1990 Chevrolet S10: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“A jeep with a bike mounted on a bike rack stopped quickly in front of me. I hit my brakes, but quickly lost braking effectiveness and the brake pedal went to the floor. I tried to swerve, but hit the rear of the jeep, damaging the bike and bike rack. Severe damage to my grille, drivers side front fender and headlight, and radiator mount. After exchanging insurance information, I noticed brake fluid on ground, by the fuel tank on drivers side. Limped home (about 2 blocks). No brakes other than emergency brake. Subsequent inspection revealed failed brake line and severe rust on most brake lines. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2013
“Last week two tires have shown signs of tread separation. Tires were on a 1990, chevrolet, s10. Not original tire equipment. Tire mileage about 35,000. There was 5/32 tread left on the tires. *ak both of the back firestone firehawk atx tires had bulges on the tread. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“When I purchased the vehicle on march 6 1999 I discovered the #2 cylinder was badly carbon fouled ,since that time it's has been in for repairs on 10 different occasions I have not been able to use the vehicle for my own personal use at all,the mechanic has basically told me that ,this particular engine was manufactured to operate in this manner and basically live with it! I feel this is a manufacturing defect and should get my money back in full since I have not been able to use the vehicle at all and apparently this is a lemon vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“While changing a flat tire on the rear passenger's side the jack collapsed. The manufacturer and dealership are aware of the problem. The jack will not be replaced free of charge. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 1998
“While driving at 35 mph the defective ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing the braking system to be inoperative, resultin in rollover. Also, the driver's seat belt did not protect the occupant, causing the occupant to fly out of the driver's seatbelt and onto the passenger's side. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1997
“While driving approx 30 mph, needing to make a quick stop, applied brakes, no reaction, did not stop. Mechanic changed pads/drums, intermittent problem. Defect has reoccurred after 1 year. This defect can result in an accident. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1997
“ABS, brake failure, when making a left hand turn experience loss of effectiveness and complete failure impact 10:00 position speed 35 mph. Tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1994
“Front brakes on the right side wear out, but the outside pads wear out first . The censor that should let you know that the pads are worn out is on the inside, so the consumer has no warning before the brakes are gone unless visual inspection.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“Gas tank explodes if an electrical connector is connected backwards because 12 volts is supplied to the sensor circuit, causing it to burn out and emit sparks. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“When brakes are applied front wheels lock, and rear wheels keep turning, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE UPPER AND LOWER BOLTS TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED FAN ASSEMBLY.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
How other years compare
Check your exact S10 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chevrolet S10. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1990 Chevrolet S10 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:gear box:shaft sector. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.