Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was turning left and another car coming from the opposite direction made a right turn in front of me and I hit my brakes and tried to stop but my ABS did not kick in and I slid about thirty feet and hit there car.
I owna 2001 Chevy s-10 and have always noticed that the brakes, when applied going over a small bump or dip, will make a grinding noise and not engage at all. They will engage after a few seconds of applied pressure but by then I am already through the intersection and have nearly been hit/have hit another car due to this. Also, I was involved in an auto accident where I had to brake hard, but when I did the truck pulled left and rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. At the time I didn't question the brakes but now I have had constant noises and clicks from the front brakes and can push the pedal to the floor, and when I do there is a loud click. I have read 11 similar complaints and wonder if there is a major problem the public should know about. If the brakes were a cause of my accident I would like to know.
As our son was driving our 2001 s-10 ext cab pickup home, he came into a curve and the truck had no braking power. He said he heard a grinding noise in the vehicle and had no brakes. He went off the curve and hit a tree. The truck was totaled. My son as well as his two friends were taken to area hospitals luckily, no one was seriously injured as they had their seat belts on and were going the speed limit. I would hate to say what would have happened if they would have been traveling at a faster rate of speed. After seeing similar complaints filed by other 2001 s-10 owners, I'm wondering if someone will have to be killed before they rectify this brake problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet S10. While driving various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and the brake line fractured. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the brakes were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet s-10. While driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes made a screeching sound. There were no warning indicators or friction in the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to stop and rear ended another vehicle. The road conditions were wet. The front bumper was damaged and a police report was filed. The vehicle was driven to the repair shop. The current and failure mileages were 30,000.
My brakes do not always work; I often have to pump the brakes up just to be able to get them to apply. It is very scary. I can put my foot all the way to the floor, and the truck will barely slow down. I feel I will likely rear-end somebody or roll into a busy intersection because the brakes will not work.
The emergency brake is missing the teeth for holding the brake in place. Also the ABS light is always on and they say it is the master that needs replacement at over $1,200. This is only a danger if using the cursor control on wet pavement which I never use due to the ABS not working.
While making a left turn, the brake hose pinched between the wheels and the frame of the vehicle. As a result brake fluid began to leak and the brakes failed. The vehicle collided head on into a parked vehicle. Please provide additional information.
2004 tail gate ass failed replaced after market parts 2004 back up lights in/op;004 interrior light will not turn off/ over ride botton used to save battery2005 left front hub ass replaced. 004 right front hub ass replaced;005 front end replaced/pittman/tie rods;2004 oil filter leak / tightened 2004 rear emergency brakes in/op 5 left emergency brake drum replaced;005 right emergency brake drum replaced 2005 gas sending unit replaced eradic behavior 2004 left brake shoe replaced ;004 right brake shoe replaced;005 left brake shoe replaced front;005 right brake shoe replaced front 2005 left brake shoe replaced rear;005 right brake shoe replaced rear;005 u joints replaced;04 battery replaced 2005 transmission showing signs of wear;005 rear end {3.42} locker clangs between 1st and revved. …
As I was driving I was approaching a four way stop and applied the brakes any the brake pedal went to the floor. The brakes worked fine for the stop before this one. I tried to pump the brakes and the pedal still went to the floor and the vehicle finally started to slow down, I had to down shift to stop in time. I was able to get the vehicle to a Firestone service station down the street. They found one of the main brake line shad corrosion and had rusted through and the brake fluid leaked out as I applied the brakes. I was lucky. I had my 2 year old son in the car at the time. I think my years of driving experience allowed me to avoid a serious collision. There was no warning about the failure of the brake lines. Also the mechanic noticed serious rusting of the rear disc backing plates, these will also need replacing. So far the cost is about $500. …
Brake complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chevrolet S10, 21% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet S10 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Chevrolet S10, though it has 1 recall 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 2001 Chevrolet S10 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to brakes 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.