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 1998 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Automatic transmission cooler broke while driving and contaminated other components within the engine compartment. This made driving and gear changing difficult. Dealership will replace all contaminated components. The "service engine soon" light illuminated so the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. The consumer had the radiator flushed at 550 miles and the engine continued to run rough. On one occasion, the consumer started the engine and it lunged forward almost knocking him to the driveway. The service manager agreed that the radiator May be defective. The battery was replaced, the instrument panel cluster was replaced because it had shorted out.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet S10. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 01/09/15 updated 06/2/2015
Driving in freeway rush hour traffic (40-45mph), fan came loose from its mount, struck and damaged radiator. Surface where belt contacts fan is gouged and will have to be replaced/machined to avoid damage to belt. Serpentine belt and part of fan mount lost. Replacing radiator and currently trying to track down parts to replace fan.
Dt: the caller received a recall concerning catalytic converter. The dealer will not fix it because he drove more than 12,0000 miles. Dealer will not fix the problem because of the mileage. Manufacturer was called three times and they also said vehicle had too many miles. Vehicle broke down and had to be towed.
Consumer states heard a rattling noise coming from under the front end while driving. One day the timing chain broke, causing vehicle to stall. Consumer had repaired, but noise returned, and chain broke again in 60 days. Has replaced timing chain and gear components 4 times since vehicle purchase.
The consumer had multiple problems with this vehicle. The spark wires corroded, the head gasket leaked and the transmission did not work properly when shifted. Dealer notified. Also the radiator erupted between the transmission cooler and the cooler of the radiator.
1. Constantly had to check and fill oil and antifreeze. 2. Used all the oil and motor blew up with no advance warning. 3. Left me stranded in sub-zero weather. 4. Contacted local Chevy dealer (stocker, state college, pa) via email and received no response whatsoever.
Began experiencing loud exhaust noise and loss of power in 1998 s-10 pickup in July of '07. Had catalytic converter replaced. Again began experiencing loud exhaust and loss of power in April 2008. Pickup totally stalled out in middle of busy intersection once, nearly stalled on several other occasions. Was advised by acquaintance that there was a special policy issued by GM (05021a) that covered the exhaust system. Researched the special policy and found out that I should have received a mailing in May 2005 notifying me of a potential failure of my exhaust system, I never received the mailing. Called GM customer service, was advised to bring it to a GM dealership for diagnosis. Took vehicle to GM dealership and was advised that it was a piece of '!@#$% and there was nothing they could do for me. …
When the problem with the cooling system first came up the SUV was I thought over heating a bit I called the dealership and they told me not to worry about it as that was nornal for them in hot weather.the SUV broke down in springfild mo , we manged to pull into a shop ,they said the damage was to great to repair without costing at least 2000.00, and even then there was no way to know what damge was done to the SUV.they did however give me a service bulletin which listed my problem. It seems GM has known of this problem for at leart 4 years. Yet when I called the dealerships with this very (I learned later) common problem noone wanted to admit they had even heard of it. …
When driving the truck, it shuts down during odd times. It doesnt shut down when the truck has been driven along time. It happens when the engine is cold and hot. When I mean shut down im referring to the whole truck turning off. The battery light comes on when shut down occurs. I had this vehicle to a chev dealer, the said it was a ignition module, I had it replaced. The same problem happened. I had it to another garage, they said it was a crack sensor, I had it replaced, its still happening. I had it to another garage, they said it was a ignition coil, I had it replaced, you guessed it, still shutting down. I sanked 300 hundred dollars on the so called professionals from Chevrolet. Im still having the problem. They are dumping parts in my truck and have no idea what it is. I bought this vehicle used and it still has low miles on it. There has to be a solution to my problem.
Engine complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 8% of the model year's 613 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet S10 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury 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.