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2002 Chevrolet S10

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most S10 years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet S10 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 42.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

139 reports with mileage · 75 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports2 fire reports16 injury reports

What owners actually said

214 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2026
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

The seat position on this vehicle + all other vehicle my family have do not fit a adult w a 32 “ sitting hight 22 in shoulder hight @less than 160 lbs the seatbelt become deadly and airbag a peg vaggio 120 anchored to seat w a retro fit kit it is attached solid corrects seatbelt geometry leave me 15. “ from the wheel. Peddle ext…

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The seat position on this vehicle + all other vehicle my family have do not fit a adult w a 32 “ sitting hight 22 in shoulder hight @less than 160 lbs the seatbelt become deadly and airbag a peg vaggio 120 anchored to seat w a retro fit kit it is attached solid corrects seatbelt geometry leave me 15. “ from the wheel. Peddle extension are allready leaguel for short individual a high back anchor booster seat is a better idea for an operator to be driving a vehicle, and then an unattached booster cushion that they still have to put 2-3/4on top of each other pleat test for driving positions highback booster for small drivers you should make it a federal law for everyone safety I’ve already sent multiple other pictures and here comes more if it will allow me to not a state law you should make it a federal law for everyone’s safety and all points of the United States. End of story that if you’re under 5 foot nine for everyone safety especially if they’re under 170 pounds you could operate a vehicle in the booster seat behind the steering wheel. Any vehicle seating position is for a 5 foot nine occupant.

NHTSA ODI #11762526

171,000 miles · May 3, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but …

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The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.

NHTSA ODI #11586813

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2024
Tires

The contact owns a 2002 Chevy S10 equipped with Tornel Classic All Season Tires. Tire Size: 205/75 R15, and DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's friend noticed that the passenger's front tire had a large bubble.  The contact stated that the bubble was the size of a football.  The …

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The contact owns a 2002 Chevy S10 equipped with Tornel Classic All Season Tires. Tire Size: 205/75 R15, and DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's friend noticed that the passenger's front tire had a large bubble.  The contact stated that the bubble was the size of a football.  The tire was recently purchased online from Walmart.  The dealer was not made aware of the failure.  The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. VIN Unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11579483

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2024
EngineCrash

Driving down highway 56mph went ro pass and the accelerate stayed wide open causing to go off road to shut off truck to be able to slow down and hopefully stop. Hit the gravel on shoulder to avoid collision with other cars spun out of control going in ditch

NHTSA ODI #11578616

1,065,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Visibility/wiper

TURNED ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING DOWNPOUR. CHECKED FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. FAULTY SOLDERS ON WIPER CONTROL BOARD. DANGEROUS SITUATION AS VISIBILITY WAS GREATLY IMPAIRED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING CRASH.

NHTSA ODI #11377215

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2020
Suspension

CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET SERVICE -CHARGED 05CVZ BRAKES/ 88911428 STEER/SUP PARTS $219.24 LABOR $366.66/F JOINT KIT/STEERING IDLER ARM 88911297 PART: $97.99 LABOR: $366.66/ 19297307 F-(S)ARM PARTS: $42.89 LABOR: $331.30 ON SEPT 15, 2020, SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT IT WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS FOR HER PARTS TO ARRIVE AT CHU…

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CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET SERVICE -CHARGED 05CVZ BRAKES/ 88911428 STEER/SUP PARTS $219.24 LABOR $366.66/F JOINT KIT/STEERING IDLER ARM 88911297 PART: $97.99 LABOR: $366.66/ 19297307 F-(S)ARM PARTS: $42.89 LABOR: $331.30 ON SEPT 15, 2020, SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT IT WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS FOR HER PARTS TO ARRIVE AT CHUCK HUTTON PARTS DEPARTMENT. CUSTOMER CALLED ON SEPT 24, 2020. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED, SHE WAS STILL WAITING ON THE DELIVERY OF THE PARTS. CUSTOMER SPOKE WITH SERVICE CONSULTANT ON OCTOBER 1, 2020. CUSTOMER WAS ADVISED AGAIN BY SERVICE CONSULTANT THAT SHE IS STILL WAITING ON THE PARTS. HUNG UP PHONE AND CALLED CUSTOMER BACK WITHIN 5 MINUTES, AND SAID HER PARTS WAS HERE, HER VEHICLE WILL BE READY BY 4:30PM THE 1ST. I KNEW THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. SO, I WENT IN ON OCTOBER 2, 2020 BETWEEN 4:30PM-5:00PM. I PAID MY TICKET PRICE OF $1,912.81 WITH A CREDIT CARD. TWENTY MINUTES LATER, I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. MY VEHICLE IS STILL THERE. MY CREDIT CARD WAS BILLED THE TICKET PRICE. THIS IS A VERY BAD CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WITH CHUCK HUTTON SERVICE CONSULTANT (GREEDY COMMISSION) UPON INSPECTION FOUND BALL JOINTS WORN AND COMING APART/THE STEERING IDLER ARM WAS WORN AT THE JOINTS. THE STEERING PITMAN ARM WAS WORN AT THE JOINT. INSPECTED THE STEERING SYSTEM AND ADVISED. REPLACED THE STEERING PITMAN ARM AND LUBE CHASSIS. PRICE GOUGING ON LABOR $1190.40/ INVOICE #2551188 VEHICLE ENTERED SERVICE AREA ON SEPT 15, 2020. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED THE CUSTOMER, HER CAR WAS READY FOR PICK UP ON SEPT 2. WHEN CUSTOMER ARRIVED, SHE PAID FOR REPAIRS, CUSTOMER WAS ADVISED 30 MINUTES LATER, HER VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CUSTOMER TOOK HER VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE EXCHANGE COOLANT 36 PART FLUSH ,$169.95/ REPLACED RESERVOIR $100.52 LABOR: $65.48 MAINTENANCE CHECK $65.48(?)

NHTSA ODI #11362727

190,000 miles · Dec 27, 2018
Steering

WHEN MY TRUCK RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY, MY STEERING LOCKED UP AND BRAK S FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #11163669

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2018
Electrical System

TRUCK OR VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11132351

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2017
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND CAN'T GET PARTS

NHTSA ODI #11045292

66,000 miles · Sep 19, 2016
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIGER PAW AWP II TIRES, SIZE: P205/75/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIGER PAW AWP II TIRES, SIZE: P205/75/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #10907708

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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

2

EA05008 · Tailgate Support Cables

Opened Apr 14, 2005 · Closed May 19, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

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 OWNERS EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS 12 YEARS OLD.ODI'S INVESTIGATION INDICATES THAT A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF THE REPORTED COMPLAINTS (87%) AND INJURIES (94%) HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2000 - 2003 S/T VEHICLES.

RQ04012 · Tailgate Support Cable(s) Break

Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 14, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

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 MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODI THAT SONOMA AND S-10 VEHICLES DIFFER FROM C/K MODELS IN SEVERAL WAYS: THE VEHICLE HEIGHT IS LOWER; THE TAILGATE DISPLACEMENT (DROP) WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES IS SMALLER AND THE TAILGATE COMES TO REST AT A LESS SEVERE TIP ANGLE WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES; THE TAILGATE MASS IS SMALLER; AND THE SIZE, PAYLOAD, AND USAGE CHARACTERISTCIS ARE LESS DEMANDING THAN C/K MODEL VEHICLES.GM ALSO STATED THAT SONOMA AND S-10 WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION INDICATES A LOWER CLAIM COUNT AND A LOWER CLAIM RATE THAN RECALLED C/K MODELS.NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION, ODI HAS RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL 73 NON-INJURY COMPLAINTS AND 10 INJURY COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING RQ04-012 (SINCE NOVEMBER 2004 TO DATE), WHICH JUSTIFIES OPENING AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.