1994 Chevrolet S10
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › S10 › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Chevrolet S10. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1994 Chevrolet S10. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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 and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: certain light duty pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, or minivans equipped with 3-sensor ABS (antilock braking system) EBC4 units.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles can experience extended stopping distances during ABS stops on certain multiple surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the computer program which operates the ABS unit on some vehicles, or replace the computer on others to improve the performance of the ABS on these surfaces.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will retorque the upper and lower bolts to correct specifications.
A vacuum hose can detach from the power brake booster check valve as a result of engine backfire.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in increased engine idle and loss of power brake assist after depletion of the booster vacuum reserve.
Remedy
Dealers will install a clamp on the power brake booster assist.
The fuel tank filler pipes were not manufactured to specification which caused loss of fuel between the fuel tank filler pipe and the vent tube during a test. The loss of fuel was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash were to occur, it may cause the joint between the fuel tank filler pipes and the vent tube to crack. if the vehicle overturned, fuel leakage would occur, which could result in a post-crash fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel filler pipe on these vehicles.
Owner complaints
967 complaints122 involved a crash8 involved a fire53 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Hard brake pedal, vehicle was moving on a city street, braking. All r/f braking components contributed to incident. Possibly recall 991006000 was never exercised.
- Engine and engine cooling
1994 chevrolet S10 blazer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine damage done by tow company. *Tgw the consumer stated she advised the tow company, that when the vehicle was dropped off at the repair shop, to inform them not to turn on the engine before draining off some of the oil. The…
1994 chevrolet S10 blazer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine damage done by tow company. *Tgw the consumer stated she advised the tow company, that when the vehicle was dropped off at the repair shop, to inform them not to turn on the engine before draining off some of the oil. The consumer stated the tow company did not comply with her request, and therefore, when the engine was turned on, it destroyed the piston rods.
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet S-10. The contact stated that the windshield wipers malfunctioned and failed to function while driving in inclement weather. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the motor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 162,000.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet S-10. the contact stated that the vehicle continues to blow the fuses to the main ignition power source of the coil. the dealer could not determine the cause of the failure; however, they repaired the vehicle incorrectly. the contact repaired the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet S-10. the contact stated that the vehicle continues to blow the fuses to the main ignition power source of the coil. the dealer could not determine the cause of the failure; however, they repaired the vehicle incorrectly. the contact repaired the vehicle himself by installing a plastic pipe in the engine. he called the dealer back, and they laughed. the failure mileage was 104,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers failed many times to start or stop. I have had to solder again the main board a number of times. Gm said it was not one of the recall units yet it has the same symtoms.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Shortly after purchasing this vehicle (second owner) I noticed a glitch in the windshield wiper operation, notably a sudden cease in operation, whether or not the intermittent system was activated. This occurred usually after 20 or more minutes of driving, which results in some fairly dangerous vehicle operation in inclement weather. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dad: the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet saa. the contact stated that the motor mount broke, causing it to cut a hole in the wiring that led to the ignition. the contact stated that the problem with this was that it killed the engine, and led to not having power steering or brakes. the…
Dad: the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet saa. the contact stated that the motor mount broke, causing it to cut a hole in the wiring that led to the ignition. the contact stated that the problem with this was that it killed the engine, and led to not having power steering or brakes. the consumer has been discussing the problem with the dealership. the consumer's concern was with the routing of the wiring system in the vehicle. the consumer has not contacted the manufacturer, but will be provided with the telephone number so he could contact them. *Ak
- Unknown or other
Dt: the spare tire fell off from under the vehicle and the very end of the cable rusted . This happened on august 8, 2005. heard a noise from under the truck and realized the spare tire fell off. *Ak *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact owned a 1994 chevrolet S10 pickup. While on the ny throughway at mile post 145 west bound with two lanes of very heavy traffic all the vehicle in front of contact's vehicle were hitting the brakes because it was heavy traffic. contact's vehicle was on the outside passing lane…
Dt: the contact owned a 1994 chevrolet S10 pickup. While on the ny throughway at mile post 145 west bound with two lanes of very heavy traffic all the vehicle in front of contact's vehicle were hitting the brakes because it was heavy traffic. contact's vehicle was on the outside passing lane going straight with plenty of room barely hit the brakes and they went to the floor. since everyone in front suddenly stopped contact's vehicle had to move over, went on the median in the highway to keep from hitting the vehicle in front and passed about 40-50 vehicles. Began down shifting, and finally got the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop, and they repaired both brake lines. Contact knew someone that owned a 1996 chevrolet silverado and had same problem, brake line broke and vehicle went into a wall. Also, knew a retired mechanic, who stated that this was a known problem with gm ABS brakes. The back brakes had to be adjusted very tightly to have brake pressure. The police officers did not fill out an accident report because there was no accident. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
My 1994 chevrolet S-10 pickup IS not included in recall #98v150001. I think it should be. I am having the exact same problems with my windshield wipers. they intermittently do not work. sometimes they stop working as I'm driving. I believe this issue started with the new body style for S-10…
My 1994 chevrolet S-10 pickup IS not included in recall #98v150001. I think it should be. I am having the exact same problems with my windshield wipers. they intermittently do not work. sometimes they stop working as I'm driving. I believe this issue started with the new body style for S-10 pickups, which IS what I have. should my vehicle be included? vin: [xxx] thanks. *Js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
I purchased my 1994 chevy S-10, vin [xxx], new in '94. within the first 3 months of ownership, I noticed a problem with the rear braking system. the problem, the adjustors are shoving the shoes too tight against the drums, causing them to drag, glazing the shoes, & after periods of time, burning…
I purchased my 1994 chevy S-10, vin [xxx], new in '94. within the first 3 months of ownership, I noticed a problem with the rear braking system. the problem, the adjustors are shoving the shoes too tight against the drums, causing them to drag, glazing the shoes, & after periods of time, burning up the shoes, warping the drums. I've had to replace shoes & drums an average of every 30,000 miles. taken the truck back several times with no results or problem acknowledgment. they clean them, adjust them, charge me, ship me out the door. when the roadway IS wet or snowy, the rear brakes constantly lock up. this has thrown me into several intersections, into oncoming traffic, because of no brakes. when the rear brakes lock up the front brakes unload, leaving me with no brakes. the front pads go an average of 80,000 miles without needing changed. you ask for number of failures. the brakes fail during rains, snow, etc? each time I hit my brakes during these conditions IS a failure. I can't list all incident dates, there's too many! I listed approx. Begin date instead. this IS still ongoing today! for gm to recall safety belts as a "safety hazard" IS one thing. to totally ignore & hide a braking problem as nothing IS quite another. I feel brakes are a bit more of a safety feature. I feel the braking system IS very important. for gm to ignore this problem verifies why their stock IS now considered junk bonds! just like my truck, junk! I ask for a reply, as I would like to know if you have gotten other complaints or comments on this braking system, in this year. I've talked with others & learned they have the same problem and have been blown off by dealers as well. thank you for your time and help with looking into this matter. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Complaint regarding the injectors on the 1994 chevrolet s-10.*mr the consumer stated he had to replace the injectors twice. the engine was replaced because it cracked and leaked. The heater core was replaced due to a misrouted wiring harness. *jb
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
Both tailgate cables have broken. the first has been broken for a years, the second snapped as I was unloading a heavy garbage can. luckily, I was not hurt as the can fell to the ground. *jb also the glue has failed on the rear view mirror, and rear window lock.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
I bought a used 1994 S-10. I found out the wipers don't work or quit working after a few minutes of rain or when it IS really humid outside the don't work either, so I loose control of vehicle, because I try to pull over but cant see where to pull over, example trees signs curves. I understand that…
I bought a used 1994 S-10. I found out the wipers don't work or quit working after a few minutes of rain or when it IS really humid outside the don't work either, so I loose control of vehicle, because I try to pull over but cant see where to pull over, example trees signs curves. I understand that a lot of other vehicles where involved in the wiper recall, and would like to know why they are telling me that mine does not qualify due to the vin #. Regardless the wipers are the problem that they did the recall on. Please help and give me some advice on what to do next. Dealership or gm dod not want to take care of the problem and that IS a dangerous situation.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Tires
Vehicle's ABS have been replaced three times.*mr the ABS was replaced under recall but failed again. the vehicle uniroyal tires seemed to be out of round. *nm *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
I own a 1994 chevrolet S-10 2WD regular cab pickup. the tailgate cables on my truck are either failing or have failed. I do not use my vehicle for any special purposes, just normal everyday use. through the regular opening and closing of my tailgate my right-side cable has snapped, and my…
I own a 1994 chevrolet S-10 2WD regular cab pickup. the tailgate cables on my truck are either failing or have failed. I do not use my vehicle for any special purposes, just normal everyday use. through the regular opening and closing of my tailgate my right-side cable has snapped, and my left-side cable IS freying and I expect to snap in the near future. if the left-side cable snaps there will be nothing keeping the tailgate from falling off. I am afraid that when it fails it will be under load and someone will be injured.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Recall 03v159000 concerning windshield wiper motor: windshield wipers worked intermittently. Consumer contacted the local dealer, and was informed that this vehicle was not covered under that recall.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Vehicle experienced a gas leak where the fuel filler pipe connects to the gas tank. This vehicle was recalled for this defect in 1994. However, the manufacturer was not identifying with the recall number which was provided by the consumer. *Ak no recall found for this vehicle. in looking in…
Vehicle experienced a gas leak where the fuel filler pipe connects to the gas tank. This vehicle was recalled for this defect in 1994. However, the manufacturer was not identifying with the recall number which was provided by the consumer. *Ak no recall found for this vehicle. in looking in the drivers side wheel well the consumer noticed where a rubber sleeve/union was damp with fuel. the fuel smell could be noticed from a distance. *tc
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
Windshield wipers would randomly slow, stop or not work. left turn signal would turn off after turn IS complete(not sure if they're related). Had motor and module replaced in 2000 for $650 and now having same problem. Recall issued for some '1994's but not for my vehicle, yet it's the same problem that the recall covers on similar vehicles. chevrolet not assuming responsibility. This should be a recall! *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer stated that his son was driving along at a speed of 25-30 mph when another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him. the driver of the other vehicle stated that his son applied his brakes plenty of times, but the vehicle kept traveling at the same speed. Also, he stated that the vehicle…
Consumer stated that his son was driving along at a speed of 25-30 mph when another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him. the driver of the other vehicle stated that his son applied his brakes plenty of times, but the vehicle kept traveling at the same speed. Also, he stated that the vehicle never slowed down, which caused him to plow right into the back of the person's vehicle. this caused the other vehicle's air bag to deploy, injuring the passenger some. consumer stated that after researching the internet he found that there were recalls on the brakes. he states that he has never received any recall on this vehicle. *la
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
When driving in the rain the windshield wipers failed, causing the driver to pull off the road. Consumer has contacted the dealership, but problem recurred. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While driving, the windshield wipers failed to operate in inclement weather. The consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. *ak *sc *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone replaced a tire because the other tires had tread separation. While traveling vehicle vibrated. A technician who noticed that the tires had bubbles and possible tread separation serviced the tires. firestone, p20575r15. *ak
- Unknown or other
Windshield wipers only work when they want to, and usually not when it rains!
- Engine and engine cooling
Bearings going out in the engine. have not repaired.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spare tire separation from vehicle
- Separation of spare tire from vehicle
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
- Loss of steering control
lower clamp of the steering linkage intershaft may separate fro steering gear shaft due to disengagement of clamp bolt and/or improper fit of the lower clamp with the steering shaft.
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
- ABS braking system fails
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 4078000Unknown
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 608382Subject regarding ABS 3-sensor EBC4 - special policy.
- 52935Information concerning engine knock/rattle or tap noise before engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at operating temperature (replace piston and/or rod assemblies). Ak
- 51302Knock, rattle or tap noise from the engine before the engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at operating temperature knock, rattle or tap noise from the engine before the engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at rature (replace piston and/or rod assemblies).
- 43027Unknown
- 41078Stepper motor cruise control will not resume or reset (replace smcc module).
- 41076Water leak at the a/c recirculation door (install new hood hinge seal).
- 41072End gate latch rattle (install revised striker).
- 39816Light surge at highway speeds during light throttle.
- 39728Rear seat rattles/looseness (install rear seat latch).
- 39304Cold engine knock.
- 39287Clutch pedal squeak noise.
- 39284Product safety campaign 94-c-61 - campaign announcement to recall certain 1994 s-truck pick-up models to correct the vacuum hose detatchment from the brake booster check valve as a result of an engine backfire.
- 39085Backfire on acceleration.
- 37947Oil pressure gauge reading concerns.
- 37934Improperly constructed instrument cluster causing erratic temperature gauge readings.
Every Chevrolet S10 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.