Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was involved in a traffic collision in which my brakes failed to stop my vehicle. When I pressed the brakes during a sudden stop, the brakes started to slow down my truck but then the pedal went all the way down to the floor with a rubbing noise and my truck kept traveling until I hit the vehicle in front of me.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet S10. While driving 35 MPH, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest Chevrolet Buick GMC in tacoma, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the brakes had been serviced by the dealer prior to this failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact cited NHTSA campaign number: 99V193000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,160.
After hitting a bump in the road brakes failed while the consumer was parking in the lot causing the vehicle to hit a lamp post at a speed of 5 MPH. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
...for 3 years Chevrolet dealers told me there was nothing wrong with ABS. Then in 2000, received recall notice labeled campaign #c99046. On 03/28/2000 took vehicle into dealership. Bill states reprogram PCM for new antilock program ...called Chevrolet customer assistance center today, because brakes failed today the same way they did before repair in 2000. ...I explained the S10 had been brought into dealership on 03/28/2000, as soon as I received recall notice, and that it appeared replacement was defective. ...I was advised that campaign ended 12/2002. When I reiterated that I had work done within parameters of campaign,but now same problem had reoccurred, I was advised it didn't matter, the campaign ended 12/2002. ...when I sarcastically said, so if I kill someone on way to dealership tomorrow because of ABS failure, you're not responsible? …
1996 Chevy S10 attempted to slow but had equipment failure with the braking system. Consumer then swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car ahead, drove onto the cement curb, and struck a pole. Updated 05/12/10 the brake lines on the left front side and rear were leaking. The fluid reservoir was very low and in fact was empty on the half designated for the rear brake. The driver admitted using the wrong type of brake line fitting when he did the brake servicing. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0433-91 the consumer stated the accident was a result of excessive corrosion on and around the rear axle. Updated 05/14/10.
Brakes have been replaced three times, and the problem still exists, repair work, I.e. Pads, rotors, have been done. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. Consumer states vehicle pulls to the side when brakes are applied, the pedal did not feel right from day one, on the first dealer visit the right front assembly, caliper, pads, rotors, were replaced due to being loose and pads had completely wore down and were squeaking, at 16000 miles this problem repeated itself, on 28-sep-98 vehicle was involved in an accident, one person was injured and the driver air bag did not deploy when it should have.
When coming upon a stopped vehicle ( approx 10 carl length ahead of my car ) I was traveling at about 25 to 30 MPH when I applied my brakes to gradually slow down but all I got was a vibration from the brake pedal but no braking. I continued a firm push on the brakes but rolled into the stopped vehicle without any slowing of my vehicle. I held the pedal down solid with no pumping. The truck in front of me sustained little if any noticeable damage. I had to be towed.
When brakes were applied in a panic stop the pedal went to the floor ,resulting in extended stopping distance, causing the vehicle to collide. Owner has experienced simular problems with the brakes prior to the collision. The dealer has been notified. Owner wa sissued a citation for failure to control speed to avoid speed. Four days after accident, consumer suffered back pain.
Consumer was driving on the highway going 50mph, another vechicle made a u turn in the middle of the street, consumer thought that vehicle was going to turn in the opposite of his vehicle, an dhe veered over to the shoulder on wet pavement to slow down. Then, veered onto the dry pavement, and the anti-lock system didn't kick in. Also the airbag didn't deploy.
Brakes failed to engage at 35-40 MPH. Brakes emitted groaning,grinding noise.from '1996-1999 complained to dealers brakes not working properly, and that the anti-lock seemed to be "locked" in place; was told nothing wrong. On 03/28/2000 ABS was modified under campaign 99v-193,and brakes worked. Now when brakes are applied, vehicle skids and seems to go faster.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from September 1989 through August 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing…
Remedy: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line,…
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Brake complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 223 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 33% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (171 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet S10 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-193 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jul 19, 1999); NHTSA recall 97V146001 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 11, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet S10 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 41 crashes, 0 fires and 13 injuries to brakes 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.