Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving at 60 MPH vehicle lost power. Then, consumer lost control of vehicle, hit a guard rail, and landed in a ditch. Consumer sustained no injuries. Vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the consumer that the PCM needed replacement. Dealer tried to reprogram the system, but was unable to do so.
If the vehicle is placed in 4-wheel drive on a high traction surface and you attempt to turn, left or right, the drivetrain locks up and the vehicle will not move. I have taken it to the dealer and had many conversations with GM customer service and they tell me I should not be driving in 4-wheel drive on a high traction surface. The service manager did agree that the vehicle will not turn in this situation and that there was nothing he could do. I have owned numerous 4-wheel drive trucks and never have I had one that would not turn will in 4-wheel drive on a high traction surface. They May skip or hop a little but they always turned. If you happen to turn left and the vehicle stops you would be placing yourself and the passengers in harms way with on-coming traffic. I have a safety issue with my vehicle and it May be a generic issue. …
This 2002 Chevy s-10 crew cab 4x4 is equipped with an electronic in dash buttons for 2 wheel high, 4 wheel high and 4 wheel low. A vacuum (rubber) hose connects the rear differential to the vacuum solenoid and engages the front trans axle to engaged into 4 wheel drive and back to rear wheel drive. This vacuum tube is mounted too close to the exhaust pipe and has dryrotted in two years causing the vehicle to not go into 4 wheel drive. This hose either needs to be shielded from the exhaust pipe heat or should be made of a material that when exposed to the heat will not deteriorate. The main problem is that the lights on the dash indicate you are in 4 wheel drive when you are not and someone is going to be killed if they believe they are in 4 wheel drive and hit some ice or snow, lose control and collide with another vehicle or careen off a mountain. …
Initial complaint started at approx 17,100 miles. There was water reported in the rear end differential. Dealer (lucas Chevrolet) refused to repair under warranty and to give suggestions on how water got into sealed unit. We paid to have the fluid changed and dealer assured that there was no damage to rear end differential. Second complaint was that there was a whining noise coming from the rear end at approximately 20,000 miles. The noise occured between 50 & 70 MPH and would quit when the gas pedal was let off. A different dealer (jim reed Chevrolet) "rebuilt" the rear end differential. Note: dealer was very helpful in fixing problem. The next complaint was that at approximately 23,000 miles, after the rear end differential fluid was changed, the whining noise came back. The driving conditions were the same as the second complaint. …
2004 tail gate ass failed replaced after market parts 2004 back up lights in/op;004 interrior light will not turn off/ over ride botton used to save battery2005 left front hub ass replaced. 004 right front hub ass replaced;005 front end replaced/pittman/tie rods;2004 oil filter leak / tightened 2004 rear emergency brakes in/op 5 left emergency brake drum replaced;005 right emergency brake drum replaced 2005 gas sending unit replaced eradic behavior 2004 left brake shoe replaced ;004 right brake shoe replaced;005 left brake shoe replaced front;005 right brake shoe replaced front 2005 left brake shoe replaced rear;005 right brake shoe replaced rear;005 u joints replaced;04 battery replaced 2005 transmission showing signs of wear;005 rear end {3.42} locker clangs between 1st and revved. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet S10. The contact noticed that the engine warning light was constantly illuminated on the instrument control panel. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuel filter. Several months later, the engine warning light illuminated again. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the vehicle; therefore, she would have to assume liability for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 146,000.
My 2000 Chevy S10 4x4 (purchased from courtesy Chevrolet, phoenix, az) broke down on 8/12/03 due to the transmission slipping out of gear and making a grinding noise between reverse & park when I stopped. The truck would not go into drive, and I had to be towed to the nearest dealer (gateway Chevrolet in avondale, az) approx. 65 miles away. After the truck was checked out the next day, the service advisor called to say there was nothing wrong with the truck and that it shifted into all gears and ran normal. (note: there were 82,278 miles on the truck at that time and I had the 100,000 mile extended warranty). On several other occasions before and after this event, I experienced a sudden revving up of the engine, which stopped after several rapid depressions of the accelerator. …
I recently purchased a used 2000 Chevy s-10 with 48,000 miles. The vehicle is extra clean and there were no apparent problems. I had to make a trip from atlanta, ga to chicago, il. Coming back on the interstate (traveling 75-80 miles an hour), the check engine light came on and the truck downshifted from overdrive into third. I was nearly rear ended by two 18-wheelers while I tried to slow the vehicle so that the RPM's were not in the critical zone. I stopped at the first auto repair shop I could find, and was told that the transmission was severely damaged and would need to be rebuilt. Apparently, the bands were slipping and caused the fluid to overheat and turn extremely dark. The truck now has 58,000 miles, and needs a new transmission. This is the third GM car that I have had that I have had to have major transmission work done. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Manual transmission
Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to GM's specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet S10 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (66), 1995 (50), 1997 (49), 2000 (46) and 1998 (40) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet S10 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-035 (manual transmission, Feb 22, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet S10 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (154 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (31).
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.