1996 Chevrolet S10
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › S10 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet S10. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
10 recalls name the 1996 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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: 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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%.
Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
668 complaints111 involved a crash12 involved a fire55 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
I was involved in a traffic collision in which my brakes failed to stop my vehicle. When I pressed the brakes during a sudden stop, the brakes started to slow down my truck but then the pedal went all the way down to the floor with a rubbing noise and my truck kept traveling until I hit the vehicle in front of me.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet S10. While driving 35 mph, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest chevrolet buick GMC in tacoma, washington was…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet S10. While driving 35 mph, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest chevrolet buick GMC in tacoma, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the brakes had been serviced by the dealer prior to this failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact cited nhtsa campaign number: 99v193000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,160.
- Seat belts
Drivers side seatbelt wouldn't latch. Driving and smelled smoke. Saw smoke coming from under drivers side dash. Stopped and saw melted wires. Seatbelt indicator light went out.
- Air bags · Steering
The accident was almost head on mainly on the passenger side. The impact was hard the air bags went off in the other car but neither one of ours went off. For about a year prior to the accident the truck would stall at random times. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Steering · Vehicle speed control
For years my chevy S-10 1996 2WD truck would suddenly shut off on the road often at highway speeds. chevy looked at the truck many times and always said they couldn't duplicate the problem. one time they talked me into a brand new transmission at 36100 miles. They didn't honor the warranty even…
For years my chevy S-10 1996 2WD truck would suddenly shut off on the road often at highway speeds. chevy looked at the truck many times and always said they couldn't duplicate the problem. one time they talked me into a brand new transmission at 36100 miles. They didn't honor the warranty even though they said that the transmission was the shutoff problem and happened before the 36K warranty limit. that cost me nearly 4000 dollars. they truck continued to shut itself off while driving for years. it wasn't till a mechanic not affiliated with gm told me to stop using more than one key on my keychain. this gm ignition recall goes way beyond 2005 and cobalts. it goes back to early 90'S S-10 trucks. now we should know why gm never accepted responsibility for my truck and dropped the S-10 in the mid 2000's. *tr
- Air bags
The lady turned in front of me and I tboned her. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet S-10. While driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle stopped accelerating and the rear wheels locked up. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the transmission locked. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 99,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1996 chevy S10 attempted to slow but had equipment failure with the braking system. consumer then swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car ahead, drove onto the cement curb, and struck a pole. *nj updated 05/12/10 *bf the brake lines on the left front side and rear were leaking.…
1996 chevy S10 attempted to slow but had equipment failure with the braking system. consumer then swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car ahead, drove onto the cement curb, and struck a pole. *nj updated 05/12/10 *bf the brake lines on the left front side and rear were leaking. The fluid reservoir was very low and in fact was empty on the half designated for the rear brake. The driver admitted using the wrong type of brake line fitting when he did the brake servicing. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0433-91 the consumer stated the accident was a result of excessive corrosion on and around the rear axle. updated 05/14/10.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights
Started having problems with the hazard/brake light fuse blowing occasionally about 2.5 yr ago... Recently the fuse blows almost as soon as you turn the vehicle on. Bulbs are good and lights work until the fuse blows. I've replaced the electrical system in the steering column twice in that same period of time. The most recent time had no effect on the fuses blowing. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the radiator overheated, and the temperate gauge went all the way to the red line. there was yellow fluid that overflowed from the reservoir and had rusted the radiator. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer who refused to flush the radiator. the manufacturer was not alerted.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
I have replaced my headlight switch 3 times now, the 2ND time I would drive and headlights would flash high and low like a police car, now my day time headlamps do not work? Incident dates are not correct not sure. *nm
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Dt*: the contact stated while kneeling on the tailgate both cables broke. the contact sustained minor injuries. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and the cables were replaced. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 06v066000, regarding the tailgate cables. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 3/28/2006 - *nm
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Dt*: the contact stated the side mirrors on the doors were loose at the base. the dealership determined both mirror assemblies needed to be replaced.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
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
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
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
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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…
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.
- 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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
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…
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
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
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
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving in rainy weather front windshield wipers failed intermittently. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Concerns with air bags not deploying during an accident.*mr there was damage to the front of the vehicle including the hood. Gm conducted an investigation into the incident and concluded that the airbag system functioned as designed and therefore they were not reliable for damages. Consumer…
Concerns with air bags not deploying during an accident.*mr there was damage to the front of the vehicle including the hood. Gm conducted an investigation into the incident and concluded that the airbag system functioned as designed and therefore they were not reliable for damages. Consumer questioned the reason for nondeployment when brakes were applied after reading "what makes an air bag inflate" in the owner's manual. *ph
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
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
- Seat belt webbing separation
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.
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
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
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010651Paint code unknown for front bumper and wheel flare.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 636523Information on over torquing or a reverse bedrail installation.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 631292Some customers may comment that the third door IS hard to open and/or the door handle may be broken for 1996-2002 chevrolet and GMC s/t extended cab pickup models.. *Slc
- 629723Concerns with excessive effort or breaking of the third door handle on extended cab pick ups.
- 625141Customers may comment that the seat recliner handle IS stripped.
- 623086Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
- 613584Some customers may experience a failure of the cylinder head gasket leading to external coolant leaks from the cylinder head gasket to engine block joint. **Mr
- 611277Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 609717Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 608382Subject regarding ABS 3-sensor EBC4 - special policy.
- 606523Conditions with heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats, and rust in the coolant system.
- 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).
Every Chevrolet S10 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.