1998 Chevrolet S10 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 8%of 613 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 8% of the 613 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, 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.
“My pickup was sitting in front of my home when it wouldn't start. I raised the hood and a rat was under the hood with debris with pieces of hoses and insulation from under the hood. After removing the debris I could see the wireing coatings and the hoses were all chewed and missing with part of it in the debris. I had discovered the same type of damage to my car that day but with a squirrel under the hood! I've lived here many years never had a problem with other vehicles. Afraid this could cause a safety hazard if it doesn't show up till on the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10970017, filed 2017-04, 134,000 miles“My s-10 pickup will sporadically have the security light illuminate and flash when I *try* to start my vehicle. The truck will then not start even though it cranks over perfectly fine. The security feature is not a help, but a hindrance. I am using an official GM key in my ignition when this happens. If I wait at least an hour then there is a possibility the truck will then start as if nothing were wrong and the security light goes out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143860, filed 2005-11, 69,015 miles“My speedometer and odometer has quit working. I am sure you have heard this complaint before but I believe that GM should fix this problem for free one for safety and another for the economic stress that it puts on GM vehicle owners from1997-2004 maybe even newer than that.the problem is that the speedometer either fluctuates or stops working completely and the odometer stops working at the same time, the only repair is to replace the entire instrument cluster, which is not cost effective to the consumer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10290048, filed 2009-10, 135,000 miles“1998 Chevrolet s-10 etended cab pickup horn intermitently will go off and the last time in april. 2003 stayed on until I pulled the fuse under the hood. I now have no horn for use.”
NHTSA complaint #10033279, filed 2003-08, 75,000 miles“With the air conditioner, the relays and fuses keep blowing. I have taken the vehicle to a air conditioning place and they are not sure. With the ABS, I was driving down the road in snow, I used the brakes and the anti locks came on and all lights interior and exterior cut off completely. Had to stop and restart vehicle. With the electrical problem, I was driving down the road when all ny gauges jumped then went to normal. With the transmission it has constantly slammed into second gear and third gear. I have brought to the dealer numerous timed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10009862, filed 2000-10, 27,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V374000Nov 13, 2000Vehicle description: electric passenger vehicles and pickup trucks containing a nickel metal hydride (nimh) battery pack. These vehicles contain software…Covers: Chevrolet S10 1998, Saturn EV1 1999
- 97V208001Nov 25, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose vehicles. An engine electrical wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto the exhaust manifold.Covers: Chevrolet S10 1998, GMC Sonoma 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10018585Jan 6, 2006Fuel and temperature gauge inoperative, low fuel and battery light on, prndl inoperative.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 14% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 15 | 7% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 19 | 8% |
| 1998 | 50 | 8% |
| 1997 | 19 | 4% |
| 1996 | 41 | 6% |
| 1995 | 23 | 3% |
| 1994 | 28 | 3% |
| 1993 | 11 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 9% |
| 1989 | 6 | 13% |
| 1988 | 4 | 11% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet S10
204 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsAir bags
37 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 Oct 29, 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