The 2002 Chevrolet S10 has 3 safety recalls and 214 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (73 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints214filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths16 · 3reported in complaints
2002 Chevrolet S10 in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E065000 · Jul 17, 2006 · 3,593 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006 · 87,745 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
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
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2002 Chevrolet S-10 Regular Cab
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2002 Chevrolet S-10 Extended Cab
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
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 FFV FFV
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 2WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 2WD
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 4WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 4WD
14mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 16 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/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*
Structure Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments; Frame and members
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
14
1
0
0
28,330 mi
Suspension Front; Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
13
0
0
0
80,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
7
2
0
0
—
Seats Front assembly › Recliner
7
1
0
2
24,000 mi
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Other › Labels
6
0
0
1
—
Steering Column; Rack and pinion
5
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Aug 4, 2026Seats The seat position on this vehicle + all other vehicle my family have do not fit a adult w a 32 â 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. â 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 Iâve…
Nov 23, 2023 · 171,000 milesEngine 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.
Dec 4, 2023Tires The contact owns a 2002 Chevy S10 equipped with Tornel Classic All Season Tires. Tire Size: 205/75 R15, and DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's friend noticed that the passenger's front tire had a large bubble. The contact stated that the bubble was the size of a football. The tire was recently purchased online from Walmart.  The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. VIN Unavailable.
Mar 1, 2024 · crashEngine 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
Nov 17, 2020Visibility/wiper TURNED ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING DOWNPOUR. CHECKED FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. FAULTY SOLDERS ON WIPER CONTROL BOARD. DANGEROUS SITUATION AS VISIBILITY WAS GREATLY IMPAIRED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING CRASH.
Oct 2, 2020Suspension CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET SERVICE -CHARGED 05CVZ BRAKES/ 88911428 STEER/SUP PARTS $219.24 LABOR $366.66/F JOINT KIT/STEERING IDLER ARM 88911297 PART: $97.99 LABOR: $366.66/ 19297307 F-(S)ARM PARTS: $42.89 LABOR: $331.30 ON SEPT 15, 2020, SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT IT WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS FOR HER PARTS TO ARRIVE AT CHUCK HUTTON PARTS DEPARTMENT. CUSTOMER CALLED ON SEPT 24, 2020. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED, SHE WAS STILL WAITING ON THE DELIVERY OF THE PARTS. CUSTOMER SPOKE WITH SERVICE CONSULTANT ON OCTOBER 1, 2020. CUSTOMER WAS ADVISED AGAIN BY SERVICE CONSULTANT THAT SHE IS STILL WAITING ON THE PARTS. HUNG UP PHONE AND CALLED CUSTOMER BACK WITHIN 5 MINUTES, AND SAID HER PARTS WAS…
Nov 26, 2018 · 190,000 milesSteering WHEN MY TRUCK RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY, MY STEERING LOCKED UP AND BRAK S FAILED.
Sep 12, 2017Electrical system TRUCK OR VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING.
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
EA05008 · opened Apr 14, 2005 · closed May 19, 2006TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING A SPECIAL POLICY PROGRAM FOR 903,464 OWNERS OF 2000 - 2003 MODEL S/T VEHICLES THROUGH WHICH OWNERS MAY, AT THEIR OPTION, EITHER (1) PERIODICALLY INSPECT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLE AND HAVE THE CABLES REPLACED IF THE CABLE COATING EXHIBITS ANY INDICATIONS OF DAMAGE OR DETERIORATION OR (2) REQUEST THAT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. GM WILL HONOR ALL REQUESTS BY OWNERS WHO OPT FOR REPLACEMENT WITHOUT QUESTION REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OR APPEARANCE OF THE CABLES. GM HAS AGREED TO MAIL REMINDER NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS 12 YEARS OLD.ODI'S INVESTIGATION INDICATES THAT A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF THE REPORTED COMPLAINTS (87%) AND INJURIES (94%) HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2000 - 2003 S/T VEHICLES.
RQ04012 · opened Nov 22, 2004 · closed Apr 14, 2005TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE(S) BREAK ODI IS UPGRADING RQ04-012 AND OPENING AN EA TO INVESTIGATE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN 1998 - 2004 MODEL YEAR SONOMA AND S10 MODEL VEHICLES.GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-129 TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES ORIGINALLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 SIERRAS AND SILVERADOS AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 AVALANCHES AND ESCALADE EXTS (C/K MODELS).GENERAL MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODITHAT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE FABRICATED USING IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR SHEATHING MATERIAL AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.HOWEVER,GENERAL MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODI THAT SONOMA AND S-10 VEHICLES DIFFER FROM C/K MODELS IN SEVERAL WAYS: THE VEHICLE HEIGHT IS LOWER; THE TAILGATE DISPLACEMENT (DROP) WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES IS SMALLER AND THE TAILGATE COMES TO REST AT A LESS SEVERE TIP ANGLE WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES; THE TAILGATE…