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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1997 Chevrolet S10 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1997 Chevrolet S10 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 469 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Chevrolet S10, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1997 Chevrolet S10 owner complaints

Owners have filed 469 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Chevrolet S10, describing incidents dated April 27, 1996 to January 22, 2019.

Most-cited components

  • Visibility/Wiper 116 complaints
  • Service Brakes 97 complaints
  • Power Train 48 complaints
  • Air Bags 47 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 45 complaints
  • Engine 37 complaints

Of the 469 complaints on file, 62 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 469 complaints, owners report 37 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11171457 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE SPARE TIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE HOIST ASSEMBLY RETAINER HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT…

  • ODI #10783200 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET S10. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN RAINY WEATHER, WHICH CAUSED A REDUCTION IN VISIBILITY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS…

  • ODI #10782066 · Filed

    THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE SPORADICALLY WHEN TURNED ON. SOME TIMES WHEN YOU TURN THEM ON, THEY WILL OPERATE NORMALLY AND OTHER TIMES THEY WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL. THE VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL WERE INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM CAN OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE…

Read all 469 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1997 Chevrolet S10 in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR

NHTSA #09E025000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2009 · DOPE, INC.

Potentially affected: 42,540 vehicles

Owners notified July 28, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS

NHTSA #07E021000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly — Pressure Relief Devices · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2007 · DELPHI

Potentially affected: 742 vehicles

Owners notified April 27, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Safety consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

NHTSA #03V159000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer · NHTSA notice

Reported April 28, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,755,876 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03023 · Owners notified June 19, 2003 · Vehicles built March 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 03023.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/BRAKE PIPE

NHTSA #00V159000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported June 16, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 306 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00050 · Owners notified July 28, 2000 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – March 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS. A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL-FIRED HEATER FILL PIPE GROUND STRAP CONTACTS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PIPE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD WEAR OFF THE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE BRAKE PIPE, LEADING TO PREMATURE CORROSION AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY. WHEN BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY IS LOST, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE GROUND STRAP ATTACHMENT, INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE IF NECESSARY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 28, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/CHEVROLET TRUCK/ELECTRIC CHARGE PORTS

NHTSA #00V069200 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice

Reported March 3, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 576 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00025 · Owners notified March 23, 2000 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – March 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.

Safety consequence

HEAT COULD BUILD UP WITHIN THE CHARGE PORT AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY WITH A REDESIGNED CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 23, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/GLASS FOGGING

NHTSA #98V177000 · Visibility — Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System · NHTSA notice

Reported August 4, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 354 vehicles

Owners notified August 31, 1998 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – March 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE. RAPID FOGGING OF THE INTERIOR GLASS CAN OCCUR WITHIN TWO MINUTES AFTER THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IF (1) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BETWEEN 35 AND 76 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND (2) WATER HAS COLLECTED ON THE HEAT EXCHANGER DURING PREVIOUS OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.

Safety consequence

IF RAPID FOGGING WERE TO OCCUR DURING DRIVING, IT COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISING THEM TO FOLLOW A "STOP AND WAIT" PROCEDURE TO HELP AVOID WINDOW FOGGING WHILE DRIVING.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING AUGUST 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE CAUTION LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/BRAKE LINE CONTACTS OIL PAN

NHTSA #97V146001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported September 11, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 146,167 vehicles

Owners notified October 20, 1997 · Vehicles built March 1, 1996 – March 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.

Safety consequence

BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

GM/SAFETY BELT WEBBING

NHTSA #97V096001 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 586,058 vehicles

Owners notified September 22, 1997 · Vehicles built March 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.

Safety consequence

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Other Chevrolet S10 model years

Check your 1997 Chevrolet S10 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet S10 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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