Chevrolet S Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet S model year from 2000–2002 using 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2002, which drew far more complaints than other S years at the same age. The best years are 2001.

3model years
28complaints
0recalls
2002worst years
2001best years

Complaints by model year

20002001200210612
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet S. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2002121.4×—BodyCaution
20016−38%—BodyAverage
200010typical—BodyAverage

* Complaints compared with the median S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Chevrolet S problems

  • Body & structureworst: 2002
    1761%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2000
    311%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    27%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2000
    14%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2000
    14%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2000
    14%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2000
    14%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    14%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2001
    14%
  • Suspensionworst: 2002
    14%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    14%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet S should you avoid?

2002 — this year has the most complaints relative to other S years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 2002.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet S?

2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other S years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Chevrolet S problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (17), locks & latches (3) and brakes (2). Body complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet S had?

0 recalls across 2000–2002.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.