1997 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 1997 Chevrolet S10 problems
The Chevrolet S10 is a popular compact pickup truck that was produced from 1982 to 2004. While the S10 is known for its reliability, there are some common issues that owners of the 1997 model may encounter.
One of the most common issues with the 1997 Chevrolet S10 is transmission problems. This was particularly true for models produced between 1994 and 1997. The transmission may experience intermittent starting, where the truck won't start after sitting for a while, or won't start at all. This issue can be caused by a faulty ignition switch, a worn-out ignition coil, or damaged spark plugs. In some cases, the transmission may also have issues with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors, which can lead to poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling.
Another common issue with the 1997 Chevrolet S10 is rust and corrosion, particularly in the base model. This was particularly true for models produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, but it can also affect later models. Rust can weaken the vehicle's structural integrity, leading to safety concerns and the need for costly repairs. Common areas for rust to form include the rocker panels, wheel wells, and bed floor.
Brake system problems are also a common issue with the 1997 Chevrolet S10, particularly in the base model. 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 common with the 1997 Chevrolet S10, particularly in the base model. 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 1997 Chevrolet S10, particularly in the base model. 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.
Steering problems are also a common issue with the 1997 Chevrolet S10, particularly in the base model. 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.
In conclusion, the 1997 Chevrolet S10 is prone to several common issues and problems, including transmission problems, rust and corrosion, brake system problems, electrical problems, fuel system problems, and steering problems. If you own a 1997 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.
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.
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.
Why does my Chevy S10 sputter?
The most common cause of engine sputtering are issues with the fuel system. These can range from bad fuel filters, fuel pump issues, or fuel injector issues. The other possible source of the problem would be due to poor ignition - think spark plugs or ignition coil problems.
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.
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 causes a Chevy S10 not to start?
Common issues include a dead or weak battery, corroded battery terminals, or a malfunctioning starter motor.
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.
What is S10 engine?
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.
1997 Chevrolet S10 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet S10.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1997 Chevrolet S10 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1997 Chevrolet S10.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Manufacturer: DELPHI
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
- Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS. A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL-FIRED HEATER FILL PIPE GROUND STRAP CONTACTS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PIPE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD WEAR OFF THE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE BRAKE PIPE, LEADING TO PREMATURE CORROSION AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY. WHEN BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY IS LOST, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE GROUND STRAP ATTACHMENT, INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE IF NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.
- Consequence: HEAT COULD BUILD UP WITHIN THE CHARGE PORT AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY WITH A REDESIGNED CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE. RAPID FOGGING OF THE INTERIOR GLASS CAN OCCUR WITHIN TWO MINUTES AFTER THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IF (1) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BETWEEN 35 AND 76 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND (2) WATER HAS COLLECTED ON THE HEAT EXCHANGER DURING PREVIOUS OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.
- Consequence: IF RAPID FOGGING WERE TO OCCUR DURING DRIVING, IT COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISING THEM TO FOLLOW A "STOP AND WAIT" PROCEDURE TO HELP AVOID WINDOW FOGGING WHILE DRIVING.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
- Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
- Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Negative 1997 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
Positive 1997 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
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I've been the proud owner of this truck since 2004, when I bought it with 120K miles on it. Since then, I've put about 50K miles on it and it has been a reliable companion. Recently, I've been using it for a 400 mile round trip each week and it has been a comfortable ride. I'm happy to report that I regularly get between 22 and 25 mpg on these long trips. Although I've had some trouble with the fuel gauge, which stopped giving an accurate reading about 10K miles ago, I've had no major problems with the truck. Simple maintenance can be a bit of a challenge due to the tightly packed-in components, but that's just me - I'm not mechanically inclined. Even installing a custom stereo was a bit of a pain, as the dash is hard to remove. Despite these minor issues, I must say that this truck has been a loyal companion and I'm grateful for its reliability. While I would love to get a new car, I can't help but appreciate how this truck just won't seem to die.
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This is a great little truck to drive. I'm glad to hear that you love it!
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Your truck may not be the best out there, but for the price I paid for it 5 years ago at $11,000, I have no regrets. My little S-10, stripped of any original extras, has been a true blessing. I have had no problems with it whatsoever, which is great because I am not mechanically inclined. Currently, it has 110,000 miles on it and the only real drawback is that the 4cyl does not have much power. However, I still manage to get above 25mpg! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
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S-10s are great little trucks, especially the 4.3 with a five-speed. They're very quick for compact trucks, nimble, and have good gas mileage. This particular truck has the ZQ8 suspension package and an SS motor. It has also been lowered and has performance shocks and tires to enhance its qualities.
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No mechanical trouble in 14 months of ownership, even though I just turned 151k miles. I just do regular maintenance and put a set of tires on her.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet S10 problems:
1997 Chevrolet S10 Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Chevrolet S10? Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Chevrolet S10.
Common s10 problems | S-10 Forum
Oct 12, 2005 ... Fuel pump/gas gauge. Coolant leakage or turning brown eventually turning to mud. Engine noise. AC compressors. Ignition switches. Not a lot of ...
1997 Chevrolet S10 - 1997 Chevy S10 Possible blown head gasket.
Dec 14, 2010 ... Since the radiator also needed replacing, had both things done. Truck continued to have intermittant heating issues, so I took it back. Now, the ...
Common 2.2 Problems | S-10 Forum
Apr 11, 2007 ... Common 2.2 Problems. Jump ... 97-front-clip-to-98-s-10-a-208724 ... 2002 chevy xtreme s10 4.3 5speed sold 1991 gmc syclone #1952 brothers whip SOLD
Q&A: 1997 Chevy S10 4.3 Vortec Specs, 2004 Problems, 1998 ...
Feb 10, 2010 ... I have three 1998 s10's with the 2.2l engine and one 1997 s10 also with the 2.2l engine. I have replaced the timing - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Chevrolet S10
Are you having problems with your 1997 Chevrolet S10?
Johann Brekke 2024-11-09
The reason I decided to purchase a GM product was because I had a $4K rebate on my GM card. I have been pleasantly surprised that I haven't had to pay for any repairs yet, only maintenance. However, there have been some issues such as the 3rd door sticking sometimes and some shaking, rattling, and rolling. Additionally, the 2.2L engine is not as powerful as I would like.
Candido Funk 2024-10-15
I purchased this truck with 135,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, I encountered some issues with the transmission and other parts shortly after. Despite replacing the gas line, brake line, and gas tank at 142,000 miles, I still need to address a few more issues such as the O2 sensor, fuel sensor, and shocks. While the gas mileage for a 4 cylinder isn't ideal, I am confident that with some additional maintenance, this truck will be running smoothly. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase and believe that it was a good investment.
Nash Bashirian 2024-08-12
This truck has been a great companion to me. Although I drive it frequently, it has had some mechanical issues. I had to replace the water pump and fan bracket, which is surprising considering it has only 69,000 original miles on it.
Giuseppe Cummings 2024-08-02
Although my father's 1993 Chevy Silverado is still running strong with over 100K miles, I have unfortunately experienced some issues with my vehicle. Despite having only 66K miles, I have had to spend almost $1500 in the past three months on repairs that should not have been necessary. However, I am confident in my decision to trade in my current vehicle for a foreign make that I believe will better suit my needs.
Fausto Hermann 2024-06-29
I'm glad to hear that your S10 has been a reliable vehicle for you! It's great that you've only had to replace a few parts and have been able to keep up with routine maintenance. Although the gas mileage isn't the best, it sounds like the truck is still enjoyable to drive and comfortable. It's impressive that even after 6 years and 50K miles, the truck still holds a decent value according to Edmunds. Overall, it seems like you made a smart purchase for $9000. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!