1998 Chevrolet S10 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 6%of 613 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the 613 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“I own a 1998 Chevrolet s-10. The cables that hold up the tailgate broke on me while I was loading cargo into the bed. The broken straps has since caused my tailgate to fall off while going down a rough road. The tailgate is now scratched and dented from the initial breaking and from falling off. I have not made any attempt to fix this problem as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10148093, filed 2006-01, 90,000 miles“On my 1998 Chevrolet s-10, the tailgate support cable broke due to internal corrosion. This happened two years ago. There were no injuries. I replaced that cable at significant cost. Now the second tailgate support cable is bulging due to internal corrosion and I expect it will soon break.”
NHTSA complaint #10152434, filed 2006-03, 85,000 miles“Both cables on my 1998 chevy s-10 pick-up have snapped. My dog was using a ramp that rested on the tailgate when it happened. It caused the ramp to fall a few inches luckily the dog was uninjured however he is very frightened to use the ramp now. He weighs over 150s so I can't lift him. I went to the local auto parts store to get new cable when I was told about the recall on other similar vehicles. I have put off repairing this in anticipation of a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10165379, filed 2006-08, 153,750 miles“The extended cub 3rd door handles continues to break every 6 months. It is made of plastic. I purchased the 1998 S10 in march, 04, in july the handle broke. This same new handle broke was replaced in december, 04. Finally, the 2 new handle broke in august, 05. The break is always in the same area. The dealer has commented that he has numerous complaints to him for this part, but to chev has made no effort to recall or assist in any way. Can I have your review and assistance?”
NHTSA complaint #10132186, filed 2005-08, 97,000 miles“I have a 1998 chevy s-10 and the left tailgate cable broke. It broke when I opened the tailgate and sat down on it. I did not get hurt but I think a cable needs to be able to hold some weight. I have heard that the cables retain moisture which causes them to rust out and mine was rusted. I left the cable on and it damaged the tailgate by putting a dent in it and cracking the paint. I cut the cable so it would not damage the tailgate any more. My brother told me I could use his cable from his tailgate and I am. I think that it should be recalled as this is a safety problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10153408, filed 2006-03, 112,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10237648May 9, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10211764Apr 13, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10154601Dec 17, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10113406Feb 8, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10114913Oct 20, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10114448Apr 1, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10112034Jan 28, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10112864Feb 18, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10020462Oct 23, 2006Clunk noise felt through the floor pan.
- 10011755Oct 4, 2006Tailgate cable slack. This includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and gmc full and mid size trucks. *eh updated.
Body 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 1998 Chevrolet S10
204 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 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 28, 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