1996 Chevrolet S10 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 668 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 3% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 though they said that the transmission was the shutoff problem and happened before the 36k warranty limit. That cost me nearly 4000 dollars. They truck continued to shut itself off while driving for years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10573297, filed 2014-03, 3,000 miles“The accident was almost head on mainly on the passenger side. The impact was hard the air bags went off in the other car but neither one of ours went off. For about a year prior to the accident the truck would stall at random times.”
NHTSA complaint #10632572, filed 2014-09“Upper mounting bolts for steering gear box completely backed out, and two lower monting bolts had loosened up. Consumer had a problem steering at about 25 MPH. The steering wheel makes excessive play because the steering gear box was not anchored to the left frame rail. After the bolts were reinstalled, the steering became fine.”
NHTSA complaint #869114, filed 2000-08“Speedometer sticks, almost every trip after a short duration (5-10 min). Also, tachometer occasionally sticks during extended drives 3hrs or more. In addition, instrument cluster replaced under warranty after first failure. Speedometer up to 15 MPH off. Forcefull tapping on instrument cluster will cause speedometer/tachometer needles to indicate current speed/RPM. Problem is independent of climate control temperature.”
NHTSA complaint #703339, filed 1999-02“Bolt which holds the steering shaft to another shaft in the steering column was improperly routed, causing a loss of steering control. Problem repaired at owner's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #860427, filed 2000-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 10% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 15 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 3% |
| 1998 | 14 | 2% |
| 1997 | 7 | 1% |
| 1996 | 18 | 3% |
| 1995 | 21 | 2% |
| 1994 | 15 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 6 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 8% |
| 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 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsEquipment
36 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsFuel system
19 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 30, 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