1982 Chevrolet S10 problems

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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.

1982 Chevrolet S10

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Common 1982 Chevrolet S10 problems

The Chevrolet S10, produced from 1982 to 2004, was a popular compact pickup truck known for its versatility, reliability, and popularity. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common issues and problems that owners should be aware of, particularly for the 1982 base model.

One of the most prevalent problems with the 1982 Chevrolet S10 base model was rust and corrosion, especially in areas such as the rocker panels, wheel wells, and bed floor. This issue was common in models produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, and it could significantly weaken the vehicle's structural integrity, leading to safety concerns and the need for expensive repairs.

Brake system problems were also common with the base model S10, which could include issues with the brake pads, rotors, and calipers, leading to decreased stopping power, increased stopping distance, and noise or vibration when braking. In some cases, brake system problems could also lead to issues with the ABS system, such as warning lights on the dashboard.

Electrical problems were also a common issue with the base model S10, which could include issues with the alternator, starter, or battery, leading to the vehicle failing to start or stalling while driving. In some cases, electrical problems could also lead to issues with the fuel system or transmission.

Fuel system problems were another common issue with the base model S10, which could include issues with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors, leading to poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling. In some cases, fuel system problems could also lead to engine damage or failure.

Steering problems were also common with the base model S10, which could include issues with the power steering pump, steering gear, or tie rods, leading to difficulty controlling the vehicle and increased steering effort.

In conclusion, the 1982 Chevrolet S10 base model was prone to several common issues and problems, including rust and corrosion, brake system problems, electrical problems, fuel system problems, and steering problems. If you own a 1982 Chevrolet S10 base model, it is essential to stay on top of regular maintenance and promptly address any issues that arise to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

1982 Chevrolet S10 engine

What engine is in a 1982 Chevy S10?

2.8 L LR2

Engines

YearsEnginePower
19822.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 4800 rpm
1983–1984110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 4800 rpm
1985115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) at 4800 rpm
19862.8 L LL2 60° V6, TBI125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) at 4800 rpm

How many miles can a S10 last?

It can haul and tow whatever it is you need to haul and tow, and it's built to last, with drivers reporting an average lifespan of 250,000 miles.

How much is a Chevy S10 worth?

Prices for a used Chevrolet S-10 currently range from $2,880 to $13,500, with vehicle mileage ranging from 51,514 to 310,000. Find used Chevrolet S-10 inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

What is the rarest S10 ever made?

The Chevrolet S10 EV was the world's first fully electric pickup truck, but less than 500 were made and only 60 examples of this truck were ever sold.

What engine is in a 1982 Chevy S10?

2.8 L LR2

Engines

YearsEnginePower
19822.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 4800 rpm
1983–1984110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 4800 rpm
1985115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) at 4800 rpm
19862.8 L LL2 60° V6, TBI125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) at 4800 rpm

How many miles can a S10 last?

It can haul and tow whatever it is you need to haul and tow, and it's built to last, with drivers reporting an average lifespan of 250,000 miles.

What engines did the S10 have?

Engine choices for the Chevrolet compact pickup truck consisted of a 120-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine generating 180 horsepower. With the V-6 engine, the S-10 is offered with both two-wheel and four-wheel drivetrain systems.

Why did Chevy stop making s10s?

Chevrolet discontinued the S10 pickup truck in 2004. This was 22 years after its first launch in 1982. It was replaced largely for the same reason that a lot of modern vehicles are: fluctuating trends of the ever-changing automotive industry and changing consumer demands.

1982 Chevrolet S10 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet S10 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Chevrolet S10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Chevrolet S10 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Chevrolet S10.

1998-11-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-07-10
  • VIN: 1GCBS14B3C8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AFTER SOME NORMAL WEAR WITH BRACKETING FOR CLUTCH PEDAL SUPPORT THE PLASTIC SELF ADJUSTING MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY AND THE CLUTCH MAY SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGE AND PROPEL VEHICLE FORWARD OR BACK WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE WAS INADVERTANTLY PROPELED INTO INTERSECTIONS AGAINST THE SIGNALS. I REALIZE THIS IS AN OLD VEHICLE BUT I SUSPECT THAT GENERAL MOTORS KNEW OF THE HAZARDS INHERANT IN THIS SYSTEM AS IT WAS ONLY USED FOR ONE OR TWO YEARS AND THEN REPLACED WITH A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
1995-06-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-02
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER DRIVING HEARD LOUD NOISE VEHICLE LOCKED UP OH HIM, AS A RESULT THE CRANK WAS BROKEN (4 SPEED). TT

1982 Chevrolet S10 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1982 Chevrolet S10.

2008-08-11
  • Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
2006-05-24
  • Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
1985-04-29
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
  • Remedy: ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
1984-06-18
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT
  • Summary: REAR WHEELS MAY LOCK SUDDENLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION BETWEEN MAINSHAFT AND FIRST GEAR.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION FLUID WITH A BLENDED FLUID AND IN ADDITION, WILL UPDATE THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.
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