1985 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.

1985 Chevrolet S10

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Common 1985 Chevrolet S10 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Chevrolet S10 1985 model, several common problems have been identified:

  • Brake System Problems: Common brake system issues included problems with brake pads, rotors, and calipers, leading to decreased stopping power, increased stopping distance, and noise or vibration when braking. Addressing brake system problems promptly is essential for safety on the road.
  • Electrical Problems: The 1985 S10 faced common electrical issues like alternator, starter, or battery problems, which could result in the vehicle failing to start or stalling while driving. Timely diagnosis and repair of electrical issues are necessary to avoid further complications.
  • Fuel System Problems: Fuel system issues, such as fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injector problems, could lead to poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling. Neglecting fuel system problems could result in engine damage or failure, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and inspection.
  • Steering Problems: Steering issues, including power steering pump, steering gear, or tie rod problems, could lead to difficulty controlling the vehicle and increased steering effort. Proper maintenance and addressing steering problems promptly are crucial for safe driving and vehicle performance.

By understanding and addressing these common problems with the Chevrolet S10 1985 model, owners can ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, inspections, and timely repairs are key to mitigating these issues and maintaining the optimal performance of the vehicle.

1985 Chevrolet S10 engine

What engine came in a 1985 S-10?

2.8 L LL2

Engines

YearsEnginePower
19852.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel115 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
1988–19924.3 L LB4 90° V6, TBI160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) at 4000 rpm

How many miles can a S-10 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 is a Chevy S-10 worth?

Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Chevrolet S-10 Pickup? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $2,500 for a 1997 Chevrolet S10 extended cab Pickup on Jun 9 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Chevrolet S-10 Pickup? A: The average price of a Chevrolet S-10 Pickup is $12,841.

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.

What engine came in a 1985 S10?

2.8 L LL2

Engines

YearsEnginePower
19852.8 L LR2 60° V6, 2-barrel115 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
1988–19924.3 L LB4 90° V6, TBI160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) at 4000 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 engine 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.

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.

1985 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
  • Seat belts problems
  • Tires problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chevrolet S10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Chevrolet S10 complaints

The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chevrolet S10.

2012-07-06

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-07-06
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON CITY STREETS AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH, THE TIRE SEPARATED WHERE THE BELT MEETS THE SIDEWALL. APPROXIMATELY 1/5 OF THE BELT SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING SMALL CHUNKS TO FLY FREE AND A FLAP OF BELT TO PEEL LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT REDUCED SPEED UNDER HAZARD WARNING, WHERE THE TIRE WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED BY THE SPARE. *TR
1999-04-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-15
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
1998-09-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-18
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GCBS14BXF2
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
1998-04-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GCCS14B2F8
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LATCH IN MALE PORTION SYSTEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
1997-07-29

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GCCT1484F2
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKED WATER INTO CRANKCASE, CAUSING ENGINE TO GO BAR AT 4000 MILES.
1997-02-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
  • VIN: 168CS18B4F8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: REAR AXLE BROKE AND CAUSED TRUCK TO FLIP OVER.
1996-07-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-30
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: DRIVE SHAFT BROKE, CAUSING RIGHT REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DH
1996-01-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-08
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8CT18B5F0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: HAD AN ACCIDENT, DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTAIN. TT
1995-12-11

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8CS18B8F8
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD. REAR WHEELS LOCK UP EASILY IN WET WEATHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-12-11

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8CS18B8F8
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD. REAR WHEELS LOCK UP EASILY IN WET WEATHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-09-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: SPEEDOMETER FAILED.
1995-01-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • VIN: 1GCBS14B4F8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPPING.
1995-01-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • VIN: 1GCBS14B4F8
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CYLINDER HEADS CRACKED, CAUSING OIL LEAK. *SKD
1995-01-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • VIN: 1GCBS14B4F8
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CRANKSHAFT FAILED.
1995-01-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • VIN: 1GCBS14B4F8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: FAULTY CLUTCH.

1985 Chevrolet S10 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 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.
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