Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 owns a 1998 Chevrolet S10. While driving various speeds on a bumpy road, the rear end of the vehicle moved from side to side abnormally. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed the failure of the rear axle damper. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Vehicle having series of problems after an accident with a deer. The hood latch hasn't worked properly since the accident, both chair latches had broken after two times of use, the right front of the vehicle made noise, there was noise in the steering, the central console snapped in half, and the rear wipers had gone out.
I have brought my truck into sewell cadilac to have it check "several time" and I keep getting the same ruin around. I told them that I hear a grinding noise like "metal to metal" and I have been concerned that it was the clutch plate. This has been happening for almost two years now, and they tell me that they can not find anything wrong. They said they don't hear any noise, and they aren't going to go into the transmission to check it out. I have had both seat handles replaced because they have just sheared off at the metal, and they are both starting to get difficult to use again. I don't think it will be much longer before they break again.
When driving at any speed vehicle vibrates from the rear suspension, and vibration is intermittent. Dealer can't determine the problem. There was a loud sound coming from the rear and everything got loose. Also, rear seat tightened up about four or five times, and mirror wasn't tighting anymore due to loose rear suspension. Something was going to let go, and the consumer might cause an accident.
Front wheel bearing started squealing, would stop making noise in right hand turns and would come back when going staight. I discovered from visiting a dealership, bearing supplier and online meassage boards that this is a problem that all Chevrolet s series trucks experince at around 40,000 miles.
While travelling at any speed vehicle wandered across the road. Consumer believed that this could cause of a collision if not corrected. Dealer notified,and informed consumer that nothing was found; asking NHTSA for help in this matter before someone get hurt in this vehicle.
Noticed that the new tires were wearing too quickly. Had a little vibration when turning or the wheel didn't want to return. Had the vehicle serviced, the ball joints were worn and needed to be replaced. Contacted dealer. All 4 tires needed to be replaced.
Lower ball joints had to be replaced on both sides or vheicle, would not have passd inspection. Three different state inspection stations confirmed it. Consumer stated GMC was contacted, but repeatively found no problem, and passed vehicle for inspection.
Left side of vehicle lower than right by 1 1/4 inch. Causing unpredictable steering especially on wet roads. Six other vehicles in my area have same problem. Service manager confirmed it was a known problem. No repair at present other than trial & error.
While driving at 45 MPH clutch cable broke without prior warning. Also, wire harnees shorted out/ brakes are working intermittently/ there is some type of knocking noise within the vehicle, and the left coil spring had to be replaced.
Suspension complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 4% of the model year's 613 complaints. The component named most often is rear (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet S10 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.