Model year record

1998 Chevrolet S10

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 742 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V374000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
492
Reported to NHTSA
2000-11-13
Owners notified
2000-11-16

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS CONTAINING A NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NIMH) BATTERY PACK. THESE VEHICLES CONTAIN SOFTWARE WITHIN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE INTENDED TO DISABLE THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN IF THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE WITH THE BATTERY PACK EXCEEDS A PRESCRIBED VALUE. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL ILLUMINATE THE "SERVICE NOW" AND "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" TELLTALES AND CONTINUE TO FUNCTION IN A REDUCED PERFORMANCE MODEL INSTEAD OF BEING DISABLED.

Safety risk

IF THE TELLTALES ARE IGNORED AND THE AFFECTED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN, HEAT COULD BUILD UP AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED SOFTWARE IN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V220000

Exterior lighting

Component
Exterior lighting
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
14,279
Reported to NHTSA
2000-08-11
Owners notified
2000-09-13

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.

Safety risk

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V159000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
306
Reported to NHTSA
2000-06-16
Owners notified
2000-07-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS. A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL-FIRED HEATER FILL PIPE GROUND STRAP CONTACTS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PIPE.

Safety risk

THIS COULD WEAR OFF THE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE BRAKE PIPE, LEADING TO PREMATURE CORROSION AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY. WHEN BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY IS LOST, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE GROUND STRAP ATTACHMENT, INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE IF NECESSARY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V177000

Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system

Component
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
354
Reported to NHTSA
1998-08-04
Owners notified
1998-08-31

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE. RAPID FOGGING OF THE INTERIOR GLASS CAN OCCUR WITHIN TWO MINUTES AFTER THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IF (1) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BETWEEN 35 AND 76 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND (2) WATER HAS COLLECTED ON THE HEAT EXCHANGER DURING PREVIOUS OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.

Safety risk

IF RAPID FOGGING WERE TO OCCUR DURING DRIVING, IT COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISING THEM TO FOLLOW A "STOP AND WAIT" PROCEDURE TO HELP AVOID WINDOW FOGGING WHILE DRIVING.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V208001

Electrical system: wiring: front underhood

Component
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
33,973
Reported to NHTSA
1997-11-25
Owners notified
1997-11-14

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

Safety risk

THE CLIP MATERIAL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN IGNITE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITE OTHER COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V218000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
19,716
Reported to NHTSA
1997-11-24
Owners notified
1997-12-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Safety risk

PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor8571,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer7055,825 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip48105,000 mi
Air bags: frontal29110,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner2638,652 mi
Power train: automatic transmission2475,000 mi
Seats2257,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline18
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1756,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments1685,000 mi
Electrical system1360,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1368,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1159,000 mi
Unknown or other1087,900 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1054,184 mi
Structure: body: door997,000 mi
Air bags8136,000 mi
Vehicle speed control843,500 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery752,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash7
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components7
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc7
Suspension: rear7120,000 mi
Visibility758,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition658,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system699,900 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch680,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal6
Power train: manual transmission5
Seat belts: front: anchorage5
Seat belts: front: retractor5
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)5
Suspension: front5
Tires5120,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire5216,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer547,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly4
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers4
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan478,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system4114,627 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack4
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor4
Steering: hydraulic power assist system4
Suspension4
Visibility/wiper499,000 mi
Visibility: windshield4
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs4
Electrical system: horn375,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring372,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood368,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling380,586 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys345,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner3
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Exterior lighting: headlights3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3176,000 mi
Seat belts314 mi
Service brakes3111,382 mi
Structure392,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers3
Structure: body: tailgate3118,000 mi
Structure: frame and members370,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages342,000 mi
Wheels3110,500 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module2
Electrical system: ignition: switch276,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2130,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Exterior lighting: brake lights289,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline2
Fuel system, other278,005 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch2
Parking brake263,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional2
Power train227,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines252,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly255,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, hydraulic232,000 mi
Structure: body247,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments281,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2
Trailer hitches2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages222,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module169,015 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Engine176,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Equipment191,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility192,000 mi
Exterior lighting1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, other: storage1
Fuel/propulsion system1111,382 mi
Latches/locks/linkages138,652 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: clutch assembly: bell housing121,374 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1125,000 mi
Seat belts: front180,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Service brakes, electric1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1185,600 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1161,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic1
Steering1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
Suspension: front: control arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint181,046 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1
Suspension: rear: springs1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Tires: tread/belt1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: switch/wiring1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Wheels: space saver wheel152,000 mi

The 1997 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.