Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While pulling into a driveway another vehicle t-boned consumer's vehicle on the right front. This caused consumer's vehicle to become air born. When the vehicle descended it was struck head on with another vehicle. Consumer was wearing seat belts, but the front air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained minor injuries to the legs, chest, and arms. The police arrived and cited the consumer.
The contact owned a 2003 Chevrolet S 10. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle T-boned his vehicle at a high rate of speed. The contact stated that the air bag did not deploy and the contact hit his head on the windshield. The contact was taken from the scene to a local hospital where they initially ran a test and found no injuries on his body. The contact stated that his head remained in pain and went back to the hospital the next day. The next day, the contact was informed that a blood clot was discovered near his brain, and was transferred to another hospital for surgery. The contact was sent to outpatient rehabilitation once he was released from the hospital. The contact stated that the other driver did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. …
Twice now while lightly applying brakes to come to a stop at an intersection the antilock brake system engaged. Since it was unexpected I almost didn't come to a stop in time before rolling into the intersection into traffic. The ABS warning indicator was illuminated intermittently before this with recorded DTC C0268 (Pump motor circuit shorted). Also the transfer case input shaft seal failed which caused transmission fluid to leak into the transfer case, completely filling it. That caused the transfer case vacuum switch to fail and transmission fluid was sucked into the vacuum lines and eat through them causing a vacuum leak. …
The seat position on this vehicle + all other vehicle my family have do not fit a adult w a 32 " sitting hight 22 in shoulder hight @less than 160 lbs the seatbelt become deadly and airbag a peg vaggio 120 anchored to seat w a retro fit kit it is attached solid corrects seatbelt geometry leave me 15. " from the wheel. Peddle extension are allready leaguel for short individual a high back anchor booster seat is a better idea for an operator to be driving a vehicle, and then an unattached booster cushion that they still have to put 2-3/4on top of each other pleat test for driving positions highback booster for small drivers you should make it a federal law for everyone safety I've already sent multiple other pictures and here comes more if it will allow me to not a state law you should make it a federal law for everyone's safety and all points of the United States. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet s-10 with a current and failure mileage of 22,000 . On February 13, 2007 h the contact was sitting at a traffic light on a dry day when a vehicle going approximately 45 MPH hit him in the rear , causing the contacts vehicle to collide into the rear of the vehicle in front of him. Upon impact, no air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to state farm insurance company, and the vehicle was totaled. The contact stated that no reason was given for why the air bags did not deploy. The consumer stated the drivers seat broke. Updated 05/08/07.
Takata recall I was involved in a accident 10-10-2016 at 9:10 am, a vehicle pulled in front of me causing me to hit them with the front of my truck, the driver side airbag did not deploy...updated 10/28/16
Dt*: the consumer stated while driving at 35 MPH another vehicle came across the median and crashed into the vehicle. Upon impact the driver's seat belt failed to lock and both frontal airbags failed to deploy. The consumer sustained injuries to the neck and back. There was a fire coming from the engine area after impact. The fire department cut all the electrical wires to extinguish the fire. Although the police responded no report were filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealership were it has not been inspected.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet S10. While driving 26 MPH around an s curve, the brakes pedal was applied, but seized. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment and creek. The air bags did not deploy. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and sustained neck, nose, and eye injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The cause of the failures was not determined. The failure mileage was 230,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet S10 years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (113), 1996 (74), 1997 (47), 1998 (37) and 2000 (29) model years. Airbag complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet S10 airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags 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 airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (276 mentions), followed by the side/window (10).
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.