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 2001 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I'm having a problem with I believe it's the fuel sensor my truck gets up to a certain temperature and it just dies and it's not just my truck it's in a lot of the newer model Colorado's as well I have a friend who's having the same exact problem as I am when it gets up past 95 degrees, the truck just all of a sudden stops in the engine turns off, and you have to try and steer your truck without any power steering, the reason I am filing this is if this happens in the middle of the road it could possibly cause an accident and that would be no good and it only happens when it is hot outside in the winter time or when it's cold I have no issues whatsoever
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that the passenger seat would not remain latched and kept sliding back. Passengers have sustained minor leg injuries due to the failure. He also stated that the smog hose kept catching fire, which caused the wire harness to become heated. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle while driving 90 MPH. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 99,400.
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. …
On July 22, 2005, I paid the dealer $615.74 to replace a shorted air pump. I brought it in since the light gauges were turning on. The "check engine" lighted on and off. One week later, the A/C stopped working. The dealer charged me $105.19 for the diagnosis. On aug. 10, I paid another shop $852.08 to replace the A/C compressor. On aug. 30, my s-10 stalled and hasn't worked since then. A mechanic said the engine has to be replaced (another $3000 +) due to overheating of the radiator. There was no prior indication that the radiator was leaking or heating except when the light gauges were turning on in July. I bought this truck brand new in 2000 and have spent over $7000 in repairs and regular maintenance since then. The battery acid has leaked. Brake pads keep wearing out. Several air injection malfunctions and pumps have been replaced. I've purchased at least 2 sets of tires. …
Dt: the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that the check engine light will periodically come on, and the engine will choke out. When the consumer was driving the vehicle and stopped at a stop-light or a stop sign the vehicle would seem to choke out when the consumer would accelerate. The consumer stated that if the vehicle was turned off and back on the vehicle will drive normal. The consumer stated that this did not happen every time the vehicle stopped or every time that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle has not been inspected by a service dealer to determine the problem. The contact contacted the service department, and they told the contact to bring the vehicle in when the check engine light was on because that would be the only way they could determine the cause of the problem. The contact has not contacted the manufacturer yet.
S10 cannot pass emissions test in ma. Due to a latent defect that allows water,mud. And sludge to get into the air compressor, effecting the entire emissions system. A tech alert has been issued. Dealerships both were I bought it and nearest to adders are a joke. I have spent over $1200 for new o2 sensors in tailpipe and main engine intake, now it is a new air pump and more defective sensors. At an estimate of over $1100. The truck otherwise runs fine. If it were not for emissions tests I would not be complaining. This is a GM design problem. The service engine light has been on for ever. Who else can I contact?please , I cannot afford to drive to work w/o being in violation of the law. I am outraged by GM's total lack of support.
I am smelling a strong odor and smoke of oil burning on the exhaust of my 2001 Chevy s-10. It is coming from the engine compartment I went to the auto hobby shop at the us naval base and put the vehicle on a lift to see where the leak was coming from. The technician at the hobby shop has an s-10 also. His was doing the same thing. His was coming from a leaky valve cover gasket that would drip oil down the back of the engine on to the exhaust. I could not get a clear look. I did see oil collecting on a brace on the frame near the exhaust. I an afraid that the oil will catch fire. I haven't driven the vehicle since I noticed the problem. I am scheduling an appointment with the local Chevy dealer to have it checked out.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH on normal road conditions, smoke was noticed inside the vehicle cabin. No warning lights alerted the contact. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the exhaust manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The same problem recurred, and required a second replacement. The vehicle had to be taken to the dealership to replace the gasket a third time. The problem was very sensitive because the smoke entered through the ventilation to the cabin at low speeds and when the vehicle was immobile at stop sign. The manufacturer was contacted who indicated the vehicle was out of warranty, and provided no further assistance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was safely coasted to the shoulder and restarted as normal. The failure recurred several times later. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The contact stated that he performed a manual diagnostic, but was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no known similar complaints. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. ....updated 08-24-12 the consumer stated all gauges shut down. The fuel pump was replaced. Updated 08/30/2012
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet S10. While coming to a stop, the vehicle drove over a small bump in the road, and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The brakes had to be pumped in order to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred on four separate occasions. The engine and ABS lights illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and no failures were found. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet S10, 9% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is engine (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet S10 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.