The 2003 Chevrolet S10 has 4 safety recalls and 178 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (32 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints178filed by owners
Crashes · fires16 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths12 · 1reported in complaints
2003 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 04V132000 · Mar 18, 2004 · 183,922 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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
2003 Chevrolet S-10 Regular Cab
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2003 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
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
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
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
S10 Pickup 2WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/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 / 17 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; Body › Door
32
2
0
1
50,070 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
24
1
0
1
42,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
19
2
0
0
7,300 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
15
9
0
10
87,524 mi
Electrical system Wiring; Instrument cluster/panel
15
1
0
0
70,000 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
13
1
0
0
37,500 mi
Tires Temporary/emergency spare tire; Sidewall
12
0
0
0
70,000 mi
Service brakes
12
1
0
0
104,868 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
11
0
0
0
34,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling Cooling system; Exhaust system
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Cruise control
6
3
0
0
400 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 19, 2021 · 200,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags 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…
Apr 14, 2021Air bags 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. Because of the vacuum leak, whenever I would accelerate to…
Aug 21, 2021Service brakes 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 itâs schedule maintenance. But what I see is poor defective parts from GM. SO I have to make sure I get…
Sep 21, 2020 · 133,998 milesAir bags TRUCK WAS PURCHASED 7/7/20. SEEMED TO WORK FINE, BUT STARTED NOTICING ENGINE TROUBLE ON 9/10/20. HAD ONLY DRIVEN IT ~150 MILES SINCE PURCHASE, NEVER ANY STRENUOUS DRIVING. TOOK IT IN TO GET SERVICED ON 9/21/20, WHERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WERE SPOTTED, ONE OF WHICH IS TRACEABLE TO THE DEALER: 1) THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP WAS BEING HELD ON ONLY BY TWO ZIPTIES. THIS IS WHY IT SEEMED TO RUN FINE ON THE DATE OF PURCHASE, BUT CAUSED ENGINE MISFIRES WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF LIGHT USE. THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THE DAY BEFORE I PURCHASED IT THAT THE DISTRIBUTOR WAS BEING FIXED, BUT THEY FAILED TO NOTIFY ME THAT IT WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY. TRUCK NOW MISFIRES, HAS AN ARCING WIRE, AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. 2)TRUCK…
Apr 19, 2019 · 167,000 milesVisibility/wiper THIS IS SECOND VEHICLE OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. WE HAVE TWO 2003 CHEVROLET S-10S WHERE THE WIPERS STOP WORKING DURING RAIN. IN MOST CASES DURING HEAVY RAINS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES. VEHICLE HAS TO BE PULLED OVER AND THE HOOD HAS TO BE RAISED TO TAP THE MOTOR TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE.
May 3, 2019 · 187,000 milesVisibility/wiper WE OWN 2-2003 S-10S SAME YEAR MODELS AND COLOR. THE ONLY THING DIFFERENT ARE THE MOTORS. BOTH HAVE BEEN HAVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OUT WHILE IN A HEAVY RAINSTORMS AND ON BUSY INTERSTATES.
Feb 7, 2019 · 100,048 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT REACHED DOWN TO ACCESS AN ITEM AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE OFFICERS ALSO WONDERED WHY THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MINOR BRUISING, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE SEAT BELT MANAGED TO RESTRAIN THE DRIVER SECURELY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A YARD. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED ANY AIR BAG RECALLS FOR THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS ONE AIR BAG…
Jul 17, 2018 · 70,000 milesElectrical system THE TRUCK WAS OCCASIONALLY NOT TURNING OVER. TRIED THINGS LIKE TURNING FAN ON, RADIO, ETC AND IT WOULD START. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON OR WILL BLINK. TRUCK NOW IS NOT TURNING OVER AT ALL. DASH LIGHTS BLINK AND OR COME ON WHEN DOOR OPENS. THIS IS A PROBLEM I'VE SEEN ALL OVER INTERNET, BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED. I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL. I AM PAYING FOR A DEAD TRUCK NOW. TRUCK WAS STATIONARY-WON'T START.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
