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2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,811 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 212021

S-10 Pickup

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2003 Chevy S10 has been maintained and taking care of. Brakes in rear were sticking due to factory defective ABS control module. Rear wheel bearing gave out and started leaking axle fluid cause of a sticking drivers side brake from ABS control module malfunctioning. After much cost of replacing calipers and brake pads the culprit from a defectively ABS control module making the brake caliper stick to the rotor.. Next the coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket and now the heater core leaks-?? this truck has only 146k miles on it and I always taking care of it keeping up before it-??s schedule maintenance. But what I see is poor defective parts from GM. SO I have to make sure I get this work done and keep the coolant filled or there be a motor issue from overheating. This is a SAFETY concern and if the heater core leaks then breathing the toxic coolants isn-??t safe at all when the AC is on or no heat in winter!. Now GM discontinued making the S10 in North America but redesigned a front wheel drive diesel version in South America.

- Beaufort , SC, USA

problem #5

Sep 092014

S-10 Pickup 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. While driving approximately 50 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the contact observed an unknown fluid leaking under the front of the vehicle. The contact also observed corrosion around the heating coil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/23/16 the experienced problems with the check engine light and leaks in the intake manifold and head gaskets. An inspection revealed, the gasket was coming apart and was corroded. The heater coil was corroded and leaking. Updated 03/03/16.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #4

Oct 152014

S-10 Pickup 4-cyl

  • 122,250 miles
When trying to use the wipers the switch refuses to operate correctly. Been replaced twice ( this happens under all three switches). When you turn it on it will not respond and does not wipe. When you use the single wipe will wipe continual and not shut off at times. Some times when you use the fluid will not turn off unless you turn the engine off and restart the vehicle. When in the first two notches for wiping will start to wipe and stop about 1/4 of the way up the windshield. In high position operates as if normal, must set it above high to get it to operate in high. Sometimes it only operates at one speed no matter the position except when in high mode. Many times will not turn on when you turn it on and when you turn it off will not turn of if working. This is the third switch that has done this to me. ? is there a recall on GM switches as I can find none and many people say they have experienced same results on other GM vehicles or heard of it occurring update 9/15/15 the consumer was informed the wiper control module failed. It was replaced and there were no more problems. The consumer stated the engine control module failed, previously. Updated 10/13/15

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #3

Feb 022015

S-10 Pickup 4WD 6-cyl

  • 110,067 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Kokomo, IN, USA

problem #2

Oct 012014

S-10 Pickup

  • miles
2003 Chevrolet S10. Consumer writes in regards to electrical issues.* ld the consumer stated then the engine hot, and he came to a stop, the oil pressure gauge dropped below normal.

- Gorham, ME, USA

problem #1

Aug 042014

S-10 Pickup 4-cyl

  • 104,550 miles
I was parked idling when the engine went out. Cooled down and started. Got on 10 at 60 mph and the ABS brake light came on and the speed dropped instantly to about 30 mph. Twice on the way home did the same, then conked out. Tried to drive to shop and had to be towed. They replaced the cam sensor and acts mostly okay. But every so often the ABS light comes on and the speed drops dramatically then recurs. There is not a code being put in the system telling them the issue why but there was a code one ABS sensor is turning on. It is like the ABS is engaging without me hitting the brakes and then cutting off. Again this only happens sporadically will be taking it into the dealer asap. Note again no indicator the cam sensor was bad or anything else. Updated 08-20-14 the dealer stated there was a code in the system, for the speed sensor, and they were able to clear it. Updated 09/15/14 updated 08/28/2017

- Baltimore, MD, USA

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