Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. While driving home he noticed a bubble on the right side of the hood. He continued driving, and then the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the flames. The fire fighters could not identify the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 200,000. Updated 12/07/09 the consumer stated GM placed an oversized 6 cylinder motor in the vehicle. Updated 12/09/09
While driving engine made a choking noise like it was about to stall then, it stopped accelerating. Dealership replaced engine gasket, seals, and the intake manifold because they were defective. Also, at 49,773 rear windshield wiper quit working because of a electrical short in the motor.
After oil intake manifold gasket was replaced, grinding noise w/ vibration came from dashboard. Happens mostly when accelerating and when idling on cold days. Vibration can be felt in gas pedal. Repeated trips to the dealer found no problem, noise continues.
Original and 3 additional ignition coils, caps, and harnesses corroded in a 4 yr time span. Original and two replacement catalytic converters also needed to be replaced. Most recent catalytic converter was so badly melted, twisted & damaged the mechanic stated that I was "lucky" not to have the entire engine blown. Also, he never saw anything this badly damaged in his 25 yrs of servicing many makes of vehicles. This is a 4 yr old vehicle and it seems like a trend is established for replacing these same parts appx. Every 17-20,000 miles and 10 months apart - just long enough that GM will not honor the parts warranties. I do drive this vehicle long distances (300 miles one way each week to a worksite) but also maintain it to the manufacturers specs. …
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.
Horn contact and/ or cancelling cam was replaced twice. When turning the wheel certain places have a dead spot. Also, the passenger's seat does not lock in place, it rocks. When pulling seat belt across consumer, and leaning forward to adjust the radio, seat belt locks up. While driving down the road at approximately 20mph in the neighborhood vehicle just dies. Took it to the dealer and was told it was just the battery. Had the battery replaced, and still the same problem. Contacted dealer and manufacturer.
We took truck to dealer at first sign of problem and cost was $826. I've since learned that this is a problem with chevrolets and their have been other complaints. I can't get help from chev. Or GM in recouping my money. I've a friend who has blazer and had same problem last week and he had to purchase new radiator. The public needs to be made aware and the mfg. Should use different coolant.
Whenever the air conditioner is being used and the temperature is 90 degrees or above, a loud roaring sound comes from the engine and the truck loses power. It actually sounds like the engine is falling out of the truck. The driver has to floor the truck in order to get it to move. Dealer gave consumer a letter from GM, stating that this was a normal condition for the S10 pickup.
The vehicle was letting off exhaust fumes into the vehicle, which put the driver and the passenger to sleep. The driver was awakened by a police siren. The consumer suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. The brakes failed to perform as designed when they were applied. The consumer stated she suffered muscle and nerve damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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.
Engine complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 9% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.