A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 4Mar 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Chevrolet S10
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94029Opened 29 Jul 1994Closed 31 Jul 1996ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
AN ALLEGED MALFUNCTION IN THE ATLERNATOR RESULTING IN ENGINE COMPARTMET FIRES.
EA92015Opened 22 May 1992Closed 28 May 1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
HIGH IDLE FLARE
PE92001Opened 7 Jan 1992Closed 22 May 1992VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
HIGH IDLE FLARE
PE91057Opened 6 Mar 1991Closed 12 Jul 1991EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
Recalls on the 1990 Chevrolet S10
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
96V195000
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT LOOSENS AT THE STEERING SHAFT TO STEERING GEAR COUPLING. WITH THIS LOOSENESS, THE YOKE PINCH BOLT CAN WEAR ON THE SPLINES OF THE SHAFT UNTIL THERE IS NO LONGER AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPLINES AND THE BOLT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE BODY TO CHASSIS MOVEMENT ALLOWING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
93V008000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.
Risk: IF THE BLADE BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, APERSON WORKING UNDER THE HOOD OR IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCKAND INJURED BY THE BLADE SEGMENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 98,858 milesSaint Charles, MOCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
A JEEP WITH A BIKE MOUNTED ON A BIKE RACK STOPPED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES, BUT QUICKLY LOST BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED TO SWERVE, BUT HIT THE REAR OF THE JEEP, DAMAGING THE BIKE AND BIKE RACK. SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY GRILLE, DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER AND HEADLIGHT, AND RADIATOR MOUNT. AFTER EXCHANGING INSURANCE INFORMATION, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND, BY THE FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. LIMPED HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS). NO BRAKES OTHER THAN EMERGENCY BRAKE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED FAILED BRAKE LINE AND SEVERE RUST ON MOST BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10572700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,858 milesSaint Charles, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
A JEEP WITH A BIKE MOUNTED ON A BIKE RACK STOPPED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES, BUT QUICKLY LOST BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED TO SWERVE, BUT HIT THE REAR OF THE JEEP, DAMAGING THE BIKE AND BIKE RACK. SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY GRILLE, DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER AND HEADLIGHT, AND RADIATOR MOUNT. AFTER EXCHANGING INSURANCE INFORMATION, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND, BY THE FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. LIMPED HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS). NO BRAKES OTHER THAN EMERGENCY BRAKE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED FAILED BRAKE LINE AND SEVERE RUST ON MOST BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10572700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goleta, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES FAILED TWICE; BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURED WITHIN TWO YEARS, RESULTING IN COLLISIONS.
NHTSA complaint #780775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goleta, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKES FAILED TWICE, ONCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #534196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE DEFECTIVE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE, RESULTIN IN ROLLOVER. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT AND ONTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #820053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FLCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE DEFECTIVE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE, RESULTIN IN ROLLOVER. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT AND ONTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #820053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 98,858 milesSaint Charles, MOCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
A JEEP WITH A BIKE MOUNTED ON A BIKE RACK STOPPED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES, BUT QUICKLY LOST BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED TO SWERVE, BUT HIT THE REAR OF THE JEEP, DAMAGING THE BIKE AND BIKE RACK. SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY GRILLE, DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER AND HEADLIGHT, AND RADIATOR MOUNT. AFTER EXCHANGING INSURANCE INFORMATION, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND, BY THE FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. LIMPED HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS). NO BRAKES OTHER THAN EMERGENCY BRAKE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED FAILED BRAKE LINE AND SEVERE RUST ON MOST BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10572700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,858 milesSaint Charles, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
A JEEP WITH A BIKE MOUNTED ON A BIKE RACK STOPPED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES, BUT QUICKLY LOST BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED TO SWERVE, BUT HIT THE REAR OF THE JEEP, DAMAGING THE BIKE AND BIKE RACK. SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY GRILLE, DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER AND HEADLIGHT, AND RADIATOR MOUNT. AFTER EXCHANGING INSURANCE INFORMATION, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND, BY THE FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. LIMPED HOME (ABOUT 2 BLOCKS). NO BRAKES OTHER THAN EMERGENCY BRAKE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED FAILED BRAKE LINE AND SEVERE RUST ON MOST BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10572700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisburg, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED FRONT WHEELS LOCK, AND REAR WHEELS KEEP TURNING, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE'S MAKE AND MODEL; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #878310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
LAST WEEK TWO TIRES HAVE SHOWN SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. TIRES WERE ON A 1990, CHEVROLET, S10. NOT ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT. TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 35,000. THERE WAS 5/32 TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRES. *AK BOTH OF THE BACK FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX TIRES HAD BULGES ON THE TREAD. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #868416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camas, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUAL PUMP WIRE MELTED INSIDE OF FUAL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #854480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNK, UN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
3RD DOOR LATCH FAILED CAUSING DOOR TO NOT OPEN/STICK. MJS
NHTSA complaint #609826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Clinton, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MARCH 6 1999 I DISCOVERED THE #2 CYLINDER WAS BADLY CARBON FOULED ,SINCE THAT TIME IT'S HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS ON 10 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE FOR MY OWN PERSONAL USE AT ALL,THE MECHANIC HAS BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT ,THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE WAS MANUFACTURED TO OPERATE IN THIS MANNER AND BASICALLY LIVE WITH IT! I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD GET MY MONEY BACK IN FULL SINCE I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE AT ALL AND APPARENTLY THIS IS A LEMON VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #706216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardena, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT ON ROOF IS BEGINNING TO PEEL. EVERYTIME I WAS IN VEHICLE MORE PAINT FLAKES OFF
NHTSA complaint #704802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indian Head, MD
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
THE CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE ON BROKE. IF ANY VISUAL INSPECTION IS NEEDED FEEL FREE TO DO SO
NHTSA complaint #703670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, UN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE IS GIVING AN ERROR SIGNAL. OWNER INTERESTED IN COMPLAINTS ON 1990-1998 S10'S AND THE VORTEX V-6 ENGINES.
NHTSA complaint #780868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE THE JACK COLLAPSED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE JACK WILL NOT BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #826559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independen, MO
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
SPARE TIRE MOUNT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #535927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poolesvill, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED HAD TO HAVE CLUSTER MODULE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #533632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goleta, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #540888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goleta, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES FAILED TWICE; BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURED WITHIN TWO YEARS, RESULTING IN COLLISIONS.
NHTSA complaint #780775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goleta, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKES FAILED TWICE, ONCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #534196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orlean, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
GAS TANK RUSTED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #531311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orlean, LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EXHAUST SYSTEM MUFFLER FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #531311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #525681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE DEFECTIVE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE, RESULTIN IN ROLLOVER. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT AND ONTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #820053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FLCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE DEFECTIVE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERATIVE, RESULTIN IN ROLLOVER. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT AND ONTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #820053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
GAS TANK EXPLODES IF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IS CONNECTED BACKWARDS BECAUSE 12 VOLTS IS SUPPLIED TO THE SENSOR CIRCUIT, CAUSING IT TO BURN OUT AND EMIT SPARKS.
NHTSA complaint #524179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Waipahu, HI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH, NEEDING TO MAKE A QUICK STOP, APPLIED BRAKES, NO REACTION, DID NOT STOP. MECHANIC CHANGED PADS/DRUMS, INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEFECT HAS REOCCURRED AFTER 1 YEAR. THIS DEFECT CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #818505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walpole, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI- LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND PEDAL OCCASIONALLY FLUCTUATES TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA complaint #805201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ironia, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FRONT BRAKES ON THE RIGHT SIDE WEAR OUT, BUT THE OUTSIDE PADS WEAR OUT FIRST . THE CENSOR THAT SHOULD LET YOU KNOW THAT THE PADS ARE WORN OUT IS ON THE INSIDE, SO THE CONSUMER HAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE BRAKES ARE GONE UNLESS VISUAL INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #801353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.