Chevrolet S10 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Chevrolet S10 across 10 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (68).
- 334power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 12mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $2,600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Chevrolet S10 at $2,600, and half of them between $1,100 and $3,550.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2006), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 88 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 334 complaints, 12 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury.
Chevrolet S10 power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:manual transmission
Model years: 1996
Problem: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Risk: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
For years my chevy s-10 1996 2wd truck would suddenly shut off on the road often at highway speeds. Chevy looked at the truck many times and always said they couldn't duplicate the problem. One time they talked me into a brand new transmission at 36100 miles. They didn't honor the warranty even…
Yes my engine light came on and it said service engine soon. So i took it to a michanic and had it checked and it came up the transmission was having issues is there anything or help i can get to replace it? *tr
I was pulling into a mcdonald's drive-through lane and the silicone isolation mount where the top part of the transmission shift lever meets the bottom part coming up from the transmission broke loose. It is not possible to shift with the top lever now. It is possible to shift using the short…
Sunshell blew out on transmission. *tr
The four wheel drive actuator on top of the transfer case failed- actuator i when it failed it allowed transfer case fluid to be drawn into the vacuum system of the vehicle causing problems with four wheel drive engagement and disengagement. The four wheel drive attempted to engage at 65mph on the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet S10s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 334 owner complaints about power train for the Chevrolet S10. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet S10 power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Chevrolet S10?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,600 (half paid between $1,100 and $3,550), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other Chevrolet S10 problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (892)
- Visibility problems (660)
- Structure problems (394)
- Air Bags problems (370)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (337)
- Electrical System problems (239)
- Seats problems (212)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (160)
See all Chevrolet S10 problems.