10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,158 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #19

Nov 212003

S-10 Pickup 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, I notice white smoke in my rear view mirror. Checked all my gauges, which were all fine, and the vehicle was running like normal. I pulled over to the side of the road, and when I got the vehicle stopped, black smoke started entering the driver's compartment. I turned the vehicle off and got out. I opened the hood to find that my engine was on fire. As of this time, I do not know what caused it.

- Ashland, PA, USA

problem #18

Jun 262003

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Engine head gasket problem. Consumer will provide further information.

- Kenner, LA, USA

problem #17

Jan 082003

(reported on)

S-10 Pickup 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 60,000 miles
Right rear head gasket (passenger side) leaking coolant onto exhaust manifold. Started leaking at approximately 60,000 miles.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #16

Oct 192000

S-10 Pickup 4WD

  • miles
On May 23 2000 the vehical was brought in for an over heating problem. The radiator was diagnosned as the problem and replaced. Then on Oct 17 the vehicle was brought in for a heating problem. The problem was diagnosed as a blown head gasket. The gasket was replaced and the engine was flushed. The work was done per bulletin 99-06-012-012. I just discovered today that the engine has a rattling sound. It sounds like a bucket of bolts.

- Harbor City, CA, USA

problem #15

Aug 012000

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Vehicle stalls without prior notice.

- Barre, MA, USA

problem #14

Nov 121999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
The vehicle stalled due to defective bearings on the pully.

- Roosevelt, NJ, USA

problem #13

Feb 042000

(reported on)

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
They say my transmission is not one that seizes but it is locking up and bucking for some reason. I have to disengage, then speed up to get it to stop bucking. Any ideas? this has occurred since I bought it used w/limited warranty. I can't afford $65. Everytime I need an estimate (down time) and this might be related to the recall. How can they tell which ones (not just VIN) regarding special torque tool.. also, what is the life expectancy from manufacturer on the rear oxygen sensors? I had a cracked cylinder head two months after purchasing. They say it was a defect in the water-cooling system. It sucked all my coolant thru engine, blew out back. My sensor in rear was clogged...direct result...they say it couldn't have gotten past cat. Convertor, although blue was blowing out my tailpipe... they won't fix. I am just curious as to how I can keep from them blowing smoke up my skirt. Thanks, I'm single, female and they saw me coming.

- Hartland, MI, USA

problem #12

Jan 301999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Head gasket failed at 51300 mile on vehicle, causing cooling system of vehicle to drain. Repair cost is approximately $525. Failure seems unusual at this mileage.

- Exton, PA, USA

problem #11

Dec 291999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Coolent leak was on passenger side, rear of engine due to faulty head gasket. Was told by dealer that leak could go into an oil port and cause engine failure.

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #10

Nov 071999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
About 1 month ago I brought our 1996 Chevrolet S10 pick up in to roundtree Chevrolet for what I thought was an exhaust leak. It turns out that it needs a whole new engine. The mechanic said that a lot of 2.2 litre engines (as well as some big blocks)were doing the same thing because the factory made the pistons tapered which wears out the skirting. Theis problem seems clear cut enough (a factory defect), but as soon as roundtree saw that we had an extended warranty on the vehicle they immediately turned to the extended warranty company. They want our service records before they authorize roundtree to continue. Wal-mart supposedly keeps your oil change records so that you don't have to. Well, we took the truck there every 3000 miles, but they can't locate any! they have given roundtree a verbal confirmation, but apparently that's not good enough. We don't feel we should make payments when there is no end in sight, and we told G.M.a.C. that they could just keep it! now what do we do?

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #9

May 191999

S-10 Pickup

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Cylinder head gasket failed.

- Sand Lake, NY, USA

problem #8

Apr 141999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
The engine was leaking oil from the lines in front, near the radiator that is located over the steering lines. The rubber block used to hold the oil cooler lines in position slipped, allowing one line to contact the steering gear, causing a wear point. This allowed the oil to leak as engine ran. Vehicle set up for heavy duty hauling.

- Avon, IN, USA

problem #7

May 011999

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Timing chain noise conditions. Inspector from ge capital inspected the vehicle based on the extended warranty contract. Inspector indicated that oil change maintenance had not been maintained on vehicle and indicated oil was very black. Oil changes were done on this vehicle every 3,000 miles. Self-maintained vehicle for oil changes. Last oil change: 35,718. Oil used was western auto oil, 10W30 advan. Technical service bulletin 87-61-21A, April 1998, subj: Timing chain noise condition (replace timing chain). Condition: Vehicle may exhibit a clattering noise at idle speed originating from the timing chain and front cover area. Chain wear in excess of the maximum travel of the timing chain tensioner may create noise that may be objectional to some customers. Cause: Lack of regular maintenance, as ref in owner's manual and the resultant lack of lubrication and buildup of deposits inside the engine may accelerate wear of the timing chain. In addition, there is a small lubrication hole in the front oil passage plug that could become blocked with debris if proper engine maintenance is not followed. Correction: If the owner of the vehicle indicates a noise concern, inspect the timing chain and tension. In addition, confirm oil flow from the front oil passage plug and replace the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and both the camshaft and the crankshaft sprocket if necessary to correct the noise.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #6

Nov 011996

S-10 Pickup

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Engine valve guide seals failed.

- Encinitas, CA, USA

problem #5

Mar 011997

S-10 Pickup

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
While driving, at approx. 60mph, experienced sudden engine shutdown, rendering inoperative power assist/brakes and steering. On 4 different occasions, dealer contacted tech. Asst. Network, was instructed to replace crankshaft position sensor.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #4

Nov 011996

S-10 Pickup 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Defective engine valve.

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 161996

S-10 Pickup

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Piston broke.

- Vicksburg, MS, USA

problem #2

Nov 161996

S-10 Pickup

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Engine failure.

- Vicksburg, MS, USA

problem #1

Jun 011996

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
Valve seal problem.

- Toms River, NJ, USA