Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2003 Chevy S10 has been maintained and taking care of. Brakes in rear were sticking due to factory defective ABS control module. Rear wheel bearing gave out and started leaking axle fluid cause of a sticking drivers side brake from ABS control module malfunctioning. After much cost of replacing calipers and brake pads the culprit from a defectively ABS control module making the brake caliper stick to the rotor.. Next the coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket and now the heater core leaks... this truck has only 146k miles on it and I always taking care of it keeping up before it's schedule maintenance. But what I see is poor defective parts from GM. SO I have to make sure I get this work done and keep the coolant filled or there be a motor issue from overheating. …
When trying to use the wipers the switch refuses to operate correctly. Been replaced twice ( this happens under all three switches). When you turn it on it will not respond and does not wipe. When you use the single wipe will wipe continual and not shut off at times. Some times when you use the fluid will not turn off unless you turn the engine off and restart the vehicle. When in the first two notches for wiping will start to wipe and stop about 1/4 of the way up the windshield. In high position operates as if normal, must set it above high to get it to operate in high. Sometimes it only operates at one speed no matter the position except when in high mode. Many times will not turn on when you turn it on and when you turn it off will not turn of if working. This is the third switch that has done this to me. ? …
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Driving down highway 56mph went ro pass and the accelerate stayed wide open causing to go off road to shut off truck to be able to slow down and hopefully stop. Hit the gravel on shoulder to avoid collision with other cars spun out of control going in ditch
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.
At any speed truck stops running. Pull over and restarts then goes for a while and dose it again. Start truck and key stays on have to turn it back by hand. Replaced starter once already in three months.
Brake line failed at an intersection, total loss of brake pressure. Chevrolet notified, dealer could not find problem, part took a week to arrive, and we just fixed it at home out of exaspiration for the dealer, Chevy was great though, line found worn right through. Many failures with this vehicle. Went through 3 batteries and 2 alternators. Upper ball joint failed on the highway, parts department tried to say because it wasnt greased, but I keep it greased, the ball broke right out the side, all ball joints replaced. Idler arm found broken when vehicle taken for re-alignment before that. Various electrical failures (suspected short somewhere as battery sparks when reconnected). Fuel pump failure at 65,000 miles, preceeding fuel guage malfunction about 6 mo's before, replaced fuel pump. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Fan blade rivet breakage can occur causing the fan blade to separate from the spider.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the fan with a newer fan having thicker-headed rivets.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet S10 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (84), 1996 (72), 1998 (52), 1997 (40) and 2000 (33) model years. Engine complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet S10 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-180 (fan, Sep 22, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet S10 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (120 mentions), followed by the engine (86).
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.