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 1997 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Around the end of the warranty period, my truck started shifting into "second" gear hard after driving at highway speeds. Toward the end of a 200 mile trip, the transmission failed and no longer has a "second" gear. The truck had 48,023 miles on it. I cannot determine for sure if the overdrive function is working, either. While failure did not cause an accident or personal injury, the potential was significant. This vehicle has only been used for personal transportation, not commercial purposes or hauling heavy loads. Repairs will be costly. My research indicates repeat failures for this transmission. I am the second owner. I bought the truck from my mother after my father passed away.
Bought truck in October and have recently been experiencing extremely hard shifting from first into second gear. This is also accompanied by the service engine soon light. I spoke with a transmission specialist about this and he said it is a very common problem with these GM transmissions, he suggested replacing the valve body which he said is clearly defective from the factory in my opinion GM should issue a recall on these transmissions. ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****760962
Sunshell in transmission broken twice within 2 years, repair shop states heavy duty sunshell has been released to replace the inferior sunshell that was designed for the 1997 Chevrolet s-10 pickup. Repair shop states this is a common problem. Repairs each time totalling in excess of $2,000.00. Purchused vehicle from father at 13,000 miles. He had problems with transmission at 10,000 miles. Serviced by love chevolet on dec. 1, 1998.
The oil in the differential became too old which caused the bearings and bearing ring to chip note: this letter is being answered by anamari alonso under #10006063 follow-up letter by same consumer,aaj. GM informed the consumer the problem happened because he did not put enough miles on the vehicle.
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.
Vehicle was in driveway/in gate, vehicle was in park and running. Itjumped into gear by itself and ran away and ended up in a creek, GM contacted and helped pull the car out. Dealer will be contacted and informed of the problem.
Started truck, put it in gear. No reverse,late shift into 2nd, no overdrive. Dealer and 2 trans. Shops say it's probably a broken reverse band or something similar. Will find out when repairs are made. This should not happen at 48,000 miles. GM customer assistance says there's nothing they can do, me being 2nd owner and mileage being past the 3yr.36,000 mi. Warranty.I believe GM should help me defray at least part of the cost. This is going to be expensive. A trans. Failure shouldn't happen this soon under normal driving conditions. Owners manual says fluid and filter don't even need changing at 50,000 mi. Unless under severe conditions. I am thoroughly disgusted with this and with GM. Thanks for your time.
I am unsure of the engine question. The information that I have is that it is a 4.3 liter v6. This problem has occured 3 times . It has occurred approximatly every 15000 miles. The first 2 times the transmission lines have been replaced under warranty. I have yet to get it replaced this time for I am still investigating my warranty coverage and this recent occurence. Obviously, something in the structure of the vehicle or the line is defective. I have spoken to several mechanics ( dealer & private businesses), all say that this is a part that should never break, and are surprised that it has. Any information you can provide would be extremely helpful and appreciated. Thank you, t. Muir.
This vehicle has had both drive lines replaced, the four wheel drive, the torque converter, three different idler arms, three sets of tires and two alignments, the rear end has been rebuilt due to worn out pinion bearing, two pulleys are squeeling, the brakes have to be pressed extremely hard and ABS kicks in all the time, tires rubbed the fender, altenator squeeling. I feel that this vehicle is substandard and that most of the repairs have been made out of pocket due to vehicle not being under warranty when they occurred. I have written an e mail to Chevrolet service to find out what I can do with this truck.
At 40824amiles the car could not shift out of first geer and the service engine soon came on. I called the auto shop and they said to bring it in and that I could drive it until the light flashed. I took it in and had it repaired (which I have fought for the 200.00 deductable) at the time I questioned the fact that a transmission could go out so fast. ( I do not tow anything-it is a work car and take the kids to sports) two months to the day, I am having the exact problem with the car. Everyone I talk with that has a 97 Chevy blazer has a transmission problem.
Transmission complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 10% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 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.