Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 Chevrolet S10. While driving 5 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by another vehicle that drove through a red light. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head and lower back. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was destroyed. A dealer was not made aware of the crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash and transferred the contact to NHTSA. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. Updated 8/30/18
Vehicle involved in a head on crash with another vehicle on the road already in an accident.. Speed was at 55 MPH causing a total loss of 1998 s-10 zr2 truck.. There was extensive damage to the front...of this the air bags never deployed at all the safety belts did not restrain..driver suffered chest trauma back,knee,and neck injuries.... Chevrolet was called to complain and they did investigation but nothing was resolved....
The vehicle was involved in an accident. The airbags did not deploy. Neither the driver or passenger side air bags deployed. The switch for the passenger side was in the "on" position.
While driving 60-65 MPH a deer ran in front of the vehicle, resulting in a head on collision. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company.
We were rear-ended by a bus and shoved into the pole that protects the gas pump, so the actual gas station did not explode. My head hit either the windshield or the dashboard; I don't remember. The vehicle was totaled. I am still going through physical therapy for injuries to my neck; chronic neck and back pain. I suffer from tmj pain daily. I have daily cluster headaches, insomnia, and nightmares. The air bags never deployed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the front passenger side airbag deployed while the vehicle was turned off. The passenger of the vehicle sustained third degree burns to the right arm. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 236,000. Updated 04/11/12.
While driving at 40 MPH an accident occurred, vehicle hit a wall, and air bags did not deploy. Please provide any further information. Consumer states that the car hit lower room of a sun room of a hotel,also broke off street light pole on its way toward the building and broke glass in the celing of the structure.
While driving 15 MPH, was involved in a head on collision with a tree. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy, resulting in major injuries. Also, vehicle has been totaled. Consumer was stopping due to traffic when another vehicle hit her from behind, vehicle was shoved off the road into a tree.
While driving 70 MPH had a direct impact with an embankment/ pole and a tree during which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, and did not protect the occupant in the crash. Also problems with ignition wiring which caused vehicle to stall. Please provide further information.
Consumer was traveling 45-50mph when a deer appeared on the road, deer was hit. Vehicle went into an embankment on the right side towards trees. Entire front demolished. Neither air bag deployed. The seat belts did not restrain the driver. Driver sustained injuries to the face & body.
Airbag complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the model year's 613 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet S10 airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1998 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 1998 Chevrolet S10 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 136,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 36 crashes, 0 fires and 20 injuries to air bags 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.