Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10 with an odometer reading of 15800 miles. The contact started having problems with the vehicle at 1100 miles when the brakes began to make loud noises. In August o 2003 the contact took the vehicle to don hall Chevrolet of ashland kentucky, and the service personnel determined that the brake pads were not compatible with the factory rotors, thus causing the brakes to make a v loud noise. The rotors were turned and new brake pads were installed. Three days later the noise continued. A mechanic installed wagner brake pads. The manufacturer's pads installed at the dealer were not as efficient. At 11, 000 miles the brake pedal rattled when driving over speed bumps. The service personnel at mcfarland murray chevorlet dealership of grayson kentucky removed the dashborad, and replaced the bushing on the brake pedal. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position corroded, and then fractured. He contacted the dealer in reference to NHTSA action number rq04012(structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device ). He has been informed that the vehicle was not eligible for a free remedy because the sonoma and s-10 vehicles differ from c/k models in several ways: the vehicle height is lower; the tailgate displacement (drop) when not supported by the cables is smaller and the tailgate comes to rest at a less severe tip angle when not supported by the cables; the tailgate mass is smaller; and the size, payload, and usage characteristics are less demanding than c/k model vehicles. He was in the process of having the vehicle repaired. …
Upper front door hinge on the Chevrolet. S-10 crew has worn out where the pin anchors the door hinge bracket to the frame's hinge bracket, welded to frame. The failure of the pin's bushing has caused the frame' hinge bracket to wear out in such a way that the driver's side front door hangs, and must be slammed shut to insure full closure. Due to this defect that Chevrolet mechanics stated they were aware off. The remedy to correct this dangerous hazard was for the owner to incur the costs of repair. The truck was just a little over 4 years old from date of manufacturing with 77,000 miles. The dealer stated that the defect was caused by normal use of opening / shutting door. This problem should be immediately addressed as vehicles displaying this defect were a safety hazard for the door(s) opening unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle was in transit. …
Upon personal inspection of my vehicle I discovered my spare tire was missing and the cable had snapped due to cable fraying or corrosion. The exact time and speed of this failure is unknown but the danger could be potentially hazardous for the following reasons a: the tire could pose a hazard to traffic behind the vehicle. B: the tire could roll into lanes of traffic or pedestrians. C: the tire could fall at such an angle to lift and deflect the rear end of the vehicle causing damage and unexpected loss of control. D: the operator could find themselves stranded without a spare tire.
I have an 2003 Chevy S10 that doesn't even have 30,000 miles on it yet. The third door handle has broke and been replaced twice already. The incident date was the around the last time I put one on. It currently needs another handle put on it now. I haven't done it yet cause at $30 each time it has to be replaced is getting expensive for a piece of plastic. Without this piece it is hard to open the door and I use the door to get my daughter in and out of my truck. I feel this part needs to be recalled and changed to a better handle.
While driving my 2003 Chevy S10 the assembly that holds the spare tire underneath of the vehicle disengaged when the cable snapped. The tire became wedged between the road and the rear bumper causing my vehicle to fishtail. No accident occurred despite the tire bouncing across 4 lanes of traffic and down a side street where it came to rest against a curb. The "priority" dealership said this was not covered by the warranty. This is the 3rd case I have heard about this happening in my area.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The third driver's side rear door has a release lever that has been replaced five times while the vehicle was under warranty. The lever was recently replaced again at Chevrolet's expense. The contact is concerned that the rear passengers will not be able to exit the vehicle if the lever fails again. The contact filed complaint number 71-653843775 with Chevrolet. The current mileage was 71,662 and failure mileage was 46,000.
2003 Chevrolet s-10 zr2's four wheel drive automatically engaged causing accidents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to find a problem. The transmission slipped. The engine would also miss. The vehicle also exhibited problem with the driver's side window, headlights, taillights, windshield wipers, cruise control and trim. The vehicle cruise control activated once while driving. The tailgate had to be adjusted.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The handle for the third door snapped and failed when the contact attempted to open the door. As a result, the door would not open. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 36,650. Updated 03/05/08. The consumer stated the part was replaced by him at the cost of $27.50 plus tax. Updated 03/04/08
Dt*: the contact stated while stepping on the tailgate the passenger side cable fractured. The contact sustained minor bruises. Upon inspection the dealership determined the fracture occurred because of rust on the cable wires. The contact attached wires to the tailgate as a temporary repair.
Body complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2003 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the body & structure of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 17% of the model year's 178 complaints. The component named most often is body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet S10 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2003 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 2003 Chevrolet S10 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.