Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Since I have purchased this vehicle, I cannot get the correct fuel amount to show on the gauge. I have been to the dealer several times waiting for a recall with no luck. I have ran out of gas several times when the gauge says I have fuel. Once on the highway I was forced off the road and into a ditch causing damage. I was placed in a life threatening situation more than once because of this problem. Chevrolet wants me to pay $220.00 for parts and another $175.00 labor and I cannot afford that amount.
Faulty fuel gauge/sensor: the '97 Chevy S10 I own recently experienced very erratic behavior with indicating the level of fuel currently in the vehicle. While depending upon the gauge I ran out of fuel when the gauge showed just under 1/2 tank. This vehicle has just over 40,000 miles on it so I thought it would be a good thing to check with the local Chevy dealer. After paying an insane amount of money ($100) just to run dianostics on it the end result was exactly what I had expected and seen by others on the internet with the same vehicle. The Chevy dealer says the minimum that it will cost is $550 to replace the "sending card," if the module is bad then it will cost $1050. Not having that amount of $$ available I decided to not have it repaired at this time (probably never). Since technically this could be a safety issue I would like to report it. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. The windshield wipers failed to operate normally. The mechanic stated that recall NHTSA campaign id number: 03V159000, windshield wiper motor is related to the failure. The manufacturer stated the VIN was not a part of the existing recall and that they would be liable for the repairs. The contact was concerned that if this were to occur when it was raining the driver's visibility would be reduced. The contact is also concerned of the safety risk which could result in a crash. The fuel pump also failed at 27,000 miles. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,400.
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.
The fuel gauge on my 1997 s-10 extended cab truck does not work. The needle remains on the full position. I noticed the gauge was erratic prior to the warranty expiring, but I forgot it, so unfortunately no recorded complaint was availale when it ceased to operate. I am aware that this is a problem on other s-10 vehicles. In fact I owned a 1983 silverado and the fuel gauge on it did not work. I determine when to refuel by use of the odometer.
At 45,000 miles the fuel gauge became unstable on my 1997 s-10 pickup. The gauge indicates more fuel in the vehicle than is in the tank. The vehicle ran out of fuel during a rainstorm and once again while in interstate traffic. Inquiries indicate that this is a long-standing problem for many GM vehicles. Repair estimate to fix the gauge is $500.00. This is certainly a safety-related issue when the vehicle stalled on the interstate.
Severely corroded brake lines, lines blew. Near miss accident. This is a common complaint across mfrs. . Well maintained cars with severely corroded fuel and brake lines. I bet it can be traced to a cheap supplier that supplied the big 3 for a period of years. No corrosion resistance on the steel. Can't blame this on ne winter salt. My OEM 1964 looks better than my late model vehicles.
There are 8 safety recalls on the Chevy S10.1997.the companys state my vehicle is not on the list of these recalls.but my vehicles has all of these defects.and ive been very lucky I have not been in an accident yet due to these issues.ive been very lucky.but peoples luck always runs out.I cant afford another vehicle and its breaking me financially by fixing this one.
While driving oil line came apart and dumped oil all over the engine. The oil line was replaced. Then, transmission line came apart and dumped transmission fluid all over the engine. Transmission line was replaced, but problem recurred. The cause of the both lines coming apart was undetermined.
While driving about 30 MPH engine started jerking, and engine light came on the dashboard. Then, engine stalled. When consumer got out of vehicle smoke was coming out of the bottom of vehicle. A few feet away could see fire wich was extinguished on its own ,then fuel was dripping under.
Fuel System complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 10% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system 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.