Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Occasionally about 5 or 6 times and counting when initially applying the brake at either 45mph or 10 MPH my 1997 Chevy S10 vehicle starts to accelerate with my foot off the gas and cruise control off at what appeared to be full speed/throttle. My first reaction was to brake even harder, but then the antilock brakes kicked in and seemed to reduce the stopping force by not letting the wheels lock. The vehicle continued to accelerate until I placed the car in neutral and then the vehicle stopped and also stopped accelerating.
Consumer stated vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when shifting from park into drive. Then, vehicle collided with garage door. Finally, vehicle stopped after submerging in a swimming pool. Dealer notified.
The issue was reported to the dealer during while getting the paint repaired on the vehicle due to acid rain. I believe I was just blown off by the service person. He sadi its normal for these trucks to do this. After reviewing the many cases in the database here it does not sound "normal" in many cases I can leave my foot off the peddle in traffic and the truck will keep going. When I pull up to park the engine will idle at about 2000 rpms for 10 seconds then return to normal. At times I must also brake to slow the vehicle when the idle hangs. Its really not a big problem to me because I used to it, but I believe it needs to be addressed. I do not want to return my vehicle due to the fact I do not know what they will tell me next. Don't blame the dealer blame Chevy cause john jones was great to me.
The engine fails to return to idle when throttle is released. Occurs when humidity is high and temperature is at least moderate. More prone to occur while air conditioning is in use. Engine RPM has hung at up to 2000 RPM. I have been able to travel at 35 MPH for 1/2 mile or more without depressing the throttle. This occurred on level roads and the cruise control was not engaged or even on. I have been in contact with another individual, via the web, who had the same year/model truck with the same problem. This is a safety problem. If this occurred when the roads were slippery and accident would be likely. The dealer was worthless. When I contacted GM's website, I got a call back, but I'm convinced that the only purpose of the website is to deadend such complaints.
Transmission failed approx. $1000.00 to repair . Alternator went out approx. $175.00 to replace. Windshield wipers only work 25% of the time.. Many times when it is raining. Not repaired. Cruise control does not work at all. Not repaired. Backup lights(bulbs and fuses good) not working. Not repaired. We can only afford to repair the items that have to be repaired.
Intermittently while driving vehicle will accelerate to 50 MPH and stay at 50 MPH without pressing the pedal, which cannot slowdown vehicle unless making a complete stop. This May cause a crash. Been to dealer 5 times, but could not determine the cause. Engine stall while driving and the vehicle would not restart due to coil wire failure.
Driver tapped the brakes to disengage the cruise control, then tapped tap to re-engage cruise control, vehicle accelerated to over 75 MPH. Driver had to shift to neutral and turn engine off to slow vehicle. Pedal was found stuck to the floor.
When releasing accelerator pedal vehicle does not slow down (pedal sticks intermittently) due to design of the throttle linkages and control, bulletin repairs made on the PCM, however did not rectify problems with idle unit. (mjs)
While driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator throttle sticks. The vehicle acts like the vehicle starts at the same speed when letting off the accelerator. Contacted dealer. The vehicle has been in for repairs four times.
Driver tapped brake to disengage cruise control, when cruise control was re-engaged, the vehicle accelerated to over 75 MPH. Had to shift to neutral and turn engine. Acceleration pedal was stuck to the floor.
Acceleration complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 4% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1997 Chevrolet S10, though it has 6 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet S10 acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 150,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.