1997 Chevrolet S10 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 469 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 4% of the 469 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 1 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.
“Tailgate cables failed due to internal rusting. Failure occurred while I was standing on the tailgate, I suffered skin abrasions, bruises and a sprained ankle. Tailgate suffered superficial paint damage and bowing in the middle. Parts must be replaced, replacement cables cannot be obtained without also purchasing and installing new latch brackets.”
NHTSA complaint #10162246, filed 2006-07, 93,685 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“While loading a vanity base and sink into rear of 1997 Chevrolet s-10 pick up, both tail gate cables snapped in half. My self and a friend was able to catch the base with out any damage to base or injury to either of us. Both cables had rusted and the weight, approx. 150 pounds snapped both. Gate will close but hanges when opened.”
NHTSA complaint #10152450, filed 2006-03, 39,000 miles“While opening the tailgate the straps broke and caused the tailgate to collapse completely to the ground. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was not covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10046183, filed 2003-11, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a flat tire. The contact was unable to release the spare tire from underneath the vehicle. The contact indicated that the spare tire hoist assembly retainer had malfunctioned. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11171457, filed 2019-01, 130,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 14% |
| 2003 | 30 | 17% |
| 2002 | 73 | 34% |
| 2001 | 75 | 24% |
| 2000 | 93 | 20% |
| 1999 | 28 | 12% |
| 1998 | 39 | 6% |
| 1997 | 20 | 4% |
| 1996 | 16 | 2% |
| 1995 | 17 | 2% |
| 1994 | 20 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 13 | 7% |
| 1990 | 3 | 10% |
| 1989 | 4 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 15% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet S10
117 complaintsBrakes
101 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 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 27, 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