Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Left rear axle broke away from wheel drum, still attached while driving, caused vehicle to swirl. Hit an embankment and turned over on its top. Driver sustained injuries. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Also tow truck driver informed consumer that this was the third incident concerning rear axle breakage.
A/C system failure due to pin-hole in evaporator ,system replaced and recharged then A/C compressor piston failed and was replaced,along with condensor .A/C compressor failed again for the second time when system failed to circulate refidgerant .front caliper seized and caused the vehicle to spin when engaged in rapid stopping,the caliper was severely worn ,while only having 25,000 miles at the time,the remaining calipers were showing minimal wear at that time.probems in the transmission from whining in gear, to rough shifting ,to whining while in neutral, began with less than 15,000 miles on the vehicle. Problems remained even though the dealer mechanics stated no problem was fuond.troubles remained after multiple transmission services were performed at full cost to me. No satisfaction was received . …
GM call this a constant velocity prop shaft (drive shaft) the design uses 5 u-joints. I had to have the drive shaft rebuilt after 45000 miles. I contacted several shops in the detroit / ann arbor area that specialize in drive shaft repair. They informed me that they have seen several of these shafts with the same problem. None of them has seen a shaft last beyond 50,000 miles. I have a contact at American axle (OEM for shaft) who helped in the design for that shaft and was told it was designed to last for 100,000 miles (thats why there are no grease zerks(fittings) on the u-joints). The first repair cost me $250, and the shop did a lousy job because this shaft (which is in two parts) is very difficult to balance. Now I must have it repaired again. (I'll never buy a GM product again!!!!!)
The transmission completely failed while on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a transmission repair facility, and was told that the transmission had water in it, which corroded all of the parts. The source of water in the system was the cooling system for the transmission fluid which runs through the radiator. The line had a hole, and pressure in the radiator forced water into the line causing the failure. I had the transmission rebuilt and an external cooling system installed. The cost for the repairs was approximately $1500. At the time, the vehicle was only three years old, and did not have especially high mileage, yet the transmission repair was not covered under the warranty.
The shifter plate seal on top of the transmission failed. After the third attempt by the dealer to repair the seal, they informed me that the shifter assembly was re-engineered and that I would have to pay for replacement of affected parts. In my belief this should have been a recall since it can cause serious transmission failure due to los of fluid and possible personal injury due to transmission lock up. Please investigate this problem.
Braking system malfunctioned. While driving from good traction onto bad traction, braking system will result in extended stopping distance which May cause a crash. Also on a regular stop vehicle loses all power brakes. There is a recall for this problem, but the manufacturer stated that this vehicle is not included in the recall althiugh it has the same problem.
When traveling, applying the brakes, and upon making a gradual stop, vehicle skided to a stop. Also, vehicle was placed in the park position with the emergencyparking brake enganged, vehicle rolled away freely. In addition, driveshaft separated while driving. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
Transmission locked up on hwy. @ 65mph rear wheels lock for a second and then unlocked which destroyed trans. Paid to have a GM rebuild installed @39000 miles. Rebuild did the same this @42000 miles. GM said so sorry. Sounds like GM has a major trans. Problem. Did not expect to have trans. Failure at this milage.
Without any indication or service issues, transmission failure occured. I drove the truck to work, and after parking, the ability to go in reverse failed. I was told by the closest GM dealer that the transmission had failed, and it is not covered under warranty.
Due to the defective rear axle seal, fuel leaks all over rear brakes, causing rear brakes to be inoperative, resulting in extended stopping distance, which May result in an accident. Please provide further information.
Transmission complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Chevrolet S10, 5% of the model year's 917 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1995 Chevrolet S10, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.