2002 Chevrolet S10: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 213 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (32% of complaints); the 2004 model year looks 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 213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving down highway 56mph went ro pass and the accelerate stayed wide open causing to go off road to shut off truck to be able to slow down and hopefully stop. Hit the gravel on shoulder to avoid collision with other cars spun out of control going in ditch”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2024
“The contact owns a 2002 Chevy S10 equipped with Tornel Classic All Season Tires. Tire Size: 205/75 R15, and DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's friend noticed that the passenger's front tire had a large bubble. The contact stated that the bubble was the size of a football. The tire was recently purchased online from Walmart. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. VIN Unavailable.”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2023
“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“Turned on windshield wipers and nothing happened. Made it to the side of the road during downpour. Checked fuses and still nothing. Faulty solders on wiper control board. Dangerous situation as visibility was greatly impaired. Could have caused a life threatening crash.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Nov 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10 equipped with uniroyal tiger paw awp ii tires, size: p205/75/r15 (na). While driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate and the front driver side tire blew out. The contact independently replaced the tire with the spare. The tire was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 10,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 66,000.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2016
“I bought a set of goodyear viva 2 tires at walmart. I have less than 30k miles on them. I notice they seem to always be out of balance, even when I carry my vehicle in to have the tires rotated and balanced. The other day, I had taken my vehicle in and the tech looked at one of my tires and noticed a buldge on the side of one of my tires and made a comment about the belts seperating and being ready for a blow-out. I ask if walmart was replacing them and he said no. After getting home I noticed two more tires with that same buldge on the side.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag on light was illuminated. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and powered off the air bag with the switch. The contact stated that suddenly the vehicle failed to restart and was pushed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2015
“First incident approximately 2/15/2015, brakes pedal went close to floor when trying to stop vehicle, downshifted transmission to help stop vehicle. It was determined rust had caused a hole to develop in brake line cooler behind radiator of vehicle. Significant loss of brake fluid. Second incident approximately 5/15/2015, brakes became mushy loss of brake fluid. Rust caused pin hole leak in brake line at rear wheel brake cylinder. Third incident approximately 7/26/2015 significant loss of brake fluid. Cause yet undetermined”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s-10. While refueling the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking. The dealer stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 11/26/14*cn the consumer stated the vehicle had two gas leaks. Updated 10/5/2015 *js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2014
“Brakes lost power at about 50 mph on us-24 in michigan. Main brake line sprung leak to rear axle was able to use emergency brake to safely stop. I have not removed line yet if you want digital pictures made michigan mechanic certificate # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
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 2002 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
NHTSA has 213 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Chevrolet S10. The most complained-about area is structure (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet S10 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 49,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet S10 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.