1986 Chevrolet S10 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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Common 1986 Chevrolet S10 problems
The Chevrolet S10, a popular compact pickup truck, has been known to have several common issues and problems, particularly in the base model and the LS model produced in 1986.
One of the most common issues with the base model S10 is rust and corrosion, particularly in areas such as the rocker panels, wheel wells, and bed floor. This can weaken the vehicle's structural integrity, leading to safety concerns and the need for costly repairs.
Another common issue with the base model S10 is brake system problems. This can include issues with the brake pads, rotors, and calipers, which can lead to decreased stopping power, increased stopping distance, and noise or vibration when braking. In some cases, brake system problems can also lead to issues with the ABS system, such as warning lights on the dashboard.
Electrical problems are also a common issue with the base model S10. This can include issues with the alternator, starter, or battery, which can lead to the vehicle failing to start or stalling while driving. In some cases, electrical problems can also lead to issues with the fuel system or transmission.
Fuel system problems are also a common issue with the base model S10. This can include issues with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors, which can lead to poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling. In some cases, fuel system problems can also lead to engine damage or failure.
Finally, steering problems are also a common issue with the base model S10. This can include issues with the power steering pump, steering gear, or tie rods, which can lead to difficulty controlling the vehicle and increased steering effort.
The LS model of the Chevrolet S10, a mid-level trim that offered more features and options than the base model, still had some common issues and problems to watch out for. One of the most common issues with the LS model S10 was transmission problems. This could include issues with the automatic transmission slipping or failing, or the manual transmission having difficulty shifting or experiencing clutch problems. Transmission problems could be expensive to repair or replace, and could also lead to decreased fuel economy and performance.
Another common issue with the LS model S10 was cooling system problems. This could include issues with the radiator, water pump, or thermostat, which could lead to overheating and engine damage. In some cases, cooling system problems could also be caused by a leak in the system, which could lead to low coolant levels and decreased performance.
Electrical problems were also a common issue with the LS model S10. This could include issues with the power windows, power locks, or other electrical accessories, which could be caused by a faulty switch or wiring issue. In some cases, electrical problems could also lead to issues with the engine or transmission control modules, which could cause the vehicle to run poorly or not start at all.
Suspension problems were also a common issue with the LS model S10. This could include issues with the shocks, struts, or other components of the suspension system, which could lead to a rough ride or difficulty controlling the vehicle. In some cases, suspension problems could also lead to tire wear and alignment issues.
Finally, fuel system problems were also a common issue with the LS model S10. This could include issues with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors, which could lead to poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling. In some cases, fuel system problems could also lead to engine damage or failure.
In summary, the Chevrolet S10 has been known to have several common issues and problems, particularly in the base model and the LS model produced in 1986. These issues include rust and corrosion, brake system problems, electrical problems, fuel system problems, and steering problems for the base model, and transmission problems, cooling system problems, electrical problems, suspension problems, and fuel system problems for the LS model. If you own a Chevrolet S10, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance and promptly address any issues that arise to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
What engine is in a 1986 S10?
2.8 L LL2
Engines
| Years | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 2.8 L LL2 60° V6, TBI | 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) at 4800 rpm |
| 1987–1993 | 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) at 4800 rpm | |
| 1988–1992 | 4.3 L LB4 90° V6, TBI | 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) at 4000 rpm |
| 1993 | 165 hp (123 kW; 167 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 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 the S10?
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.
1986 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet S10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Chevrolet S10
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet S10. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Chevrolet S10 vehicles.
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8CS18R6G8
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH EITHER STAY ON AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE BULBS OUT FOR THEM TO NOT LIGHT. ALSO ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH FLICKER WHENEVER YOU STOP OR EXCILLERATE. YOU PUSH IN THE LIGHTER YOU LOSE THE RADIO AND EVERYTHING ON THAT FUSE. HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE BEFORE BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SAHKE AND VIBRATES.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE CASING AND CAME THROUGH THE BED OF THE TRUCK AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE (DEFIANCE CENTENNIAL). NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE CASING AND CAME THROUGH THE BED OF THE TRUCK AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE (DEFIANCE CENTENNIAL). NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-21
- VIN: 1G8CT18R0G8
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING LINKAGE HAS VERY BAD SQUEAKING PROBLEM. I HAD BEEN INFORMED BY AN INDIVIDUAL THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 1986 S10 BLAZERS FOR THAT PARTICULAR PROBLEM. I JUST WANTED TO DO SOME RESEARCH TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY TRUTH TO IT. IT HAS BEEN SQUEAKING EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE ABOUT 10/21/99. IF YOU HAVE NO INFO, CAN YOU DIRECT ME WHERE I COULD CONTACT SOMEONE WHO MAY? THANK YOU.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD ON THREE OF THESE TIRES HAVE SHREDDED IN THE LAST 6 YRS( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/75R15 )
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT AT 55 MPHIN WHICH DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SNAPPED INTO TWO. NO INJURIES WAS REPORTED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTRACTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-06
- VIN: 1GCCS14R3G8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ADL LINK SAYS EVERYTHING IS OKAY, BUT WHEN I AM DRIVING THIS THING THE MIL BLINKS ON AND OFF SHUTTING ALL POWER OFF TO THE IGNITION, HEADLIGHTS, TURN& TAIL LGHTS, FUEL PUMP. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS STILL WORKING BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DECEASED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8CT18R2G8
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAVEN'T HAD AN ACTUAL ACCIDENT. MY SEATBELTS JUST WON'T RETRACT. I DON'T FEEL AT ALL SAFE!!
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 1GCBS14EOG2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK IS LEAKING FUEL DUE TO CORROSION.CONSUMER BELEIVED THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 74,000 MILES OF WEAR. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: UPON COMING TP STOP SIGN APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO 20 MPH BUT LOAD IN BOX OF TRUCK STARTED TO SHIFT. LET UP ON BRAKES. WHEN BRAKES WERE REAPPLIED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WENT INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED OVER TWICE. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BROKE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCBS14E6G8
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE NOT DESIGNED W/HEADREST, CAUSING NECK INJURY IN A HEAD ON COLLISION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVER BACK SEAT POPPING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE CLATTER IN NEW ENGINE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-30
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: RATTLING IN DASH.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-30
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: REAR SEAT ON DRIVER'S SIDE MAKES POPPING NOISE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-30
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S WINDOWS STREAKED.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-20
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT UPHOLSTERY CAME LOOSE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-27
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE KNOCKS.
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-30
- VIN: 1GCCS14R7G2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING WIPERS NOT TO OPERATE PROPERLY, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCCS14R7G2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: IN AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-04
- VIN: 1GCBS14E0G2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POOR PERFORMANCE ON THE BRAKE LINE. BRAKE LINE FAILURE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-22
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT AND REMAIN IN THAT POSITION AND WILL NOT RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCCT1KR1GZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, WHEN HIGH IDLE, OPEN THROTTLE POSITION, IMPACT 12:00, SPEED UNKNOWN, CAUSING DAMAGES TO GARAGE. TT
1986 Chevrolet S10 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet S10.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: TIRE AND WHEEL INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY BE INCORRECT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 120.
- Remedy: INSTALL CERTIFIED LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.
Other years of Chevrolet S10
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