Owners have filed 298 complaints
about the 1999 Chevrolet S10 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2017.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Chevrolet S10. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 35
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
76.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2524.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3433.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1615.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1413.6%
150,000+ miles
43.9%
When owners complained
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 1999peak 21Feb 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
EA05008Opened 14 Apr 2005Closed 19 May 2006LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
TAILGATE 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 OW...
RQ04012Opened 22 Nov 2004Closed 14 Apr 2005STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
TAILGATE 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 MOTO...
PE99009Opened 1 Feb 1999Closed 11 Jun 1999VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
ALLEGED THAT THE FUEL TANK MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PUNCTURE IN CERTAIN CRASH MODES
Recalls on the 1999 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
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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.
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.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200126363,484 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles: Light duty trucks. passenger vehicles and sport utility vehicles. Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of C.M.V.S.S. NO. 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION & ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS." When the hazard flasher switch is used to turn the hazard flashers on or off, the retained accessory power (RAP) feature can be activated without a key in the ignition. Correction: There is no detrimental effect on vehicle safety so no corrective action is necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 135,000 milesMiddle River, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS MOVING MY TRUCK AROUND IN MY DRIVE WAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED AND I HIT THE GARAGE. AFTER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT MY BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT TO THE SAFETY OF A VEHICLE IS THIS POORLY MADE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10461276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesKalamazoo, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS ON A SLIGHTLY BUMPY ROAD, CAUSED ACCIDENT. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP BUT THE ABS KEPT KICKING IN FOR NO REASON MAKING ME SLIDE RIGHT INTO THE GUY. TRUCK IS STILL DAMAGED, 2200$ WORTH OF REPAIRS NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10382982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,563 milesPensacola, FL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAILGATE CABLE FAILURE ON MY 1999 CHEVROLET S-10 FOR THE SECOND TIME IN FIVE YEARS, THE TAILGATE CABLES HAVE SNAPPED ON MY 1999 S-10. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DISTRESSING, SINCE IT HAPPENS WHEN LOADING OR UNLOADING THE TRUCK, OR WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING OR STANDING ON THE TAILGATE, CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK OR THE PERSON ON THE TAILGATE.
NHTSA complaint #10232130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,861 milesGalloway, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S-10. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONTACT'S SON FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. HIS INJURIES CONSISTED OF A SPRAINED ANKLE AND ABDOMINAL CONTUSION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED HIM, BUT CAUSED BRUISING IN THE CHEST AREA. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,861.
NHTSA complaint #10188565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olney, IL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE THE TAILGATE CABLES SNAPPED OFF TWICE CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE DEALERS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE CABLES AT COST AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FULL SIZE TRUCKS BUT NOT THE S10. NO SERVICE OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10162146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union Star, MOCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I WAS TRAVELLING AT APROXIMATELY 55 MPH. A FULL SIZED SILVERADO 4X4 PULLING A HORSE TRAILER FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND HIT HM IN THE DRIVER DOOR. MY DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY WIFE WAS RIDING AS A PASSENGER. SHE WAS WEARING HER SHOULDER/SEATBELT. IT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE AND HOLD HER BACK. SHE WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE DASHBOARD. SHE RECEIVED BRUISED RIBS AND A BRUISE ON HER FOREHEAD. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD BEEN TURNED OFF DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE SOMETIMES TRANSPORT OUR GRANDCHILDREN. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CONDITIONS WERE NOT RIGHT FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT OR FOR THE SEATBELT TO RESTRAIN! COME ON! I THOUGHT THESE THINGS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10119410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesGarland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY TRUCK SLOWLY STARTED GETTING WORSE. FIRST, THE DINGING NOISE THAT YOUR CAR MAKES QHEN THE KEYS ARE LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR IF YOU LEAVE YOUR LIGHTS ON, MY TRUCK WOULD MAKE THIS SOUND WITH NO LIGHT ON OR KEY IN IGNITION CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THEN THE GAUGES STARTED ACTING CRAZY, COMPLETELY NOT WORKING AT TIMES. NOW MY TRUCK WILL NOT START, IT TURNS OVER BUT SOMETHING DOESN'T CATCH OR FIRE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE SPARK PLUGS ARE NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10953777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGarland, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY TRUCK SLOWLY STARTED GETTING WORSE. FIRST, THE DINGING NOISE THAT YOUR CAR MAKES QHEN THE KEYS ARE LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR IF YOU LEAVE YOUR LIGHTS ON, MY TRUCK WOULD MAKE THIS SOUND WITH NO LIGHT ON OR KEY IN IGNITION CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THEN THE GAUGES STARTED ACTING CRAZY, COMPLETELY NOT WORKING AT TIMES. NOW MY TRUCK WILL NOT START, IT TURNS OVER BUT SOMETHING DOESN'T CATCH OR FIRE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE SPARK PLUGS ARE NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10953777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easton, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEY IN LOCK HAVE TO MOVE IT BACK AND FRONT 7 TIMES TO GET IT IN START AND KEY COMES OUT IN START RUN ASS LOCK.. I SAW ON THE NEW THAT FROM 1997 TO 2015 BAD KEY SWITCHES.
NHTSA complaint #10619171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDerea, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10594552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOverland Park, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PROBLEM USUALLY APPEARS IN THE SUMMER, AND RARELY OCCURS DURING THE WINTER. IT STARTED BACK IN JUNE OF 2012, OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. THEN STARTING IN JUNE OF 2013, IT BEGAN ACTING UP AN AVERAGE OF ONCE A WEEK UNTIL AUGUST. WHEN IT ACTS UP, I WILL BE DRIVING, AND THE TRUCK WILL BUCK A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THE NEEDLE ON THE TACH WILL JUMP UP AND DOWN, AND USUALLY SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON AND OFF AND THE DOORS TRY TO UNLOCK. IT BASICALLY ACTS LIKE THE IGNITION IS TRYING TO SHUT OFF BUT GETS FLICKED BACK INTO THE ON POSITION. IT WILL USUALLY HAVE A COUPLE OF EPISODES WHERE IT WILL DO THIS FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN RUN FINE FOR A LITTLE WHILE. WHEN IT DOES THIS, I USUALLY HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SHUT IT OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES WHERE IT DIES IMMEDIATELY. WHEN IT DIES, I HAVE TO LEAVE IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRY TO COAST UNTIL I CAN PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. IF I TRY TO RESTART IT WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS, WHICH COULD CAUSE ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD, AND WHEN THE TRUCK IS OFF, THE AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 6 MECHANICS, AND NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER S-10 OWNERS HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE, AND IN LIGHT OF THE RECENTLY UNCOVERED ISSUES WITH GM IGNITION SWITCHES, I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT MY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10568211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,620 milesShasta Lake, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE HAD FRACTURED PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,620.
NHTSA complaint #10565676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,620 milesShasta Lake, CA
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE HAD FRACTURED PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,620.
NHTSA complaint #10565676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesRacine, WI
POWER TRAIN
YES MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SAID SERVICE ENGINE SOON. SO I TOOK IT TO A MICHANIC AND HAD IT CHECKED AND IT CAME UP THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING ISSUES IS THERE ANYTHING OR HELP I CAN GET TO REPLACE IT?
NHTSA complaint #10535021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesMiddle River, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS MOVING MY TRUCK AROUND IN MY DRIVE WAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED AND I HIT THE GARAGE. AFTER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT MY BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT TO THE SAFETY OF A VEHICLE IS THIS POORLY MADE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10461276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesWichita, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE STEERING COLUMN MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH (HAZARD) HAS STOPPED FUNCTIONING CAUSING A CASCADE FAILURE TO BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10456862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,562 milesWestfield, MA
SUSPENSION
THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ORIGINALLY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT WORK ON THE TRUCK DUE TO LIABILITY ISSUES IF SOMETHING ELSE FAILED. WHEN I WENT IN TO PAY THE TOWING CHARGE, A DIFFERENT SERVICE COUNTER REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD INDEED WORK ON THE TRUCK BUT ONLY IF I AGREED TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON BOTH SIDES. TOTAL COST WAS ESTIMATED TO BE GREATER THAN $2500. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM FOR $473.77. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS BACKING THE TRUCK OUT OF THE GARAGE AFTER THE REPAIR, A SECTION OF BRAKE LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION (SEE SEPARATE COMPLAINT.)
NHTSA complaint #10440285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,945 milesWestfield, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
A BRAKE LINE FAILED IN A PARKING LOT AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE DEALER SAID THE LINE WAS CORRODED AND SPLICED IN A COMPRESSION FITTING AT A COST OF $222.50. SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN 2 OTHER FAILURES OF BRAKE LINES DUE TO CORROSION. THE SECOND FAILURE, I REPLACED ABOUT 10 FT OF BRAKE LINE MYSELF. THE 3RD BRAKE LINE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS FIXING A BROKEN UPPER CONTROL ARM THAT HAD FAILED DUE TO (WOW) CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #10440282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,276 milesSpruce Pine, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S10 4WD CR2. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE BRAKES EMITTED A LOUD NOISE WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE FRONT SPEED SENSOR LOW SIGNAL WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,276 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,326.
NHTSA complaint #10421555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesKalamazoo, MI
SEATS
NO EVENTS LEADING TO IT. JUST HAPPENS OUT OF THE BLUE WHEN USING IT. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. SEAT RECLINER LEVERS DEFECTIVE AND BREAK VERY EASY, THE PARTS THAT HOLD IT TOGETHER ARE CHEAP DIE CAST METAL. HAVEN'T BOTHERED REPLACING AS I CANNOT AFFORD, DEALER WONT REPLACE, JUNK YARDS DON'T HAVE THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10382977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesKalamazoo, MI
WHEELS:RIM
THE RIMS ON THIS TRUCK ARE JUNK! MINE STARTED LEAKING AT 40,000 MILES 2ND SET OF TIRES. MINE AS WELL DID NOT SEE ANY SNOW FOR 4 YEARS. THE VERY 1ST YEAR IT SAW SNOW THE RIMS WERE DESTROYED. I HAVE TO PUT FIX A FLAT IN MY RIMS EVERY SO OFTEN WHICH IS MAKING THEM OUT OF BALANCE ALL THE TIME NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO IN THE SHOP TO BALANCE THEM. I TOO AM GETTING NICKELED AND DIMED TO DEATH WITH ALL SORTS OF FUNKY CHEAPLY MADE PARTS IN THIS TRUCK. THIS IS MY 4TH S-10, AND BY FAR THE WORST ONE I HAVE EVER OWNED.
NHTSA complaint #10382986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesKalamazoo, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS ON A SLIGHTLY BUMPY ROAD, CAUSED ACCIDENT. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP BUT THE ABS KEPT KICKING IN FOR NO REASON MAKING ME SLIDE RIGHT INTO THE GUY. TRUCK IS STILL DAMAGED, 2200$ WORTH OF REPAIRS NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10382982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesFlorence, AL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S10. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR TAILGATE AND SUDDENLY THE CABLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TAILGATE CABLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10379875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rhinelander, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1999 CHEVROLET S10. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD A FUEL PUMP REPLACED AFTER THE ORIGINAL FAILED. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SECOND FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE SECOND DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10370156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesUniontown, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
1999 TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES COVER TORN AND BROKEN WITH CORROSION ON BOTH SIDES OF GATE.
NHTSA complaint #10350147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHurricane, WV
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DEFECTIVE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10344704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMcmurray, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET S-10. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH, THE BRAKE LINES SNAPPED CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED HE HAD EXPERIENCED BRAKE LEAKAGE TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THE RUST ISSUE WAS NOT BROUGHT TO HIS ATTENTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. UPDATED 06/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 06/18/10.
NHTSA complaint #10327711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesLacey, WA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE REASON THERE IS SO MANY ACCIDENTS & DEATHS WITH CELL PHONE USE IS THE PHONE & AUTO MAKERS DON'T REALLY CARE. ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS HAVE THE CELL PHONE RECEIVE A SIGNAL FROM THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TO INTERRUPT OR STOP THE INCOMING/OUTGOING CELL PHONE SIGNAL AS SOON AS THE WHEELS ON THE CAR MOVE. WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AGAIN THE CELL PHONE SIGNAL RE-ACTIVATES. COME ON PEOPLE WITH THE ELECTRONIC WIZARDS WE HAVE TODAY THIS WOULD BE A SLAM DUNK.THE PHONE &CAR MAKERS MAY HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER DOLLAR OR 2,ON SAFETY BUT I THINK IT IS WORTH IT .THE "TEXTING AND TALKING VIOLATIONS WOULD DECREASE ALSO. I WILL BE SURPRISED IF THIS IS EVEN READ OR FORWARDED THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CARE. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT TODAY IS $$$ . PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG".
NHTSA complaint #10326101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesLacey, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REASON THERE IS SO MANY ACCIDENTS & DEATHS WITH CELL PHONE USE IS THE PHONE & AUTO MAKERS DON'T REALLY CARE. ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS HAVE THE CELL PHONE RECEIVE A SIGNAL FROM THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TO INTERRUPT OR STOP THE INCOMING/OUTGOING CELL PHONE SIGNAL AS SOON AS THE WHEELS ON THE CAR MOVE. WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AGAIN THE CELL PHONE SIGNAL RE-ACTIVATES. COME ON PEOPLE WITH THE ELECTRONIC WIZARDS WE HAVE TODAY THIS WOULD BE A SLAM DUNK.THE PHONE &CAR MAKERS MAY HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER DOLLAR OR 2,ON SAFETY BUT I THINK IT IS WORTH IT .THE "TEXTING AND TALKING VIOLATIONS WOULD DECREASE ALSO. I WILL BE SURPRISED IF THIS IS EVEN READ OR FORWARDED THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CARE. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT TODAY IS $$$ . PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG".
NHTSA complaint #10326101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesKalamazoo, MI
WHEELS
ALUMINUM WHEELS CORRODE CAUSING TIRES TO LEAK AIR. 60,000 MILES IN THE TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WASN'T EVEN DRIVEN IN THE SNOW HERE IN MICHIGAN FOR THE 1ST 5 YEARS I HAD IT. TIRES LOSE ABOUT 10 LBS OF PRESSURE OVER A WEEKS TIME. *TR 4TH S-10 I'VE OWNED. THIS 1999 IS NICKEL AND DIMING ME TO DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10281268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesKalamazoo, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
IT'S A 99 S-10 V6 / 4.3LITER RARELY DRIVEN, 62,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. NO REAL EVENT LEADING TO THE PROBLEM. RIGHT NOW IT IS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. I CANNOT SEE WHERE THE LEAK IS DIRECTLY AS IT PICKS AND CHOOSES DAYS TO LEAK AND NOT LEAK. IT HASN'T OVERHEATED OR ANYTHING YET. IT STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL RADIATOR FLUID IN IT FROM WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I KEEP TELLING MY MECHANIC WE NEED TO FLUSH OR JUST CHANGE THE FLUID. FOR OVER 6 MONTHS HE KEEPS SAYING ITS FINE. IT DRIPS ONTO THE SKID PLATE UNDER THE ENGINE AND DRIPS FROM THERE. NEVER A HUGE PUDDLE JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE A 2 FOOT DIAMETER WET SPOT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET. MECHANIC SAYS TO PUT KARS RADIATOR STOP LEAK IN IT. I HAVE A LONG ROAD TRIP COMING UP IN 2 WEEKS AND AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT OF TOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10277231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.