Chevrolet / S10 / 2003

2003 Chevrolet S10 problems

Owners have filed 230 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet S10 with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 13.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 10.4%.

Complaints230

Crashes25

Fires1

Injuries15

Deaths1

What owners report breaking

Structure 13.9% · 32

Service brakes, hydraulic 10.4% · 24

Power train 8.3% · 19

Electrical system 6.5% · 15

Air bags 6.5% · 15

Visibility 5.7% · 13

Service brakes 5.2% · 12

Tires 5.2% · 12

Severity

Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire, 15 report an injury and 1 report a death.

Reading the numbers

Across the 13 model years of the Chevrolet S10 in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 1994 is the outlier year.

Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.

The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 49,250 miles.

In owners' own words

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the driver side door latch failed and collapsed into the latch panel due to defective material. As a result, the latch was not able to enter into the secure compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was not available. Structure

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The handle for the third door snapped and failed when the contact attempted to open the door. As a result, the door would not open. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 36,650. Updated 03/05/08.*Lj the consumer stated the part was replaced by him at the cost of $27.50 Plus tax. Updated 03/04/08 Structure · reported at 36,650 miles

Went to open the tailgate of my 2003 Chevrolet s-10 pick-up, and both tailgate support cables broke. No injuries and no damage. Cost $10.00 Each for the cables, but they need to be riveted to the bracket on the tailgate guide. I previously owned a 1994 Chevrolet s-10 pick-up with the same problem. I replaced the cables twice on that truck by welding the rivet. Structure

Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Safety recalls

Checking NHTSA for open recalls…

Other Chevrolet S10 years

1997 574 complaints · 19.9% visibility 1998 742 complaints · 28.0% visibility 1999 298 complaints · 12.1% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 559 complaints · 17.9% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 405 complaints · 18.5% structure 2002 246 complaints · 29.7% structure

Compare all 13 model years →