52 of the
742 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet S10 are about the
engine — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
76,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 01/09/15*LJ UPDATED 06/2/2015
NHTSA complaint #10658912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN City, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
HI I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A 1998 CHEVROLET S10 USED PRIVATE PARTY AND NOTICED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND MY BROTHER SCANNED THE COMPUTER AND FOUND IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND WAS INFORMED BY MY BROTHER IT HAD BEEN REBUILT LITERALLY 2 MONTHS BEFORE PURCHASED AND WAS SHOWN PROOF WHEN DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT SHIFTED INTO 3RD BY ITSELF AND WAS FORCED TO DRIVE 25 MILES DOING 50 TOOK IT TO GM AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS A PRESSURE PROBLEM AND WAS "RECOMMENDED" A TRANNY REBUILD AND THEN THEY CALLED THE CAR A PIECE OF @#$%^ AND WASN'T WORTH IT I PERSONALLY LOVE THE TRUCK AND THEN THEY SAID IT WOULD BE 2500 DOLLARS. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION WILL EVENTUALLY LOCK ME OUT OF IT, ALSO WHEN HOT IT SOUNDS LITERALLY LIKE A TRACTOR ON EXCEL AND STEADY SPEED IF ANY ONE HAS ANY ANSWERS PLEASE EMAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10277255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesColumbia City, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ECM WENT OUT. ALSO HAD A PROBLEM EARLIER ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS AGO. THE CAM SENSOR WENT OUT. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10260819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesVA Beach, VAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE OIL LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10253673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,627 milesGregory, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
BEGAN EXPERIENCING LOUD EXHAUST NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER IN 1998 S-10 PICKUP IN JULY OF '07. HAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED. AGAIN BEGAN EXPERIENCING LOUD EXHAUST AND LOSS OF POWER IN APRIL 2008. PICKUP TOTALLY STALLED OUT IN MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTION ONCE, NEARLY STALLED ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS. WAS ADVISED BY ACQUAINTANCE THAT THERE WAS A SPECIAL POLICY ISSUED BY GM (05021A) THAT COVERED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RESEARCHED THE SPECIAL POLICY AND FOUND OUT THAT I SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A MAILING IN MAY 2005 NOTIFYING ME OF A POTENTIAL FAILURE OF MY EXHAUST SYSTEM, I NEVER RECEIVED THE MAILING. CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE, WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT TO A GM DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. TOOK VEHICLE TO GM DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS A PIECE OF '!@#$% AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK - THEY ESCALATED THE CLAIM AND THE DEALERSHIP ENDED UP REPLACING THE FLEX JOINT & HEADER PIPE. CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN TO SEE ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AS PROVIDED FOR IN SPECIAL POLICY. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE HUNG UP ON ME, REQUESTED THAT I TRACK DOWN MORE INFORMATION ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR AND THEN NEVER REQUESTED TO SEE THE DOCUMENTATION DESPITE SEVERAL OFFERS TO FAX IT TO THEM. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REGIONAL REP WAS ALSO COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE SPECIAL POLICY, AS WAS THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE TECHNICIAN. FINALLY, GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSED TO REIMBURSE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER STATING THAT IT WAS UNRELATED TO THE SPECIAL POLICY. I AM MOST INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT WHY NO-ONE AT GM IS AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THIS SPECIAL POLICY, AND WHY I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF IT. PARTICULARLY WHEN THE DEFECT IN THE EXHAUST CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY STALL.
NHTSA complaint #10225959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
MY 1998 CHEVROLET S-10 HAS A FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES. IT IS MY SUSPICION THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS COOKED BY A DEFECT IN THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAR. LESS THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE FAILURE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, CAUSING THE O2 SENSOR TO REACT AND ENACT A FUEL/AIR MIXTURE THAT COOKED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CHEVROLET DEALER SAYS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN OVER 8 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10190032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1998 CHEVY S-10 BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHILE DRIVING. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10146437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDemotte, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
DT: THE CALLER RECEIVED A RECALL CONCERNING CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE HE DROVE MORE THAN 12,0000 MILES. DEALER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED THREE TIMES AND THEY ALSO SAID VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES. VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND HAD TO BE TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #10134710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwich, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1998 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.*MR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECAME SO HOT THAT IT MELTED A HOLE IN THE BEDLINER OF THE TRUCK. AFTER THAT INCIDENT THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. *NM CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A FOLLOW UP REGARDING FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10130214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagara Falls, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
1998 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP ENGINE FAN EXPLODED THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK.*MR THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT TORE A HOLE IN THE HOOD 11" LONG AND 1 1/2" WIDE. THE METAL ON THE HOOD WAS PEELED BACK FROM THE FORCE. THERE WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10121579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesboro, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A FUEL ODOR. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OIL WAS A LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10097428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesMesa, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
DRIVING IN FREEWAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC (40-45MPH), FAN CAME LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNT, STRUCK AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. SURFACE WHERE BELT CONTACTS FAN IS GOUGED AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED/MACHINED TO AVOID DAMAGE TO BELT. SERPENTINE BELT AND PART OF FAN MOUNT LOST. REPLACING RADIATOR AND CURRENTLY TRYING TO TRACK DOWN PARTS TO REPLACE FAN.
NHTSA complaint #10080837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesCamden Point, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE CONSUMER HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE SPARK WIRES CORRODED, THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN SHIFTED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *PH ALSO THE RADIATOR ERUPTED BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER AND THE COOLER OF THE RADIATOR. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10050046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesMagalia, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING AND SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10048435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesCamden Point, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND CONTAMINATED OTHER COMPONENTS WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS MADE DRIVING AND GEAR CHANGING DIFFICULT. DEALERSHIP WILL REPLACE ALL CONTAMINATED COMPONENTS. *AK THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED AT 550 MILES AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT LUNGED FORWARD ALMOST KNOCKING HIM TO THE DRIVEWAY. THE SERVICE MANAGER AGREED THAT THE RADIATOR MAY BE DEFECTIVE. *PH THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAD SHORTED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10042113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
CONSUMER STATES HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT END WHILE DRIVING. ONE DAY THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER HAD REPAIRED, BUT NOISE RETURNED, AND CHAIN BROKE AGAIN IN 60 DAYS. HAS REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR COMPONENTS 4 TIMES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #10026267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,586 milesGolden Valley, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL COOLER LINES RUBBED TOGETHER AND MADE A HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE LEAK. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10019339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesSanborn, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
THE FAN FLEW OFF THE SHAFT INTO THE MOTOR, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO ABRUPTLY PULL OVER. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10009412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBellefonte, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1. CONSTANTLY HAD TO CHECK AND FILL OIL AND ANTIFREEZE. 2. USED ALL THE OIL AND MOTOR BLEW UP WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING. 3. LEFT ME STRANDED IN SUB-ZERO WEATHER. 4. CONTACTED LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (STOCKER, STATE COLLEGE, PA) VIA EMAIL AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER.
NHTSA complaint #10003547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshall, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE FAN FLEW OFF THE TRUCK , WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR AND BLEW THE ENGINE. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS , THIS NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE THAT ONLY HAS 51000 MILES ON IT???
NHTSA complaint #765669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarver, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK, IT SHUTS DOWN DURING ODD TIMES. IT DOESNT SHUT DOWN WHEN THE TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVEN ALONG TIME. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD AND HOT. WHEN I MEAN SHUT DOWN IM REFERRING TO THE WHOLE TRUCK TURNING OFF. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON WHEN SHUT DOWN OCCURS. I HAD THIS VEHICLE TO A CHEV DEALER, THE SAID IT WAS A IGNITION MODULE, I HAD IT REPLACED. THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED. I HAD IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE, THEY SAID IT WAS A CRACK SENSOR, I HAD IT REPLACED, ITS STILL HAPPENING. I HAD IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE, THEY SAID IT WAS A IGNITION COIL, I HAD IT REPLACED, YOU GUESSED IT, STILL SHUTTING DOWN. I SANKED 300 HUNDRED DOLLARS ON THE SO CALLED PROFESSIONALS FROM CHEVROLET. IM STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE DUMPING PARTS IN MY TRUCK AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND IT STILL HAS LOW MILES ON IT. THERE HAS TO BE A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #764954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mason, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE STOPPED IN HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RESTART...HAD TO BE TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #757662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAS City, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
OIL HAS BEEN LEAKING ONTO SKID PLATES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT RUBBER OIL LINES FROM ENGINE TO FILTER ARE LEAKING WHILE DRIVING, THIS OIL BLOWS ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER QUESTIONED SEVERAL DEALERS AND THEY SAY ALL S10 TRUCKS HAVE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8001748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
SERPENTINE BELT HAS WORN THROUGH 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. WAS REPLACED FIRST TIME 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE OF BELT HAVING TO BE REPLACED SO FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #897632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Louis, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL.PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #885439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piteon, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL WAS LEAKING FROM FUEL LINE ONTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID SEE A COMMON PROBLEM IN MOST OF CHEVROLET, S10'S WITH REMOTE OIL FILTER. WHEREVER THERE WAS A CRIMP IN LINE STARTED A OIL LEAK. THEY HAVE CHANGED PART 3 TIMES TO FIND A REMEDY.*AK THE LEAK OCCURS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE EXHAUST HEATED PIPES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
BOLTS HOLDING EXHAUST PIPE TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD FELL OUT ON THEIR OWN. ENGINE EXHAUSTED UNDER HOOD AND INTO DRIVER COMPARTMENT INSTEAD OF OUT TAILPIPE. DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS BAD MANIFOLD COST $300, MIDAS REPLACED BOLTS THAT FELL OUT FOR FREE. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN ON ANY VEHICLE BEFORE. USUALLY THEY RUST IN PLACE. F
NHTSA complaint #740263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookline, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE DIES AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #878131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PAFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE EXHIBITED COMPLETE FAILURE. CONNECTING ROD THROWN THROUGH ENGINE BLOCK. ENGINE EXPERIENCED ERRATIC OIL PRESSURE READINGS FROM 20PSI TO 60PSI PRIOR TO FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #732620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grandview, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHEN THE PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM FIRST CAME UP THE SUV WAS I THOUGHT OVER HEATING A BIT I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT AS THAT WAS NORNAL FOR THEM IN HOT WEATHER.THE SUV BROKE DOWN IN SPRINGFILD MO , WE MANGED TO PULL INTO A SHOP ,THEY SAID THE DAMAGE WAS TO GREAT TO REPAIR WITHOUT COSTING AT LEAST 2000.00, AND EVEN THEN THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW WHAT DAMGE WAS DONE TO THE SUV.THEY DID HOWEVER GIVE ME A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH LISTED MY PROBLEM. IT SEEMS GM HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM FOR AT LEART 4 YEARS. YET WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIPS WITH THIS VERY (I LEARNED LATER) COMMON PROBLEM NOONE WANTED TO ADMIT THEY HAD EVEN HEARD OF IT. EVEN AFTER I READ THE NUMBER TO THEM THEY STILL ACTED AS IF THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND IN FACT DIDNOT KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT.THEY DID AFTER SEVEAL PHONE CALLED AND AGREE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THEY ALSO ADMIT THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHAT TYPE OF DAMAGE IF ANY WAS DONE TO ENGINE TRANMISSION OR HEATING AND COOLING SYTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #731401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.