1997 Chevrolet S10 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 101about this part
- Share
- 22%of 469 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 101 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 22% of the 469 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 14 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Severely corroded brake lines, lines blew. Near miss accident. This is a common complaint across mfrs. . Well maintained cars with severely corroded fuel and brake lines. I bet it can be traced to a cheap supplier that supplied the big 3 for a period of years. No corrosion resistance on the steel. Can't blame this on ne winter salt. My oem 1964 looks better than my late model vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10629435, filed 2014-08, 187,000 miles“There are 8 safety recalls on the chevy S10.1997.the companys state my vehicle is not on the list of these recalls.but my vehicles has all of these defects.and ive been very lucky I have not been in an accident yet due to these issues.ive been very lucky.but peoples luck always runs out.I cant afford another vehicle and its breaking me financially by fixing this one.”
NHTSA complaint #10323395, filed 2010-04, 82,000 miles“The brake line on my 1997 chevy s-10 burst leading to total loss of braking capability ...luckily there was no accident ... An emergency repair at a nearby station cost me $800 ... They replaced only one side of braking system (the side that burst) ... I tried to contact chevy to get them to repair the other side (that will likely burst) and they said no - not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #10311813, filed 2010-02, 110,000 miles“I have read of a saftey recall on this vehical with the exact description of what happened to me, I should have had plenty of distance to stop, it's only a small pick up, I know for certian I have a fully loaded work truck a ford 3/4 ton econoline van and I know I could have stopped that vehicle in time. I was standing on the brakes, they just wouldnt do anything , in an emergency they just don't cut the mustard. I had extensive front end damage, and my neek has been not feeling good ever since. …”
NHTSA complaint #10499787, filed 2013-02, 85,000 miles“Occasionally about 5 or 6 times and counting when initially applying the brake at either 45mph or 10 MPH my 1997 chevy S10 vehicle starts to accelerate with my foot off the gas and cruise control off at what appeared to be full speed/throttle. My first reaction was to brake even harder, but then the antilock brakes kicked in and seemed to reduce the stopping force by not letting the wheels lock. The vehicle continued to accelerate until I placed the car in neutral and then the vehicle stopped and also stopped accelerating.”
NHTSA complaint #10641808, filed 2014-10, 150,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V159000Jun 16, 2000Vehicle description: electric pickup trucks. A condition in which the fuel-fired heater fill pipe ground strap contacts the rear passenger side brake pipe.Covers: Chevrolet S10 1997–1998
- 97V146001Sep 11, 1997Vehicle 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…Covers: Chevrolet S10 1996–1997, GMC Sonoma 1996–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 6 | 29% |
| 2003 | 38 | 21% |
| 2002 | 21 | 10% |
| 2001 | 64 | 21% |
| 2000 | 105 | 22% |
| 1999 | 35 | 15% |
| 1998 | 77 | 13% |
| 1997 | 101 | 22% |
| 1996 | 222 | 33% |
| 1995 | 321 | 35% |
| 1994 | 533 | 55% |
| 1993 | 141 | 61% |
| 1992 | 121 | 67% |
| 1991 | 72 | 41% |
| 1990 | 10 | 34% |
| 1989 | 3 | 6% |
| 1988 | 6 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 15% |
| 1986 | 3 | 14% |
| 1985 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet S10
117 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet S10
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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