MotorDeets

Chevrolet S10 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S10 from 1990 to 2018: 5,673 owner complaints and 50 recalls across 19 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (967), 1995 (911), 1996 (668). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2000).

Chevrolet S10
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Brakes (hydraulic)1742
Visibility (wipers, glass)919
Engine & cooling449
Body & structure434
Transmission & drivetrain394
Airbags373
Electrical300
Fuel system243

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199022922
1991617422
1992318022
1993323322
1994596722
1995591123
1996766823
1997646923
1998661322
1999023123
2000447123
2001130822
2002021422
2003117822
200412115
200601–
201601–
201701–
201803–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Chevrolet S10.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet S10?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (967), 1995 (911), 1996 (668).

How many recalls has the Chevrolet S10 had?

Across 1990–2018, NHTSA lists 50 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).