1997 Chevrolet S10 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 10%of 469 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 10% of the 469 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 2 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.
“Around the end of the warranty period, my truck started shifting into second gear hard after driving at highway speeds. Toward the end of a 200 mile trip, the transmission failed and no longer has a second gear. The truck had 48,023 miles on it. I cannot determine for sure if the overdrive function is working, either. While failure did not cause an accident or personal injury, the potential was significant. This vehicle has only been used for personal transportation, not commercial purposes or hauling heavy loads. Repairs will be costly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116174, filed 2005-03, 48,023 miles“While driving oil line came apart and dumped oil all over the engine. The oil line was replaced. Then, transmission line came apart and dumped transmission fluid all over the engine. Transmission line was replaced, but problem recurred. The cause of the both lines coming apart was undetermined.”
NHTSA complaint #10075900, filed 2004-07, 10,000 miles“Sunshell in transmission broken twice within 2 years, repair shop states heavy duty sunshell has been released to replace the inferior sunshell that was designed for the 1997 Chevrolet s-10 pickup. Repair shop states this is a common problem. Repairs each time totalling in excess of $2,000.00. Purchused vehicle from father at 13,000 miles. He had problems with transmission at 10,000 miles. Serviced by love chevolet on dec. 1, 1998.”
NHTSA complaint #10066060, filed 2004-04, 10,000 miles“While driving transmission leaked fluid, and vehicle lost power. Consumer managed to pull over to gain control of the vehicle. Dealerships mechanic was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10053672, filed 2004-01, 38,000 miles“Transmission went at 72000 miles .I know that warranty expired,but it seems a new transmission should have lasted longer than that. I had two rebuilt transmissions put in in 60 days, and the engine check light still comes on, and the transmission needs to be worked on again. I have heard this was an ongoing problem with 1997 chevy trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #702990, filed 1999-02Related service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 10% |
| 2002 | 17 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 6% |
| 2000 | 46 | 10% |
| 1999 | 28 | 12% |
| 1998 | 40 | 7% |
| 1997 | 49 | 10% |
| 1996 | 68 | 10% |
| 1995 | 50 | 5% |
| 1994 | 37 | 4% |
| 1993 | 9 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 11 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
| 1985 | 4 | 36% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
| 1983 | 3 | 43% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet S10
117 complaintsBrakes
101 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