1994 Chevrolet S10: problems, recalls and reliability
8 recalls and 963 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (52% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 963 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2011
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2005
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2005
“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)”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2005
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2005
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2005
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2004
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2004
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 122 of these complaints and injuries in 52 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 8 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.
A VACUUM HOSE CAN DETACH FROM THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE AS A RESULT OF ENGINE BACKFIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CLAMP ON THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSIST.
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
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.
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 DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE ON THESE VEHICLES.
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 1994 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
NHTSA has 963 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Chevrolet S10. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (52% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet S10 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 83,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Chevrolet S10 have open recalls?
8 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.