Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am the original owner of a 2003 Chevy s-10 pickup purchased in June 2003 that has less than 35,000 miles. In February 2008 when driving in local traffic and perfect weather conditions I suddenly heard a roar that sounded like a diesel truck and lasted only few seconds. I had never heard such a noise from my truck. About one quarter of a mile later the roar returned and the accelerator spontaneously depressed. I had to stand on the brake with all my strength to try to slow the truck. I stood on the brake for a distance of about 30 feet. I ultimately hit the car in front of me. I had to continue to stand on the brake to keep it from moving forward even after the impact. The person that was driving the car in front of me walked back to me and suggested that I turn off the engine. This stopped the roar (or "revved up") engine. …
Headlights dim without warning. On 2 occasions the headlights dimmed and failed. This reduces driver's visibility. As a result, the consumer drove off the road and went into a ditch. Also, upon depressing accelerator pedal automatic transmission dropped into first gear abruptly.
When I test drove this vehicle, I "punched" the throttle to check response, engine-misfire, smoke, etc. The throttle stuck in the open position and the vehicle continued to accelerate. Repeated punching of the accelerator released the throttle and I was able to reduce engine speed. The dealer indicated that this problem was caused by carpeting snagging the throttle cable. (wrong). The dealer examined the vehicle, declared the problem cured, and I purchased the vehicle. Since that time, the throttle has stuck more than a dozen times. This is particularly dangerous when attempting to pass another vehicle, or accelerating from a traffic light. The throttle stuck once when I was pulling into a downtown parking lot. In all these cases, had I not known what to expect, there could have been an accident. No parts have ever been replaced on this vehicle to the best of my knowledge. …
Throttle sticks in full-open position. Motor RPM bounce off the rev-limiter when this happens. Problem is not in throttle cabling or accelerator pedal mechanism. Problem is internal to throttle body. Feels like a piece of rubber is jammed between the throttle plate and throttle body housing. Vehicle is currently at dealership because of this problem.
While merging onto the highway, driver applied gas to the accelerator pedal. The gas pedal went all the way to the floor. Resulting in vehicle accelerated at a very high speed. This caused a strain on the engine and transmission. The vehicle was placed in neutral or third while hard braking. The dealer failed to respond after ensuring they would provide service. The vehicle was still under warranty as of 05/02-no response.
Dt: contact stated all of the gauges on the dashboard suddenly stopped working and were inaccurate. The speedometer was stuck at 100 MPH. The tachometer showed a readout of zero. The fuel gauge indicated the fuel tank was empty, although there was fuel in the tank.
I was parking my truck in my apt parking structure after work on 9/14/02, upon finding a parking space I made a 3 point turn to get into the parking space. I reversed then stopped and placed the truck in drive as I was about to pull forward into the parking space. At that point I barely touch the gas expecting to coast into the space and then suddely the motor just started revving up. I didn't think twice and just jumped on the brake with both feet but the truck wouldn't stop. We ended up jumping the cement parking stopper on the ground, which lifted the front end into the air about 2-3 feet, and sent us smashing into the block wall directly infront of us. I now have $2,200 worth of front end damage, and am really worried about driving that truck again.
This report is being submitted by sgt j passiglia of the independnece, mo police traffic safety unit. This vehicle was involved in a vehicular accident . The driver reported that as he pulled into a driveway the accelerator stuck causing him to lose control. He applied the brake but the truck would not stop. The vehicle struck a pedestrian. His injuries are very serious. Possible fatality. The driver was not impaired. The physical evidence was consistent with the driver's statement. We have impounded the truck and will have it inspected. You can reach me at [phone] or email [email].
NHTSA investigations
Post collision fuel system integrity
Allege that in certain side impact crashes, the subject fuel tanks May contact the prop shaft rear universal joint components with sufficient force to puncture the tank.
Post-collision fuel system integrity
Alleged that the fuel tank May be susceptible to puncture in certain crash modes
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet S10 years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (37), 1995 (29), 1997 (21), 1998 (18) and 2000 (17) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet S10 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Chevrolet S10 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet S10 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 57% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (39 mentions), followed by the cruise control (16).
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.