Gmc 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.

photo of Gmc S10 car production

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Gmc S10 model years

gmc s10 1995 photo
S10 1995
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gmc s10 1993 photo
S10 1993
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gmc s10 1991 photo
S10 1991
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Common Gmc S10 problems

Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here are some common problems with GMC S10 trucks based on complaints from owners:

  1. Coolant and Oil Leaks:
    • Owners of the GMC S10 have reported issues with coolant and oil leaks, particularly in the V6 version. Coolant leaks can occur at the intake, leading to coolant dripping behind the water pump area. This leakage can also cause coolant to seep into the engine oil, resulting in potential engine damage. Resealing the intake is often necessary to address this issue.
  2. Heater Core Problems:
    • Another common problem with the GMC S10 is related to the heater core. Symptoms of a faulty heater core include a lack of heat when the heater is turned on, indicating a potential blockage in the core. This blockage can be caused by sediment buildup in the coolant system. Resolving this issue may involve flushing the heater core or replacing it, which requires significant disassembly of the dashboard and heater box.
  3. Upper Control Arms:
    • Issues with the upper control arms have been reported by GMC S10 owners. If the control arm is severely rusted or corroded, replacement may be necessary to ensure safe and proper vehicle operation.
  4. Fuel Level Sensor:
    • The fuel level sensor, located in the fuel tank, can cause erratic fuel gauge readings and inaccurate fuel level indications. Replacing the fuel level sensor involves removing the fuel tank, which can be accessed by lowering the tank or removing the truck bed.
  5. MAP Sensor Malfunction:
    • The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor, responsible for reading pressure or vacuum in the intake manifold, can lead to various issues if malfunctioning. Symptoms of a faulty MAP sensor include poor fuel economy, rough engine performance, difficulty starting, and a check engine light. Replacing the MAP sensor is a relatively straightforward process involving disconnecting the sensor, removing it, and installing a new one.

These common problems with GMC S10 trucks highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of these vehicles.

Gmc S10

Percentage distribution of complaints by Gmc S10 years

We have researched Gmc problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Gmc S10 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Gmc S10 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Gmc S10 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Gmc S10 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Gmc S10 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Gmc S10 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Steering problems

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

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Gmc S10 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Gmc S10 vehicles.

List of Gmc S10 complaints

Gmc S10 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2007-07-11
  • VIN: 1GCCT19ZXSK
  • Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: GMC FAILED TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF 1995 CHEVROLET S10 PICK-UP OF RECALLS. UPON SEARCHING AND CONTACTING GMC DIRECTLY I FOUND THAT THEIR DATA BASE SHOWED TWO LISTINGS FOR S10 VEHICLES.. ONE IS LISTED AS AN S10, AND ONE AS A S-10. ONE SHOWED NO RECALLS OR CAMPAIGNS , AND THE OTHER SHOWED 7. THIS WAS DISCOVERED AFTER FINALLY GIVING THE REPRESENTATIVE AT GMC CAMPAIGN NUMBERS. EVEN THE GMC DEALERS DATA BASE AND RESOURCES SHOWED NO RECALLS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALLS DID NOT EFFECT THIS VEHICLE, BUT SEVERAL OF THE PROBLEMS WERE RELEVANT TO PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND GMC REFUSED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEMS. *AK
Gmc S10 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-06-26
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ENGAGED AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *TT *JB
Gmc S10 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-04-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
Gmc S10 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-08
  • Date Complaint: 2002-02-28
  • VIN: 1GKDT13W3S2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
  • Summary: BRAKE SHOES WEAR OUT PREMATURELY INSIDE SHOE, ON BOTH FRONT DISK BRAKES WORN DOWN BUT OUTSIDE SHOE SHOWS NO WEAR. ALSO BRAKE WARNING (WEAROUT) CLIP ON THE OUT SIDE, THEREFORE NO WARNING SINCE INSIDE SHOE WORE OUT FIRST, SHOES SHOULD WEAR EVENLY.
Gmc S10 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-23
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-06
  • VIN: 1GCDT19Z2RK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: SMELLED GAS AND NOTICED HAD A FUEL LEAK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. DEALER REMOVED THE SKID PLATE AND FOUND THE LEAK. REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND SENDING UNIT. LEFT THE SKID PLATE OFF. THE SKID PLATE UNDERNEATH WAS COLLECTING MOISTURE WHICH WAS CAUSING RUST TO BUILDUP. *AK
Gmc S10 1991
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-06-23
  • Date Complaint: 1999-09-15
  • VIN: 1GNDT13Z8M2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR CAUSING PEDAL TO BE REAPPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
Gmc S10 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-08
  • Date Complaint: 1996-11-08
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: VACCUM LEAK FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Recalls Gmc S10

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Gmc S10.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Gmc S10 1993
  • Report Received Date: 1993-06-21
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THE OUTBOARD REAR SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY WILL NOT RELEASE THE WEBBING FROM THE RETRACTED POSITION. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
  • Consequence: IF THE OUTBOARD REAR SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY WILL NOTRELEASE THE WEBBING FROM THE RETRACTED POSITION, SAFETY BELT USE FOR THE SEATOCCUPANT IS IMPOSSIBLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE ANY BELT THAT DOES NOT FREELY EXTEND FROM THE RETRACTED POSITION.
  • Model: Gmc S10 1991
  • Report Received Date: 1991-06-21
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE FUEL TANK SENDER SEAL OUT OF POSITION.
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, AN OUT OF POSTIONSEAL COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PRESCRIBED BY FMVSS 301.SPILLED FUEL COULD IGNITE NEAR AN IGNITION SOURCE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE SENDER SEALS.
  • Model: Gmc S10 1991
  • Report Received Date: 1990-06-04
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
  • Summary: USE OF IMPROPER PRIMER ON METAL SURFACES OF WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW OPENINGS COULD CAUSE LOW ADHESION TO THE METAL SURFACE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
  • Consequence: WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW GLASS WOULD NOT PREVENT THEEJECTION OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUSINJURIES AND FATALITIES.
  • Remedy: REMOVE AND REINSTALL GLASS USING PROPER PRIMER.

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