Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
I have read of a saftey recall on this vehical with the exact description of what happened to me, I should have had plenty of distance to stop, it's only a small pick up, I know for certian I have a fully loaded work truck a Ford 3/4 ton econoline van and I know I could have stopped that vehicle in time. I was standing on the brakes, they just wouldnt do anything , in an emergency they just don't cut the mustard. I had extensive front end damage, and my neek has been not feeling good ever since. My father in law gave this truck to my wife hen he was no longer able to drive, and it was told to me he had the truck into the shop repeatedly for the same thing since it was new. Seems to me GM should make it right and the body collision, beings they have known about it and havent done squat, and pay for my pain and medical.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a flat tire. The contact was unable to release the spare tire from underneath the vehicle. The contact indicated that the spare tire hoist assembly retainer had malfunctioned. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
This is in regards to a 1997 Chevrolet s-10 pickup. It's a 4 cylinder, 2 wheel drive. The left tailgate strap broke. The strap is clearly rusted throughout which caused it to snap. I noticed that there is a recall on this type of strap on a GMC truck. This is not a part for the average person to replace since it requires some dismantling of the tailgate. My Chevrolet dealer gave me an estimate of $90 to replace the left side. It would probably be wise to replace both of them. Is Chevrolet aware of this in their trucks and if so are they currently looking at a recall for this defective part? I would appreciate any information that you can provide.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that the rear tailgate straps (cables) constantly fail. The contact made the repairs at least three times with parts purchased from the Chevrolet dealer. The dealer stated that they would not cover the repair under warranty and that vehicle was too old. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 062909 updated 07/01/09.
Tailgate cables failed due to internal rusting. Failure occurred while I was standing on the tailgate, I suffered skin abrasions, bruises and a sprained ankle. Tailgate suffered superficial paint damage and bowing in the middle. Parts must be replaced, replacement cables cannot be obtained without also purchasing and installing new latch brackets.
While loading a vanity base and sink into rear of 1997 Chevrolet s-10 pick up, both tail gate cables snapped in half. My self and a friend was able to catch the base with out any damage to base or injury to either of us. Both cables had rusted and the weight, approx. 150 pounds snapped both. Gate will close but hanges when opened.
Dt*: the contact stated the left tailgate cable fractured for the third time. There is a NHTSA recall, # 06V066000, regarding the tailgate hinge and attachments. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 5/2/2006 -
I have replaced the leaf springs and the rear shocks and the right side of the truck measures 9 3/4 and the left is 8 3/4 from the top of the wheel well to the tire, the dealer agrees that it is off but they say it is within GM specs, they have yet to show me this book with the specs in it. I called the GM consumer hotline and they just told me the same thing as the dealer. So I e-mailed clark howard and now you, this is cousing undue wear on my tires and I have a wife and a little boy to think of, I want to know if they are being truthfull? Thank you.
Consumer opened the tailgate and went to apply his knee and just before his foot touched tailgate rail. Tailgate collapsed in front of him onto the ground. Consumer notified the dealership, and he told him that he was out of warranty.
Floor behind bench seat is splitting. If the floor splits all the way , seat will come down on the break line. Dealer is trying to look into the problem. Consumer is in the process of contacting the manufacturer.
Body complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 4% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.