2002 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 2002 Chevrolet S10 problems
The 2002 Chevrolet S10, a popular compact pickup truck, has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
These common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet S10 can be frustrating for owners, but many of these issues can be resolved with repairs or replacement parts. It is important for owners to stay vigilant and address these issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and maintain the longevity of their vehicles.
Is 2002 Chevy S10 a good truck?
This S10 has very comfortable front seats and rides very smooth in the city and highway. It absorbs bumps very well. Its an amazing value for the money compared to a new midsize pickup truck like the Chevy Colorado which cost close to $40,000.00 and $28,000.00 and up for a used midsize pickup truck.
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 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.
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.
How many miles can a Chevy 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 did a 2002 S10 cost new?
(Base) 4x2 Regular Cab 6 ft. box 108.3 in. WB
| MSRP | $13,961 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L I-4 |
| MPG | 22 city / 28 hwy |
What causes a Chevy S10 not to start?
Common issues include a dead or weak battery, corroded battery terminals, or a malfunctioning starter motor.
What is the firing order for a 2002 Chevy S10 2.2 engine?
2.2L Engines Firing order:1-3-4-2 Distributorless ignition system. Fig. 4.3L Engines Firing order: 1-6-5-4-3-2.
2002 Chevrolet S10 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Chevrolet S10.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2002 Chevrolet S10 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2002 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: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
- Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Negative 2002 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
Positive 2002 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my S10. I bought it used with about 94K and have been driving it to work 5 days a week for the past two years. I'm happy to say that I haven't had any major repairs, just standard things like brakes and front ball joints. I'm really satisfied with it and have even received many compliments. The 4.3L V6 is very powerful and the 4x4 is great in the snow. Thanks for letting me share!
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I've been the proud owner of a 2002 S10 LS extended cab 4wd since September 2004 when I purchased it used. It had 26k miles on it then, and now it has 98k. I've been servicing it regularly, and it has never given me any issues other than the usual ones like tires, brakes, and battery that you would expect with any vehicle. The check engine light has come on twice, but both times it was an easy fix - just needed to replace the thermostat to process the emissions better. Although I've considered purchasing a larger truck with more interior space, my S10 has never given me a reason to do so. I get offers to buy it all the time, but it's like a member of the family. We also own a 2011 Equinox, which we love, but when it's just my wife and me, we always take the S10.
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The S-10 Crew Cab LS 4WD is a great vehicle to drive and own. After owning a few full-size trucks with very poor mileage, I was looking for a smaller, more practical family vehicle that still had the capabilities of a truck. The S-10 Crew Cab was one of my top choices due to its great power and loaded features. I am able to get 16-17 MPG in town and 20-23 on the highway, making it a practical and efficient choice. I was able to purchase this slightly used lease return with only 10,000 miles on it, making it an awesome deal as well! With plenty of room for my family and the ability to haul things around, I plan on keeping this truck for a while. I even added a fiberglass topper to give it a sleek look, similar to a Tahoe!
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Congratulations on your new truck! It sounds like you did your research and found the perfect fit for your needs. The S10 Crew Cab offers plenty of room for passengers and hauling, and with the added custom topper, you have even more space. It's great that you were able to find a vehicle with towing power that won't break the bank at the gas pump. Enjoy your new ride and happy hauling!
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This truck has been an outstanding truck to drive. I have the ZR5 which has a very sporty look. It's performed great for me. So good that this is my first time ever writing a review. It's very economical, comfortable, stylish, and convenient. I highly recommend it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Chevrolet S10 problems:
2002 Chevrolet S10 Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Chevrolet S10? Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 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 ...
2000 Chevrolet S10 - truck wont start after fuel pump replacement
Mar 12, 2013 ... For future reference, I had this same problem when replacing the fuel pump on my 2002 s10 4.3L. ... Common 2000 Chevrolet S10 problems · Chevrolet ...
Q&A: 2002 Chevy S10 4.3 V6 Won't Start - Common Problems ...
Apr 4, 2010 ... Do not over look this, it's a very common problem. Try starting the vehicle while spraying carb cleaner in the throttle body. See if it likes ...
Chevy S10 Common Problems - 2nd Gen 1994-2004 - 1A Auto
Nov 24, 2020 ... Top Issues on the 2nd Generation Chevy S-10 (1994-2004) · 1. Faulty Heater Core · 2. Bad Intake Manifold Gaskets · 3. Distributor Problems · 4.
Other years of Chevrolet S10
Are you having problems with your 2002 Chevrolet S10?
Hayley Baumbach 2025-10-07
The build quality could be improved. The interior plastic seems to be of a lower quality and there are gaps between the seams that do not line up. If you bend down and look under where the pedals are, the wires are all sticking out. It would have been nice to have the recirculation option. Driving in traffic during the fire season in California was not a pleasant experience. The parking brake could use some improvement as it doesn't work unless you forcefully push it all the way down. The doors are heavy and have weak springs, which can be inconvenient at times. Unfortunately, the fuel pump went out at 36k and there were some issues with the suspension. Hopefully, Chevy can address these issues in the future. Thank you for your feedback and for considering Chevy as your car brand.
Buster Windler 2025-07-28
I've been the proud owner of the Crew Cab S-10 for almost two months now, and it has proven to be an excellent value for the money spent. With all the incentives, it was the best deal on the market for a truck that can comfortably seat a family of four and fit in my garage. Although there were a few things I didn't like about the truck, I was able to fix them shortly after buying it. I did, however, find the OEM 15
Simeon Herman 2025-07-15
Although I initially enjoyed my truck, I have unfortunately encountered a series of issues. These include the need to replace moldings, window and door seals, as well as loose control arm bolts. Additionally, I have experienced problems with the security system preventing the truck from starting, noisy rear shocks, clunking transmission, and issues with the 2wd/4wd electronic shifting. However, I am confident that these issues can be resolved with the right expertise and attention.
Dino Rosenbaum 2025-04-22
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I bought a truck from the original owner. Although I found out that the little motor is supposed to get 22 mpg, I'm only getting 14 right now with 63k on it. Other than the annoying secondary air Injector tripping the check engine light constantly, the lack of power, lack of fuel economy, and being on the third 3rd door handle (now an aluminum one from ebay), I'm still very pleased with the truck. I'm currently trying to figure out what's up with the gas mileage. Thanks for listening!
Andrew Nikolaus 2025-04-06
This 02 4.3L 2WD Base with Extended Cab has been well-maintained with regular oil changes, transmission and coolant flushes. Although I have put more money into this truck than I care to admit, I reflect on its continued performance with pride. Some items have been replaced, such as fuel injectors, thermostat, rear main seal, and radiator. The front caliper seized twice, so I had to install a new front brake system each time. I also did a 100K tune-up with new plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. The third door may not be very useful, and I had to replace the oil cooler line, but the truck still gets 24mpg and has lots of get-up-and-go when I need it. I hope this truck will last until 200K+ with all the effort I've put into it without any more costly repairs.