1998 Chevrolet S10 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 6%of 613 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the 613 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 miles. 36 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.
“Vehicle involved in a head on crash with another vehicle on the road already in an accident.. Speed was at 55 MPH causing a total loss of 1998 s-10 zr2 truck.. There was extensive damage to the front...of this the air bags never deployed at all the safety belts did not restrain..driver suffered chest trauma back,knee,and neck injuries.... Chevrolet was called to complain and they did investigation but nothing was resolved....”
NHTSA complaint #10019035, filed 2003-05, 80,000 miles“While driving 60-65 MPH a deer ran in front of the vehicle, resulting in a head on collision. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10068604, filed 2004-06, 110,000 miles“The vehicle was involved in an accident. The airbags did not deploy. Neither the driver or passenger side air bags deployed. The switch for the passenger side was in the on position.”
NHTSA complaint #10051999, filed 2004-01, 63,000 miles“We were rear-ended by a bus and shoved into the pole that protects the gas pump, so the actual gas station did not explode. My head hit either the windshield or the dashboard; I don't remember. The vehicle was totaled. I am still going through physical therapy for injuries to my neck; chronic neck and back pain. I suffer from tmj pain daily. I have daily cluster headaches, insomnia, and nightmares. The air bags never deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10291870, filed 2009-11“The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the front passenger side airbag deployed while the vehicle was turned off. The passenger of the vehicle sustained third degree burns to the right arm. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 236,000. Updated 04/11/12.”
NHTSA complaint #10451470, filed 2012-03, 236,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 14% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 15 | 7% |
| 2001 | 12 | 4% |
| 2000 | 29 | 6% |
| 1999 | 27 | 12% |
| 1998 | 37 | 6% |
| 1997 | 47 | 10% |
| 1996 | 74 | 11% |
| 1995 | 111 | 12% |
| 1994 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet S10
204 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet S10
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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