1983 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.

1983 Chevrolet S10

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Common 1983 Chevrolet S10 problems

The 1983 Chevrolet S10 is known to have transmission problems that can significantly impact its performance. These issues often manifest as shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, a feeling of shakiness, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood.

One common problem is related to the transmission's shifting delays. This issue can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a malfunctioning transmission solenoid. The transmission solenoid is responsible for controlling the flow of transmission fluid, and if it fails, it can cause shifting delays or even prevent the vehicle from shifting gears altogether.

Another problem that affects the 1983 Chevrolet S10 is related to the transmission's jumping or grinding during acceleration. This issue can be caused by worn-out clutch plates, damaged transmission gears, or a malfunctioning torque converter. The torque converter is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the transmission, and if it fails, it can cause the vehicle to jump or grind during acceleration.

A feeling of shakiness while driving can also be caused by transmission problems. This issue can be caused by worn-out transmission bearings, damaged transmission gears, or a malfunctioning differential. The differential is responsible for distributing power to the wheels, and if it fails, it can cause the vehicle to shake or vibrate while driving.

Whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood can also be indicative of transmission problems. These issues can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out transmission gears, or a malfunctioning transmission cooler. The transmission cooler is responsible for cooling the transmission fluid, and if it fails, it can cause the fluid to overheat and produce a burning smell.

To prevent these problems, it is recommended to regularly check and exchange the transmission fluid in the 1983 Chevrolet S10. This should be done every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on how the vehicle is used. It is also important to avoid riding the brakes or towing heavy loads, as these can put additional strain on the transmission and cause damage.

In summary, the 1983 Chevrolet S10 is known to have several common transmission problems, including shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, a feeling of shakiness, and whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, damaged transmission gears, and malfunctioning torque converters, transmission solenoids, or differentials. To prevent these problems, it is recommended to regularly check and exchange the transmission fluid and avoid riding the brakes or towing heavy loads.

1983 Chevrolet S10 engine

What motor is in a 1983 S10?

POWER: The engine you wanted was the available 2.8-liter V6. Delivering 110 horsepower and a stout 145 pound-feet of torque at very low rpm, trucks so equipped had a payload rating of up to 1,625 pounds and could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

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 horsepower does a 1983 S10 have?

Engines

YearsEnginePower
1983–19842.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel110 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
1987–1993125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) at 4800 rpm

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 motor is in a 1983 S10?

POWER: The engine you wanted was the available 2.8-liter V6. Delivering 110 horsepower and a stout 145 pound-feet of torque at very low rpm, trucks so equipped had a payload rating of up to 1,625 pounds and could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

How much horsepower does a 1983 S10 have?

Engines

YearsEnginePower
1983–19842.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel110 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
1987–1993125 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.

1983 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
  • Tires problems
  • Wheels problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Chevrolet S10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Chevrolet S10 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Chevrolet S10.

2002-05-28

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-27
  • VIN: PLEASE PROV
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THERE ARE KNOTS AND TREAD SEPARATION ON TIRE. SIZE, DOT# UNKNOWN.*AK
1999-07-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-20
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH PEDAL HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, ONCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1998-11-02

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-02
  • VIN: 1GCDT14B9D8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC PAWL KIT; THE PLASTIC KEEP STRIPPING OUT, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE GEAR OR STOP. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM IS A RECALL, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. *AK
1997-08-20

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WHEEL STUDS ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL SHEARED, CAUSING WHEEL TO STRIKE ONCOMING VEHICLE.
1996-01-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GCBS14A2D2
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING THE CLUTCH MOVED OUT OF GEAR . TT
1995-12-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-15
  • VIN: 1GCCS14B6D8
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: REAR SEAT BELT FAILS TO SECURE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *SD
1995-01-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-07
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GCCT14B3D0
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FLAMES COMING FROM TACHOMETER MANUFACTURER OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. TT

1983 Chevrolet S10 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 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.
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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