Model year record

1996 Chevrolet S10 recalls & problems

The 1996 Chevrolet S10 has 9 safety recalls and 668 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (238 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints668filed by owners

Crashes · fires111 · 11reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths55 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

VisibilityApr 28, 2003

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 03V1590001,755,876 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Service brakes, hydraulicJul 19, 1999

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 99V1930001,125,749 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.

VisibilityJul 1, 1998

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 98V1500011,557,585 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 11, 1997

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 97V146001146,167 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

Seat beltsJun 12, 1997

Seat belts

Recall 97V096001586,058 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

VisibilityJan 27, 1997

Windshield

Recall 97V00800155 vehicles

Problem: THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT STAY IN PLACE AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 212.
Fix: ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100%.

Power trainFeb 22, 1996

Manual transmission

Recall 96V03500024,906 vehicles

Problem: SOME OF THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT WITH TRANSMISSIONS CONTAINING PARTS WHICH WERE NOT MACHINED TO GM'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk: THESE TRANSMISSIONS COULD SEIZE AND LOCK THE REAR DRIVE WHEELS WHILE THE TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Chevrolet S-10

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

S10 Pickup 2WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

S10 Pickup 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

S10 Pickup 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

S10 Pickup 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

S10 Pickup 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

S10 Pickup 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	238	41	0	13	52,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield wiper/washer	104	0	0	0	30,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	80	1	4	0	79,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	77	2	2	0	103,664 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module	76	69	0	44	—
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Module	43	1	5	0	120,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	42	4	0	0	—
EquipmentMechanical › Carrier/rack; Appliance › Air conditioner	37	1	0	0	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	24	0	0	0	92,500 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front	23	2	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages	19	4	0	3	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Fuel injection system › Injectors	19	0	2	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakesCrash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION IN WHICH MY BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES DURING A SUDDEN STOP, THE BRAKES STARTED TO SLOW DOWN MY TRUCK BUT THEN THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH A RUBBING NOISE AND MY TRUCK KEPT TRAVELING UNTIL I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
Mar 12, 2018 · 340,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY, AND PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY COMPLETELY. GILCREST CHEVROLET BUICK GMC IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CITED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC)…
Aug 12, 2017 · 64,160 miles
Seat beltsFire
DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WOULDN'T LATCH. DRIVING AND SMELLED SMOKE. SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER DRIVERS SIDE DASH. STOPPED AND SAW MELTED WIRES. SEATBELT INDICATOR LIGHT WENT OUT.
Jun 8, 2016
SteeringCrash1 injury
THE ACCIDENT WAS ALMOST HEAD ON MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS HARD THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF IN THE OTHER CAR BUT NEITHER ONE OF OURS WENT OFF. FOR ABOUT A YEAR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE TRUCK WOULD STALL AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
Jun 6, 2013
Power train
FOR YEARS MY CHEVY S-10 1996 2WD TRUCK WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF ON THE ROAD OFTEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CHEVY LOOKED AT THE TRUCK MANY TIMES AND ALWAYS SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ONE TIME THEY TALKED ME INTO A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AT 36100 MILES. THEY DIDN'T HONOR THE WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE SHUTOFF PROBLEM AND HAPPENED BEFORE THE 36K WARRANTY LIMIT. THAT COST ME NEARLY 4000 DOLLARS. THEY TRUCK CONTINUED TO SHUT ITSELF OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR YEARS. IT WASN'T TILL A MECHANIC NOT AFFILIATED WITH GM TOLD ME TO STOP USING MORE THAN ONE KEY ON MY KEYCHAIN. THIS GM IGNITION RECALL GOES WAY BEYOND 2005 AND COBALTS. IT GOES BACK TO EARLY 90'S S-10…
Aug 1, 1997 · 3,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
THE LADY TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND I TBONED HER. *TR
Mar 29, 2013 · 169,970 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,000.
Oct 31, 2010 · 99,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCrash
1996 CHEVY S10 ATTEMPTED TO SLOW BUT HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. CONSUMER THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AHEAD, DROVE ONTO THE CEMENT CURB, AND STRUCK A POLE. *NJ UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF THE BRAKE LINES ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND REAR WERE LEAKING. THE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS VERY LOW AND IN FACT WAS EMPTY ON THE HALF DESIGNATED FOR THE REAR BRAKE. THE DRIVER ADMITTED USING THE WRONG TYPE OF BRAKE LINE FITTING WHEN HE DID THE BRAKE SERVICING. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0433-91 THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON AND AROUND THE REAR AXLE. UPDATED 05/14/10.*JB
May 17, 2008

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SPARE TIRE SEPARATION FROM VEHICLEClosed
EA99018 · opened Jun 30, 1999 · closed Oct 20, 2000
SEPARATION OF SPARE TIRE FROM VEHICLEClosed
ALLEGED THAT WIRE CABLE/WINCH ASSEMBLY WHICH HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY UDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE TIRE TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION
PE99004 · opened Jan 15, 1999 · closed Jun 30, 1999
SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 97V096001
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
EA97004 · opened Feb 28, 1997 · closed Aug 5, 1997
ABS BRAKING SYSTEMClosedLed to recall 99I006000
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
EA94038 · opened Oct 31, 1994 · closed Feb 28, 2000