NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
665 reports164,000 miles · Jul 29, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 1996 CHEVROLET S-10 WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES, INCLUDING WHIPLASH, A SWOLLEN HEAD, CUT AND SCRAPS, FACIAL ABRASIONS, AND INJURIES TO THE CHEST/LEGS/STOMACH AND A BLACK EYE. THE SEAT BELTS DID …
Read full complaint
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 1996 CHEVROLET S-10 WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES, INCLUDING WHIPLASH, A SWOLLEN HEAD, CUT AND SCRAPS, FACIAL ABRASIONS, AND INJURIES TO THE CHEST/LEGS/STOMACH AND A BLACK EYE. THE SEAT BELTS DID CONTAIN THE DRIVER TO THE SEAT. THE DRIVER HAD MARKS ON THE STOMACH LEFT FROM THE SEAT BELT. BUT, THE SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER SAVED HIM FROM FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HIS FACE ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BACK WINDOW WAS SHATTERED AND FRONT WINDOW BUSTED, AND THE DOOR CAME OPEN. . THE CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO AN URGENT CARE FACILITY. THE SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR CONSUMER'S COMPANY TOOK CARE OF THE ACCIDENT, AND DID NOT CALL THE POLICE. THE COMPANY PREPAIRED A REPORT AND HAD PICTURES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10130562
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2005
Air BagsCrash
I WAS DRIVING A CHEVY S-10 WHEN A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF ABOUT 55-60 MPH. I ENDED UP HITTING HER CAR AND IN TURN MY TRUCK ROLLED OVER SEVERAL (6-10) TIMES. THE WHOLE TRUCK FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER AND SIDE TO SIDE AND TOP TO BOTTOM WAS DESTROYED. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. THE SEATBELT DID ITS …
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING A CHEVY S-10 WHEN A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF ABOUT 55-60 MPH. I ENDED UP HITTING HER CAR AND IN TURN MY TRUCK ROLLED OVER SEVERAL (6-10) TIMES. THE WHOLE TRUCK FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER AND SIDE TO SIDE AND TOP TO BOTTOM WAS DESTROYED. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. THE SEATBELT DID ITS JOB BUT NO AIRBAG CAME OUT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER HERE IN CONCORD 2 YEARS AGO. I AM VERY BRUISED AND CUT AND VERY UPSET THAT JUST MAYBE IF THAT AIRBAG HAD WORKED I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN ALL THAT GLASS ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE FLYING MY WAY. I KNOW THAT AN AIRBAG WORKS WHEN IT IS HIT JUST RIGHT, BUT AS I STATED THERE IS NO PART ON THAT TRUCK THAT WAS NOT HIT INCLUDING THE FRONT BUMPER AS IT IS ALMOST OFF THE TRUCK. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS TAKING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AS WE SPEAK BUT THERE ARE NUMEROUS PICTURES AND WITNESSES TO THIS. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND THAT I DID NOT PUT ALL MY SAFETY ASSURANCES INTO THIS AIRBAG. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME. CHRISTINE FLORO
NHTSA ODI #10128805
172,813 miles · Jun 15, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DT: ONE OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD SHORTED OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. EVERYTIME STARTING THE VEHICLE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND ONE CAN SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. SATURDAY GOT THE OIL CHANGED AND DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PROBLEMS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10125329
65,000 miles · Jun 2, 2005
Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BUNGY THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE GAVE WAY, RELEASING THE SPARE TIRE.*AK *SB *NM
NHTSA ODI #10119311
1,000 miles · May 22, 2005
Exterior Lighting
1) THE HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET S10 HAVE NEVER WORKED RIGHT. AT FIRST, WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGH BEAMS, THEY WOULD STAY ON FOR LESS THAN A MINUTE, THEN I WOULD LOSE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. THIS SITUATION IS GETTING STEADILY WORSE. NOW THE LOW BEAMS ARE EXHIBITING THE SAME PROB…
Read full complaint
1) THE HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET S10 HAVE NEVER WORKED RIGHT. AT FIRST, WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGH BEAMS, THEY WOULD STAY ON FOR LESS THAN A MINUTE, THEN I WOULD LOSE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. THIS SITUATION IS GETTING STEADILY WORSE. NOW THE LOW BEAMS ARE EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM. 2) THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK, MEANING THAT I CAN'T DRIVE IT AT NIGHT OR WHEN IT RAINS. STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BE ON WHEN YOU USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. 3) I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED, BUT THE SERVICE PERSONNEL JUST TAKE THE MONEY AND NEVER SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10121812
30,000 miles · Mar 30, 2005
Visibility
THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT SHORT IN THE WIPER CONTROL/ MOTOR SYSTEM THAT EACH TIME I REPORTED IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERS IN THIS AREA WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM . AND THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS KIND. AS I CAN SEE FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE THIS IS PATENTLY UNTRUE. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PAST WA…
Read full complaint
THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT SHORT IN THE WIPER CONTROL/ MOTOR SYSTEM THAT EACH TIME I REPORTED IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERS IN THIS AREA WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM . AND THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS KIND. AS I CAN SEE FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE THIS IS PATENTLY UNTRUE. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PAST WARRANTY DUE TO YOUR AGENTS STALLING TACTICS , IF THIS LETTER DOES NOT BRING REDRESS TO THIS ISSUE I WILL BE FORCED TO TURN THIS ISSUE OVER TO MY ATTORNEYS. SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10116126
77,000 miles · Jan 18, 2005
StructureInjury
NORMAL USE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE; WAS LOADING A RIDING LAWNMOWER INTO MY CHEVY S-10 PICKUP WHEN BOTH TAILGATE CABLES FAILED, INJURING MY FRIEND. I HAD TO HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE STRAPS, AS THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP. COST WAS OVER $300! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106539
67,000 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Electrical System
WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. CAUSES TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN WHEN MOVING. WILL NOT START. HAD REPAIRED ( RIGGED ) BECAUSE THE COST TO REPLACE THIS IS IN EXCESS OF 400 DOLLARS, NOW IS ACTING UP AGAIN. HAD TO REPLACE FAN CLUTCH AS WELL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10102553
130,000 miles · Nov 16, 2004
StructureInjury
FAILURE OF TAILGATE CABLE WHICH HOLDS UP THE TAILGATE. THE CABLE JUST SNAPPED INTO TWO PEICES. IT BROKE IN THE MIDDLE. SUDDEN UNEXPECTED FAILURE !!! *AK
NHTSA ODI #10098917
52,000 miles · Oct 1, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD BRAKES FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PARKING IN THE LOT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LAMP POST AT A SPEED OF 5 MPH. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *TC
NHTSA ODI #10091583
Official recalls
7Apr 28, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Jul 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
Jul 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Sep 11, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
Jun 12, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Jan 27, 1997
THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT STAY IN PLACE AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 212.
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100%.
Feb 22, 1996
SOME OF THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT WITH TRANSMISSIONS CONTAINING PARTS WHICH WERE NOT MACHINED TO GM'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE TRANSMISSIONS COULD SEIZE AND LOCK THE REAR DRIVE WHEELS WHILE THE TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION MAIN SHAFT OUTPUT TORQUE USING A SPECIAL TOOL. IF THE OUTPUT TORQUE DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA99018 · Spare Tire Separation From Vehicle
Opened Jun 30, 1999 · Closed Oct 20, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
No summary supplied.
PE99004 · Separation Of Spare Tire From Vehicle
Opened Jan 15, 1999 · Closed Jun 30, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
ALLEGED THAT WIRE CABLE/WINCH ASSEMBLY WHICH HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY UDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE TIRE TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION
EA97004 · Seat Belt Webbing Separation
Opened Feb 28, 1997 · Closed Aug 5, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
EA94038 · Abs Braking System
Opened Oct 31, 1994 · Closed Feb 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Illustration