1996 Chevrolet S10 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 6%of 668 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Started having problems with the hazard/brake light fuse blowing occasionally about 2.5 yr ago... Recently the fuse blows almost as soon as you turn the vehicle on. Bulbs are good and lights work until the fuse blows. I've replaced the electrical system in the steering column twice in that same period of time. The most recent time had no effect on the fuses blowing.”
NHTSA complaint #10208722, filed 2007-11, 125,000 miles“Dt: one of the circuit board shorted out, and the vehicle will not start. Everytime starting the vehicle smoke comes out of the vehicle, and one can smell burning plastic. Saturday got the oil changed and didn't notice any problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10125329, filed 2005-06, 172,813 miles“Wiring harness failure. Causes truck to shut down when moving. Will not start. Had repaired ( rigged ) because the cost to replace this is in excess of 400 dollars, now is acting up again. Had to replace fan clutch as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10102553, filed 2004-12, 67,000 miles“This battery has failed twice in 2 yrs. The battery terminals pull out leaking acid on cables and surrounding components and has also caused the alternator to fail. I saw a news brief in an auto publication that you had began looking into the problem on suburbans and tahoes. I have talked to other people who have had the same problem on other GM cars. I personally seen this happen on many GM cars with AC-delco batteries, I was an employee in a GM dealer for 21 years. I have contacted GM but have not received any assistance and this had happened over 2 months ago”
NHTSA complaint #732253, filed 2000-09“While driving 65mph vehicle stalled, losing power brakes and power steering. Driver turned ignition off and restarted the vehicle. Dealer said it needed a new control module. Dealer replaced vehicle cotnrol modudle at owner's expense. Consumer was informed by dealer that manufacturer is aware of problem and had issued a service bulletin (sb66-65-06) to replace the vehicle control module.”
NHTSA complaint #8004961, filed 2002-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 14% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 15 | 7% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 19 | 8% |
| 1998 | 50 | 8% |
| 1997 | 19 | 4% |
| 1996 | 41 | 6% |
| 1995 | 23 | 3% |
| 1994 | 28 | 3% |
| 1993 | 11 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 9% |
| 1989 | 6 | 13% |
| 1988 | 4 | 11% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet S10
222 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
100 complaintsAir bags
74 complaintsEngine cooling
71 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
68 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsEquipment
36 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet S10
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology