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 2000 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2000 Chevy S10 4x4 (purchased from courtesy Chevrolet, phoenix, az) broke down on 8/12/03 due to the transmission slipping out of gear and making a grinding noise between reverse & park when I stopped. The truck would not go into drive, and I had to be towed to the nearest dealer (gateway Chevrolet in avondale, az) approx. 65 miles away. After the truck was checked out the next day, the service advisor called to say there was nothing wrong with the truck and that it shifted into all gears and ran normal. (note: there were 82,278 miles on the truck at that time and I had the 100,000 mile extended warranty). On several other occasions before and after this event, I experienced a sudden revving up of the engine, which stopped after several rapid depressions of the accelerator. …
I recently purchased a used 2000 Chevy s-10 with 48,000 miles. The vehicle is extra clean and there were no apparent problems. I had to make a trip from atlanta, ga to chicago, il. Coming back on the interstate (traveling 75-80 miles an hour), the check engine light came on and the truck downshifted from overdrive into third. I was nearly rear ended by two 18-wheelers while I tried to slow the vehicle so that the RPM's were not in the critical zone. I stopped at the first auto repair shop I could find, and was told that the transmission was severely damaged and would need to be rebuilt. Apparently, the bands were slipping and caused the fluid to overheat and turn extremely dark. The truck now has 58,000 miles, and needs a new transmission. This is the third GM car that I have had that I have had to have major transmission work done. …
We purchased a 2000 Chevy s-10 in July 2002. Immediately, the "check engine" light would come on during drives of more than 20 minutes. We had transmission work done in the fall. By December 2002, on a 4-hour trip home for christmas, the transmission blew out. We put in a brand new transmission on, but the same problems occur. If we drive more than 20 minutes, the light will come on and we will have hard shifts. Parking the truck and letting it cool fixes the hard shift. But for 4 years we have owned a truck that we cannot drive for more than 20 miles. We have been back to the transmission shop, to no avail. The problem doesn't seem to be the transmission, itself.
Transmission shifts hard from 1st to 2nd and displays code 1780, ever since 50 k miles. Had local transmission shop make the tfb change GM recommended and problem reappeared after 15K. I am sure I be told that now with 130K miles out of warranty, still if happened way back. Additionally the transmission fluid has been changed ever 15K and is driven in light highway conditions. Check this site to see how many numerous reports have been made. Http://www.cartrackers.com/forums/live/yourlemon/160.html just wonder why after so long no action been taken to correct known problem.
No accident took place but the transmission in two separate 2000 model s-10 and an s-10 blazer have gone out in the same exact manner within 3,000 miles of each other and both vehicles were primarily driven in two different parts of the country. The slipping of these trannys is so sudden that it actually almost became a safety concern while on the highway. I apologize if this is being sent to the wrong dept. But I would like to find out if Chevy has had any recalls on these models as well. Thanks!
On 2 different occasions within the past month, the 4wd has engaged while driving. The truck sounded as if the truck was running in 4 wd while on bare roads. This occurred during normal weather and driving conditions--once while driving about 30 MPH getting off an interstate ramp and the other at 55 MPH on a main road. After coming to a complete stop, putting the truck into 4wd, then into 2wd and backing up, the 4wd disengaged and ran normally. GM has recommended taking it to a dealership.
Consumer got out of vehicle and took 2 steps, then heard a series of clicking noises, looked around and vehicle was rolling down the hill. Vehicle hit his friend's vehicle. Consumer called Chevrolet, and they sent a representative to his home, hooked vehicle up to a computer, and tried to get the vehicle to reproduce the clicking and rolling. The Chevrolet representative parked consumer's vehicle on the hill and still it did not do it again.
Truck was slipping out of gear, and eventually was making a grinding noise when trying to shift. It was taken to mechanic and readout indicated the transmission was overheating. Truck was taken to mechanic a total of 3 times for evaluation when final determination was a new transmission was needed. New transmission was put in; and a week later, the new transmission would not shift into gear. Truck is still at mechanics being evaluated.
I have a 2000 s-10 zr2 and my 4wd hi dont work, module on transfer case broke, also computer behind dash that controls 4wd doesnt work correctly. 100's of dollars to fix. Honestly push button 4wd was a mistake in the first place. There was never anything wrong with the old 4wd shifter on the floor. Mnufacturers should think more of quality not convenience. Now its the middle of winter and I got a truck with only 4wd lo. How lovely
While driving at any speed and when the brakes were depressed there was extended stopping distance. A certified mechanic found that the brakes were wearing out too frequently for this type of vehicle. The consumer stated that the brakes are to weak to stop the large vehicle. At 61,000 miles the consumer drove the vehicle 2wd when the 4wd activation failed causing 900.00 in damage.
Transmission complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Chevrolet S10, 10% of the model year's 471 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Chevrolet S10, though it has 4 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 2000 Chevrolet S10 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 6% 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.