2003 Chevrolet S10: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 178 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (15% 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 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“We own 2-2003 s-10s same year models and color. The only thing different are the motors. Both have been having the windshield wipers go out while in a heavy rainstorms and on busy interstates.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · May 2019
“This is second vehicle of previous complaint. We have two 2003 chevrolet s-10s where the wipers stop working during rain. In most cases during heavy rains while driving on highways and interstates. Vehicle has to be pulled over and the hood has to be raised to tap the motor to be able to continue.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Apr 2019
“The truck was occasionally not turning over. Tried things like turning fan on, radio, etc and it would start. Security light comes on or will blink. Truck now is not turning over at all. Dash lights blink and or come on when door opens. This is a problem I've seen all over internet, but nothing has worked. I think it should have a recall. I am paying for a dead truck now. Truck was stationary-won't start.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Light for air bags reads the air bags are not working. Mechanic says he has to go into the computer to see what the problems is. It is a lot of work involved to see what the problems is. The light constantly on while vehicle running.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal ticking noise and the entire instrument cluster failed. Due to the failure, the contact received a ticket because of the unknown speed limit and was speeding 20 mph over the speed limit. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was over 100,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2017
“Total sudden brake failure I had to leave the road to avoid other cars. 40mph front right steal line failed and right rear line failed at the same time lines are rusty but the rest of the truck is ok there was no warning signs ( like drips or low level in the booster)”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (hometown chevrolet buick gmc inc, 2009 barnes st, reidsville, nc, 27320) where it was diagnosed that it could be one out of two failures: an air bag warning sensor or something behind the steering wheel. The diagnosis was incomplete until the vehicle could be serviced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s-10. When the contact started the parked vehicle, the service engine light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed and produced code b0036 (air bag impact sensor). The mechanic told the contact that the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. The contact stated that the brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the brake light module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2015
“Engine lower intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant. Very expensive repair is needed, costing more than $500. I have driven this vehicle very gently and always maintained it, replacing the engine oil when needed. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 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 PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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 2003 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
NHTSA has 178 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Chevrolet S10. The most complained-about area is structure (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet S10 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet S10 have open recalls?
4 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.