmission failures, and heater system problems. Engine problems with the pistons and rings are a prevalent complaint, often occurring around 75,000 miles. The rings can fail, necessitating replacement, which can cost around $3,000. In some cases, owners opt to replace the entire engine due to damage, which can cost nearly $5,000. Transmission failures are another frequent issue, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles. Components wear out quickly, and replacing the entire assembly can cost around $3,000. Heater system problems are also reported, usually around 100,000 miles, often caused by a failed blower motor actuator, which costs approximately $450 to replace.
These issues can significantly impact the performance and reliability of Chevrolet S utility cars, leading to costly repairs and potential safety concerns for owners. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these common problems are essential to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of these vehicles.
Why is my S10 heater not blowing hot air?
The most common reasons a Chevrolet S10 heater isn't working are a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor.
Why is my Chevy S10 having trouble starting?
Electrical System Failures
Common issues include a dead or weak battery, corroded battery terminals, or a malfunctioning starter motor. A damaged ignition switch or faulty wiring can also disrupt the electrical flow, preventing your vehicle from starting.
What is the recall on the 1998 Chevy S10?
Chevrolet S10 Recall: Battery Pack Overheats Risking Fire
IF THE TELLTALES ARE IGNORED AND THE AFFECTED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN, HEAT COULD BUILD UP AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Does a S10 have a 4L60E transmission?
Automatic variants were equipped with either a 4L60 transmission, or a 4L60E transmission (depending on the year). Both gearboxes were extremely capable, but time and mileage can take their toll, resulting in many Chevrolet S-10 transmission problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet S utility years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet S utility cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Chevrolet S utility model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet S utility model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet S utility years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet S utility car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet S utility , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Parking brake problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet S utility vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet S utility . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet S utility vehicles.
List of Chevrolet S utility complaints
Chevrolet S utility 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-20
- Date Complaint: 2007-03-23
- VIN: 1GNEC13Z62R
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE, AND THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO HOLD THE VEHICLE IN PLACE ON ANY TYPE OF INCLINE. THIS PROBLEM GOT PERSISTENTLY WORSE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH I RARELY USED THE BRAKE.*AK
Chevrolet S utility 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2006-01-28
- VIN: 1GNEK13T3YJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CAUSED ABS TO TRIGGER AT LOW SPEEDS. SOMETIMES, THE SUV WILL NOT STOP WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO UNLESS YOU ALMOST STAND ON THE BRAKE. REPAIR SHOP SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVROLET, AND WOULD JUST CONTINUE UNTIL A RECALL WAS MADE. WE NOW SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN SOME STATES, BUT NOT IN OUR STATE. WE NEED HELP. WE HAD THE SENSOR CLEANED, AND THAT WORKED FOR AWHILE, BUT CORROSION THEN BUILT UP AGAIN, AND WE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T SELL IT THIS WAY, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. WE PURCHASED THIS AT AN AUCTION, SO IT COULD HAVE COME FROM A SALT BELT STATE." WHAT CAN WE DO? *AK
Chevrolet S utility 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2005-10-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE A 2000 CHEV. TAHOE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE A LOOK AT IT AND THE REPAIR MAN SAID THE SENSOR IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY DUE TO ROAD SALT. I THEN READ IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT WI WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. HOW CAN GM LIMIT IT'S ANTILOCK BRAKE RECALL TO ONLY 14 STATES? A WI WINTER HAS LOTS OF SNOW AND ICE THUS ROAD SALT. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE. THANK YOU JOHN D. MEISTER. *NM
Chevrolet S utility 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-15
- VIN: 1GNEC13ZX2R
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 TAHOE. PURCHASED 9/04. 1 WEEK LATER ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP HAD 34000 MILES AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR AND CLAIM TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. SINCE THAT TIME HAVE NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION MISSES AT 40 MPH AND SLOW ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR NOT FULL POWER WHEN TRYING TO GET ONTO INTERSTATE ETC THAT A V8 ENGINE SHOULD HAVE. 9/05 TRIED TO DRIVE TO WORK AND GOT TO STOP LIGHT AND ENGINE WOULD ON REV AND NO POWER. HAD TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THEY ADVISED NEED NEW TRANSMISSION OR REBUILD EXISTING ONE. 50,000 MILES ON VEHICLE NOW, NEVER USED IT TO TOW ANYTHING ETC ONLY DRIVEN 16000 MILES SINCE PURCHASE. THIS COULD NOT BE ANYTHING WE HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM HAS TO BE MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR EXISTING PROBLEM WHEN PURCHASED AND NO HELP FROM DEALERSHIP AT THIS POINT. THEY WANT 2400.00 TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AGAIN. *NM
Chevrolet S utility 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-06
- VIN: 1GNEC13Z02R
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CLANGING (NOISE) IN FRONT END/STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THAT AT THIS THERE THERE ARE ALMOST 200,000 (STEERING SHAFTS) ON BACK ORDER ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WITH NO WAY OF KNOWING WHERE THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. *AK
Chevrolet S utility 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-07
- Date Complaint: 2004-06-30
- VIN: 1GNDT13W8Y2
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2000 CHEVROLET S-10 SUV 4 DOOR 4WD AUTOMATIC WITH HEAVY DUTY TOWING PACKAGE. UNUSUAL TIRE WEAR AT 50,000 MILES WITH PROPER ROTATION AND INFLETION. REPLACED TIRES AND WAS ADVISED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. DID NOT BELIEVE THIS. LATER TOOK AUTO TO ANOTHER SERVICE SHOP AND WAS ADVISED OF SAME ISSUE. WAS ALSO HEARING A POP SOUND WHEN TURNING WHEELS SHARPLY TO LEFT OR RIGHT AS IN WHEN TURNING INTO PARKING SPACE OR TURN FROM A STOP. REPLACED UPER AND LOWER BALL JPOINTS.*AK
Chevrolet S utility 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-10
- VIN: 2CMBJ13C2Y6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHEN PUT IN PARK CREATING A ROAD HAZARD