2003 Chevrolet S10 recalls and problems

The 2003 Chevrolet S10 has 1 safety recall and 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

178

Crashes / fires

16 / 1

Injuries / deaths

12 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet S10 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Chevrolet S10 recalls

Recall 04V-132: Equipment

Reported Mar 18, 2004 · 183,922 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Risk: Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.

Fix: 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.

2003 Chevrolet S10 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	32
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	24
Power Train	19
Air Bags	15
Electrical System	15
Visibility	13
Tires	12
Service Brakes	12
Fuel System, Gasoline	11
Engine and Engine Cooling	11
Latches/Locks/Linkages	11
Vehicle Speed Control	6

Most reported parts

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 8
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 8
Air Bags › Frontal — 6
Structure › Body › Door — 6
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 4
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 47,163 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Chevrolet S10 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 200,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2021

The contact owned a 2003 Chevrolet S 10. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle T-boned his vehicle at a high rate of speed. The contact stated that the air bag did not deploy and the contact hit his head on the windshield. The contact was taken from the scene to a local hospital where they initially ran a test and found no injuries on his body. The contact stated that his head remained in pain and went back to the hospital the next day. The next day, the contact was informed that a blood clot was discovered near his brain, and was transferred to another hospital…

Air Bags · reported Oct 17, 2021

Twice now while lightly applying brakes to come to a stop at an intersection the antilock brake system engaged. Since it was unexpected I almost didn't come to a stop in time before rolling into the intersection into traffic. The ABS warning indicator was illuminated intermittently before this with recorded DTC C0268 (Pump motor circuit shorted). Also the transfer case input shaft seal failed which caused transmission fluid to leak into the transfer case, completely filling it. That caused the transfer case vacuum switch to fail and transmission fluid was sucked into the vacuum lines and eat…

Service Brakes · reported Aug 21, 2021

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 leaksâ¦ this truck has only 146k miles on it and I always taking care of it keeping up before itâs…

Air Bags · at 133,998 miles · reported Sep 22, 2020

Truck was purchased 7/7/20. Seemed to work fine, but started noticing engine trouble on 9/10/20. Had only driven it ~150 miles since purchase, never any strenuous driving. Took it in to get serviced on 9/21/20, where several problems were spotted, one of which is traceable to the dealer: 1) the distributor cap was being held on only by two zipties. This is why it seemed to run fine on the date of purchase, but caused engine misfires within a few months of light use. The dealership notified me the day before I purchased it that the distributor was being fixed, but they failed to notify me that…

Visibility/Wiper · at 187,000 miles · reported Jun 20, 2019

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.

Other Chevrolet S10 years

2018 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Chevrolet S10 years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet S10 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Chevrolet S10: 04V-132 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet S10?

Owners report structure problems most often (32 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 47,163 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.