KnownCarProblems2002 Chevrolet S10 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 214 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet S10, most often about the body and structure (34% of complaints, typically around 52,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about S10 model year since 2000.
Most common 2002 Chevrolet S10 problems
Body and structure
73 complaints · 34%Half of these problems showed up before 52,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
This is the third vehicle of this type that I have had to have a door hinge, bushings and/or hinge pins repaired on. 2004 Chevrolet blazer four door (odi number) 10255992. 2003 Chevrolet blazer two door (odi number) 10256634. The door is dropping causing a problem to either open or close the door. Door started…
Both cables securing the tail gate on my 2002 Chevrolet s-10 broke. While there was no damage there could have been if my wife had not been alert and prevented the tailgate from dropping. I understand that there is current a product safety memo for the 1999-2000 chev silverado and gmc sierra.
Brakes
21 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, disc.
: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH on dry road conditions, an attempt was made to stop the vehicle with the emergency brakes. The hand brake was also applied but failed to engaged or slow down the vehicle. There was no warning signals prior to the incident. The service dealer was alerted and admitted that there…
The consumer stated that the rotators were bad, pictures were taken and there was unusual flaking. The rotors were worn smooth and not pitted. There was excessive noise coming from the brakes. All of the rotors were replaced due to the pitting being so severe that it could not be used. The dealer said he had seen this…
Doors and locks
21 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors, tailgate.
The third door latch has failed three times on my 2002 S10 Chevrolet pickup VIN:[VIN] as follows: 1st at 10,842 miles, 2nd around 40,000 miles repaired on 10,842 miles and the third time today at 57,175. I believe this presents a sever safety hazard should there be a fire and someone was in the rear seat because they…
I have the same tailgate cable problem that every other S10 owner has. The problem is well described in the "gm special policy adjustment 06020". The dealer says my VIN is not included in the recall or "special policy adjustment" and refuses to fix it. One cable is already broke inside and just connected by the outer…
Fuel system
17 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system.
I bought my 2002 chevy S10 truck in june of 2002. October 21, 2002 at 4035 miles the idler arm was replaced. January 2003 the heat sensor for the heater needed to be replaced, as the blower worked but the heat wouldn't. March 4, 2004 at 26, 345 miles the idler arm was replaced. Also, the drivers door had to be…
2002 Chevrolet S10 has had to have new fuel pump module put on 03/19/03 and has now gone out again on 12/31/03. Had leak in oil pan, leak in windshield on passenger side. The truck had 29,000 miles the first time the fuel pump went out and 55,000 this time when it went out. I feel that is entirely too frequent for…
Transmission
17 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 50,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly, manual transmission.
Powertraun automatic transmission failure. Vehicle was in park and would not go into reverse. Could shift to "r" but vehicle would not go into reverse. Vehicle had to be towed to certified transmission, lincoln, ne. Will be repaired. This retail business, is averaging 10 repairs a month on this make and model and…
I have a 2002 chevy S10 ext. Cab pickup truck with a vortex 4.3 litre eng. With automatic transmission. While baking out of driveway I noticed I had no reverse gear, it is also slipping in all other gears. This truck has never hauled anything heavy and only has 49,500 miles on it . I got down to the stop sign and…
Air bags
15 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 22,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
- the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet s-10 with a current and failure mileage of 22,000 . On february 13, 2007 h the contact was sitting at a traffic light on a dry day when a vehicle going approximately 45 MPH hit him in the rear , causing the contacts vehicle to collide into the rear of the vehicle in front of him.…
Dt: hit and killed two horses, the consumer hit them with the front end of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The consumer was wearing a seat belt but still hit the windshield, the steering wheel and console. She suffered several major injuries. The consumer has not spoken with the manufacturer or dealer to…
Electrical
15 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster/panel.
Vehicle will just stop running. The fuel pump has been replaced. After being replaced it quit 15 miles from the dealership that repaired it. They could not diagnose. Vehicle will start again after sitting several hours. They told US to drive until it quit again. Frustrated, we took it to a more sophisticated…
A/c fan either stops functioning or slows to low after extended periods (usually 20-25 minutes) running fan on high at max cool during periods of hot (75-80 degrees) weather. Turning fan and A/C off for a few minutes temporarily resolves problem. Dealer unable to diagnose unless they have vehicle in failure mode…
Suspension
12 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: front, rear.
The state was inspecting the vehicle, and the inspector informed the consumer that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, and informed the consumer that this problem was not covered under a recall.
Front bearing hubs have gone bad. This has happen only 3,000 after the extended warranty has expired at 100,000. I had loud grinding and vibration in front after I took off winter aggressive snow tires. The snow tires have masked the problem and the vehicle would have been serviced if heard. Took it to dealer to have…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Chevrolet S10 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Tailgate support cables
Summary
General motors is conducting a special policy program for 903,464 owners of 2000 - 2003 model s/t vehicles through which owners may, at their option, either (1) periodically inspect the tailgate support cables installed in their vehicle and have the cables replaced if the cable coating exhibits any indications of damage or deterioration or (2) request that the tailgate support cables be replaced free of charge. Gm will honor all requests by owners who opt for replacement without question regardless of the condition or appearance of the cables. Gm has agreed to mail reminder notifications to owners every two years until the tailgate support cables have been replaced or until the vehicle is 12
Tailgate support cable(s) break
Summary
Odi is upgrading rq04-012 and opening an ea to investigate the tailgate support cables installed in 1998 - 2004 model year sonoma and s10 model vehicles.general motors is conducting recall campaign 04v-129 to replace the tailgate support cables originally installed in certain model year 2000-2004 sierras and silverados and certain model year 2002-2004 avalanches and escalade exts (c/k models).general motors has advised odithat the tailgate support cables installed in the subject vehicles were fabricated using identical or similar sheathing material as the recalled vehicles.however,general motors has advised odi that sonoma and s-10 vehicles differ from c/k models in several ways: the vehicle
Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet S10
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet S10?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (73 complaints, typically around 52,500 miles); brakes (21 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles); doors and locks (21 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet S10 have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet S10. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Chevrolet S10?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about S10 model year since 2000, with 214 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.