Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Vehicle fire due to transfer case fluid being expelled from vent hose onto the right exhaust manifold. This is the third fire in 1995 and 1996 s-series GM trucks I have investigated in the past twelve months that have had the same origin of an engine compartment fire.
Oil cooler line: the metal tubing in the lower oil cooled line rest on top of the steering gear assembly. A hole wore through the tubing due to being in direct contact with the gear box causing complete loss of engine oil while driving, loss of braking on driver side (due to oil spray on brake rotor) and near seizure of engine. I stopped on the side of the road to prevent major damage to the engine and possible fire in engine compartment. As of this writing I am still not aware if any occurred (engine damage).
On highway, billows of smoke appeared from underneath truck; engine stalled. When started up again, would not go over 35mph. Mike at gerry lane Chevy in baton rouge, la (repairing dealer) stated 'major internal failure' that at his best guess was from a loose part from the factory, which finally freed itself and caused failure. He described the underside of my truck as 'black' from the incident. I paid 1890.00 for a new transmission...mike sd failure was not due to driving habits or any neglect.
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. …
The day the transmission failed.we were traveling on the interstate going 70 MPH when the truck made a funny sound and then it just locked up . The truck almost swerved off the road before I got control of it. Luckily no one was hurt but it could have been much worse. We would like to know why we were never made aware of the recall on this problem so we could of had this fixed. This problem would of been remied a long time ago and we wouldn't be in this position. We should of been told about this problem so we could of had an opportunity to get this fixed. This could of caused serious injury or possible death. I find this totally disbelievable and now we can't seem to get this matter cleared up. We seem to be getting doors closed in our faces.
We do not believe that the power train automatic transmission should have failed at 58788 miles. The vehicle is not used for off road, heavy hauling, or for any other purpose than normal city/highway driving. We paid $1987.74 for a new automatic transmission and want to know if other Chevrolet S10 blazer owners have had similar problems at low mileage. We would also like to know if any factory/dealer recalls were out there that as an owner we were not notified. We have learned that other S10 blazer owners have experienced auto transmission failure but have no specifics on mileage or circumstances surrounding failure. Please reply at earliest opportunity. Thank you for any help/information you can provide.
Check engine light comes on when traveling over 1 mile distance, causing very rough shifing of gears (at)-(even causes rear wheels to screech when taking off and also shifting into 2nd gear). Oil pressure gauge goes up with acceleration, down to 0 when decelerating-2 attempts to fix, neither shop could find cause for failure. Transmission fluid is rusty as is the fluid indicator area, requires extensive/costly repair. Interior panels squeak. Vehicle idles roughly. Rusty driver front driver side blinker. ABS breaks do not quickly stop vehicle and vibrate roughly & loudly when in use-I've had many close calls!
The transmission went out about a year and a half ago, I had it fixed under warranty, and now it is leaking fluid again. I am in the military in Germany, and the geraman opel dealarship said the transmission had a one year warranty, so now I have pay for it myself. The truck has very low miles for 4 years, and it's already had two transmissions go on it. I'm not very happy with the way this has all turned out, because I really do like the truck, but now I will never buy a Chevrolet again, and I have warned all my friends not to as well.
Transmission went out at 61,000 while driving on highway @65 miles per hour, just quit on the highway, GMC wouldn't stand behind it, transmission shop rebuilt it and found a crack in the case due to it not cooling properly, had to put a larger cooler unit in the truck to handle the transmission for this truck. Timing belt went while going down the highway @65 miles per hour, everything locked up on the truck power steering, brakes and just died in the middle of the highway. Both situations very dangerous.
Transmission leaks fluid. At time of incident, all transmission fluid had leaked out and transmission seized while driving on the highway. Was replaced by opel deal(nearest GM affiliate, we currently reside in Germany, usaf). With in 2 months the same problem occurred. Still not fixed. Having problems contacting someone here to repair it. This problem could have possibly cause an accident and injured someone.
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission
Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to GM's specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
Transmission complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 10% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-035 (manual transmission, Feb 22, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries 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.