1990 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.

1990 Chevrolet S10

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Common 1990 Chevrolet S10 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Chevrolet S10 1990, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Instrument Panel Failure: One common problem reported by owners of the 1990 Chevrolet S10 is instrument panel failure. This issue involves the cluster module failing, leading to problems with the vehicle's instrument panel. When this occurs, owners may experience issues with gauges, warning lights, or other dashboard functions. The failure of the instrument panel can impact the driver's ability to monitor crucial information about the vehicle's performance and status.
  2. Electrical System Malfunctions: Owners have reported various electrical system malfunctions in the 1990 Chevrolet S10. These issues can manifest in different ways, such as problems with the vehicle's lights, power windows, or other electrical components. Electrical system malfunctions can be frustrating and may affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle. Addressing these problems promptly is essential to ensure the proper operation of the Chevrolet S10.
  3. Transmission Problems: Another common complaint among owners of the 1990 Chevrolet S10 is transmission issues. These problems can range from transmission slipping to complete transmission failure. Symptoms of transmission problems may include difficulty shifting gears, unusual noises, or leaking transmission fluid. Addressing transmission issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle's drivability.
  4. Engine Troubles: Engine problems have also been reported by owners of the 1990 Chevrolet S10. These issues can include engine stalling, rough idling, or decreased performance. Engine troubles can stem from various factors, such as fuel system issues, ignition problems, or worn-out components. Timely maintenance and addressing any signs of engine trouble are essential to keep the Chevrolet S10 running smoothly.
  5. Suspension and Steering Concerns: Some owners have experienced suspension and steering problems with the 1990 Chevrolet S10. These issues can manifest as unusual noises while driving, vibrations, or difficulty steering the vehicle. Suspension and steering problems can impact the vehicle's handling and overall driving experience. Proper diagnosis and repair of these issues are necessary to ensure the safety and performance of the Chevrolet S10.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1990 Chevrolet S10, drivers can take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles and address any issues promptly to ensure optimal performance and safety.

1990 Chevrolet S10 engine

What engine does a 1990 S10 have?

Used 1990 Chevrolet S-10 Regular Cab Base - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size2.5 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower94 hp @ 4,400 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 is a Chevy S10 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.

What engines do Chevy S10 have?

Engines

YearsEngineTorque
1996–2003 w/ 2WD4.3 L Vortec 4300 (L35) V-6, SCPI245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM
1996–2003 w/ 4WD250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM
2004 (Crew Cab 4WD only)245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM
1996–1999 w/ 2WD4.3 L Vortec 4300 (LF6) V-6, MPFI240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM

What engine does a 1990 S10 have?

Used 1990 Chevrolet S-10 Regular Cab Base - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size2.5 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower94 hp @ 4,400 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 do Chevy S10 have?

Engines

YearsEnginePower
1996–2003 w/ 4WD4.3 L Vortec 4300 (L35) V-6, SCPI190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) @ 4400 RPM
2004 (Crew Cab 4WD only)180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) @ 4400 RPM
1996–1999 w/ 2WD4.3 L Vortec 4300 (LF6) V-6, MPFI175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) @ 4400 RPM
1996–1999 w/ 4WD180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) @ 4400 RPM

What is the oldest Chevy S10?

The first-generation Chevrolet S-10 was introduced in the United States in late 1981 calendar year as a 1982 model. Its name was officially spelled as S-10, with a dash between the letter “S” and the number “10.” The vehicle was the first compact pickup truck developed and manufactured entirely by an American company.

1990 Chevrolet S10 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet S10.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1990 Chevrolet S10 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
1996-10-08
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
  • Summary: THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT LOOSENS AT THE STEERING SHAFT TO STEERING GEAR COUPLING. WITH THIS LOOSENESS, THE YOKE PINCH BOLT CAN WEAR ON THE SPLINES OF THE SHAFT UNTIL THERE IS NO LONGER AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPLINES AND THE BOLT.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE BODY TO CHASSIS MOVEMENT ALLOWING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE UPPER AND LOWER BOLTS TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
1993-01-14
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
  • Summary: THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.
  • Consequence: IF THE BLADE BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, APERSON WORKING UNDER THE HOOD OR IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCKAND INJURED BY THE BLADE SEGMENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED FAN ASSEMBLY.

Negative 1990 Chevrolet S10 car reviews

  1. Juwan Nicolas 2024-07-15

    Hey there! I'm glad to hear that you think it's cool!

  2. Valentin Gusikowski 2024-02-03

    Your truck sounds great! It has all the options I could want, including a digital instrument panel and the optional 4.3L V-6 and 4-speed automatic. You mentioned that it has all the power you need and can even outperform newer S10 pickups, which is impressive! It's great to hear that you've had minimal issues with it, only having to replace the fan belt. Thanks for sharing your experience with your truck!

Positive 1990 Chevrolet S10 car reviews

  1. Bill Cartwright 2024-05-03

    With little modification, my S-10 really goes and handles great. I wouldn't have bought anything else (except a newer one).

  2. Roger Hodkiewicz 2024-04-10

    Hey there! I just wanted to say that this truck is amazing! It's been with me for so long and I'm proud to say that it still runs like a charm with 367,000 miles on the original motor and transmission. The power is just great!

  3. Skylar Williamson 2024-03-06

    I've driven this truck through some of the toughest terrains and it has never let me down. It has beaten every Chevy, Dodge, and Ford full-size pickup I've come across. Even after being stolen and damaged, it still ran for a month. This truck is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful, and versatile vehicle for hauling and off-roading. The only downside is that the seats in the short cab may feel a bit awkward for someone taller than 5'8

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1990 Chevrolet S10 photo