2002 Chevrolet S10 Brake Problems

Which parts fail

• Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
  7
• Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
  2
• Antilock › ABS warning light
  1
• Disc › Rotor
  1
• Antilock
  1
• Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
  1

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  538%
• 25k–50k
  323%
• 50k–75k
  215%
• 75k–100k
  18%
• 100k–150k
  215%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

First incident approximately 2/15/2015, brakes pedal went close to floor when trying to stop vehicle, downshifted transmission to help stop vehicle. It was determined rust had caused a hole to develop in brake line cooler behind radiator of vehicle. Significant loss of brake fluid. Second incident approximately 5/15/2015, brakes became mushy loss of brake fluid. Rust caused pin hole leak in brake line at rear wheel brake cylinder. Third incident approximately 7/26/2015 significant loss of brake fluid. Cause yet undetermined

Brake line failure on 2002 Chevy s-10 crew cab. One brake line began leaking. Dealer suggested replacing two lines. When repair was being completed a third brake line began to leak. The parts are not readily available from GM and the dealer said it could take months to get.waiting to see if a local shop can manufacture the third line. I was told that the lines corroded due to brine used on roads during winter. I saw an article stating that the NHTSA is investigating other GM trucks between 1999 and 2003 for this very same problem but the s-10 is not listed as having an issue. I was fortunate that I caught it early by seeing a puddle of fluid under my truck. The brake light did not come on. I do not feel very confident about the remaining lines that have not been replaced.

Dt: the contact stated when applying the brakes at a high speed the brakes will chatter. When applying the brakes while approaching a stop sign the brake pedal will go to the floor and it will pulsate. The brakes will not allow the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop, but has extended stopping distance. A recall for other general motor vehicles regarding the ABS system, was issued, but this vehicle was not included in the recall. Upon inspection, it was determined that the rotors needed to be turned. The service dealer turned the rotors, replaced the brake pads and the brake shoes. This remedied the problem. The dealer will have to check the ABS to determine if the speed sensor was the problem. Updated 02/07/06.

The consumer stated that the rotators were bad, pictures were taken and there was unusual flaking. The rotors were worn smooth and not pitted. There was excessive noise coming from the brakes. All of the rotors were replaced due to the pitting being so severe that it could not be used. The dealer said he had seen this before. There was excessive noise in the drive train and morning brake noise as if the parking brakes were sticking. The vehicle had been to the dealer for noise in the drive train and 4 wheel drive unit which was eventually blamed on aggressive tire tread.

Tl contact own a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The brakes failed while driving 35 MPH. The dealer repaired the brakes; however, the failure occurred at 16,973 miles and reoccurred at 38,000 miles. A tire mechanic stated that the axle that holds the wheel together was cutting through the brakes and rubbing the wheels. The manufacturer informed the the contact that the dealers invoice indicated that they replaced the rotors; however, the contact was informed that they resurfaced the rotors. The failure mileage was 32,555. Updated 05/21/08 the brake lines also failed. Updated 05/21/08

-brakes failed to stop vehicle (2002 cherolet S10 pickup) while traveling at low speed (20-35 MPH). Brake pedal went to the floor at least once, possibly more, as I tried to get the brakes to engage. Brakes finally caught but on the right side only for the vehicle jerked to the right before it came to a stop. Vehicle, which is still under warrenty, was towed to dealer and no defects or problems were found. Dealer stated that there is nothing they can do to since they cannot replicate problem.

Tl* - the contact called regarding a 2002 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. The contact stated that the brake rotors have been replaced four times due to corrosion. The rotors were first replaced at approximately 6,000 miles. The contact has the repair invoices. The dealer told the contact they would no longer replace the rotors free of charge because of the frequent use of salt on the roads in the contact's area, the corrosion was to be expected. Updated 02/27/07.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH on dry road conditions, an attempt was made to stop the vehicle with the emergency brakes. The hand brake was also applied but failed to engaged or slow down the vehicle. There was no warning signals prior to the incident. The service dealer was alerted and admitted that there were other vehicles of the same make and model with this problem. The manufacturer was notified and offered to analyze the vehicle.

2002 Chevrolet S10. 60,480 miles. Manual transmission. 2wd. Parking brake failed and truck started to roll backwards down the driveway. I was working near the truck and heard a loud pop, same as when manually releasing the brake. I looked up and the truck was rolling. I jumped in a applied the hydraulic brakes to stop the truck. Parking brake pedal is totally without any resistance. Something in the brake system is broken.

Brakes lost power at about 50 MPH on us-24 in michigan. Main brake line sprung leak to rear axle was able to use emergency brake to safely stop. I have not removed line yet if you want digital pictures made michigan mechanic certificate # [redacted]

Brake complaints in other S10 years