2000 Chevrolet S10 Problems
- Complaints
- 471filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,300miles, 199 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Chevrolet S10 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the tailgate support cables breaking from corrosion, and about antilock brake behavior at low speed. Both show up across a wide mileage range, on trucks bought new and used. Seats, latches and transmission concerns also recur, and many complaints note that the vehicle was outside a recall remedy.
- Body and structure
Tailgate support cables rust through and break
- 82 complaints (17%)
- median 65,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (57 state mileage)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2014
Owners describe lowering or loading the tailgate when one or both support cables snap, letting the gate drop onto the rear bumper and dent it. Several say the cable looked rusty inside or that moisture had been trapped under the plastic coating. Complaints report that dealers and parts counters told them the S10 was not covered by a recall, so repairs were paid out of pocket. Reported from roughly 25,000 miles up past 130,000 miles, often after years of use in wet or salted conditions.
What to check: Open the tailgate and inspect both cables for rust, fraying and a swollen or cracked plastic coating at the ends. Ask whether the cables have ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While unloading pieces of a cast iron tub, as I slid the tub onto the tail gate of my 2000 S10, one of the tail gate cables failed. The tail gate moved slightly but the other cable was able to take up the rest of the weight. The cable appeared to be very rusty inside. This appears to be similar to an issue remedied on the larger trucks but not dealt with on the smaller size trucks. (the day listed below is an estimate.)”
NHTSA complaint #10155703, filed 2006-04, 54,000 miles“Tailgate cable broke on r/s and cable is ready to break on the l/s. I just purchased new ones after I was told by a parts man at faulkner Chevrolet bethlehem pa that the s-10's are not on a recall to have these cables/latches replaced. My cost for the parts was $98.83.”
NHTSA complaint #10164016, filed 2006-07, 60,000 miles - Brakes
ABS engages or warning light comes on at low speed
- 100 complaints (21%)
- median 70,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (36 state mileage)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2019
Complaints describe the antilock system kicking in during low-speed braking, producing a pulsing or stiff pedal and longer stopping distance, sometimes enough to roll past a stop sign. Others report the ABS warning light staying on, or the system engaging at walking speeds. Some owners say a dealer replaced the ABS control module without curing it; several removed the ABS fuse to get normal braking back. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 110,000 miles, typically during braking below 10 mph.
Recall 00V055000Recall 99V220000
What to check: On a test drive, brake gently at very low speed in a straight line and watch for a pulsing pedal or the ABS light. Ask whether the ABS module or wheel-speed sensors have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“(1) driving on a dry, sunny, summer day. I was braking for a stop sign. (2) ABS kicked in unexpectedly when vehicle slowed to somewhere below 10 MPH. This had happened before, but this time it nearly prevented the vehicle from coming to a stop. Almost caused me to enter a busy intersection with cross traffic approaching. (3) ABS was disabled by removing the appropriate fuse. No further action taken. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134985, filed 2005-08, 20,000 miles“Within the last couple of weeks whenever I am coming to a stop at slow speeds, less than 10 MPH, my anti lock brakes do not allow the vehicle to stop. I have gone into a number of intersection and pass stop signs. This happens in reverse or drive. I have removed the ABS fuse and have not had any problems. Now my ABS light stays on but the vehicle stops. The dealer said that the front hub bearing assy's are loose but the longtime repair shop I always go to can find nothing wrong with the bearing assy's. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161183, filed 2006-07, 76,550 miles - Seats
Seat recliner handles and seat tracks break
- 46 complaints (10%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- filed 2000–2010
Owners report the recliner lever or connecting bar snapping off on one or both front seats without much force, leaving the seatback unable to hold its position. Some describe the seat sliding rearward on its track over bumps or during hard braking. Complaints note repeated replacements, and in some cases repair under warranty or an extended warranty. Often reported under 55,000 miles, several on trucks a few years old.
What to check: Sit in both front seats and work the recline lever through its full range; push back firmly and check that the seat does not slide on its track.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The reclining mechignition on both seat are made of very cheap metal, and both have snapped off at the seat itself. Also you can be driving down the road and the seat will slide back after releasing itself from the locked position. And the third door handle is plastic and breaks when trying to open it in the cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10005047, filed 2003-01, 30,000 miles“This vehicle has light metal latches on the seat backs and extended cab door. These latches broke, causing the third door to swing open and the seats to wobble. The back of the driver and passenger seats could not be adjusted without these latches. The dealer has examined the vehicle three times, attempting to repair the problem. This type of vehicle only had an extended cab door behind the driver's seat. The dealer repaired the drivers seat. The passenger seat adjustment had broken within the first week of the drivers side repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10068679, filed 2004-07, 40,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission drops out of overdrive or hesitates
- 58 complaints (12%)
- median 65,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (33 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2017
Complaints describe the automatic transmission abruptly leaving overdrive and dropping into third at highway speed with a hard lurch, in one case followed by a repair bill attributed to the valve body. Others report delayed throttle response when pulling away from a stop. Transfer case and four-wheel-drive control complaints also appear in the same group. Reported from about 26,000 to 110,000 miles, including highway driving.
What to check: Drive at highway speed and feel for a firm or delayed downshift when accelerating; also test 4WD engagement on a loose surface if so equipped.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2000 s-10 zr2 and my 4wd hi dont work, module on transfer case broke, also computer behind dash that controls 4wd doesnt work correctly. 100's of dollars to fix. Honestly push button 4wd was a mistake in the first place. There was never anything wrong with the old 4wd shifter on the floor. Mnufacturers should think more of quality not convenience. Now its the middle of winter and I got a truck with only 4wd lo. How lovely”
NHTSA complaint #10053020, filed 2004-01, 26,142 miles“This complaint is about the 2000 Chevrolet s-10 pickup truck with the 4 cln. Motor. It first started going dead while driving up the road. I would pull over, turn it completely off and restart it without a problem. After giving it a tune up it stopped going dead but began stalling when trying to pull off from a stop sign or traffic light. I would be surprised if no one has been killed yet because of this. I have asked several people I have seen with this type of truck and they have had the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10208720, filed 2007-11, 92,000 miles - Fuel system
Stalling or no-start traced to fuel delivery
- 19 complaints (4%)
- median 67,100 mi at 5.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2016
Owners describe the engine quitting at speed or refusing to start, sometimes restarting after a short wait. Some report fuel odor or a leak near the tank, and others a rusted tank and mounting bands. Complaints also mention debris finding its way into the fuel filter, replaced more than once without a lasting cure. Spread from about 50,000 to over 250,000 miles; the highest-mileage reports involve tank corrosion.
What to check: Look under the truck at the fuel tank, straps and lines for rust or damp spots, and ask whether the fuel pump or tank has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While making a full stop on occasion , and then trying to accelerate, I have had no power as if it is fuel starvation. Have replaced the fuel filter which is over priced for the second time. Upon inspection of the fuel filter, a black substance seems to be blocking the fuel filter for no apparent reason. It must be coming from the fuel tank or a fuel line. After recently replacing the filter and making a quick stop and backing rapidly, I experience the same power failure. Turning off the truck and restarting seems to help momentarily.”
NHTSA complaint #10130594, filed 2005-07, 65,000 miles“My 2000 S10 would not start last week. Had it towed to garage. Figured it was fuel pump. It was, but upon inspection, the fuel tank was rusted out along with the bands holding the tank on. Paid $1,000.74 to have it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10222674, filed 2008-03, 122,945 miles
Buying note. Check the tailgate cables and both front seats closely, and brake gently at low speed on the test drive to see how the ABS behaves. A maintenance history covering the fuel pump or tank and transmission work is worth asking for on a truck at this age.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 471 consumer complaints for the 2000 Chevrolet S10. 199 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,300 miles. Of all complaints, 52 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 46 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 252 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes105 22%
- Body and structure93 20%
- Seats55 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain46 9.8%
- Engine cooling30 6.4%
- Air bags29 6.2%
- Fuel system29 6.2%
- Electrical system26 5.5%
- Suspension19 4.0%
- Vehicle speed control17 3.6%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (16), Latches, locks and linkages (14), Steering (12), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (10), Equipment (8), Other or unknown (8), Seat belts (8), Tires (7), Engine (3), Wheels (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The brake lines burst while driving down the road under normal driving conditions and the brakes failed resulting in no braking power. Inspection by a mechanic determined that the brake lines had suddenly failed during braking and the fluid had drained out resulting in an immediate loss of braking power during my braking. Was driving at about 30 MPH on a city street when I started to brake and they failed, was able to stop without injury due to manual transmission engine braking and a very bad parking brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10955617, filed 2017-02, 107,500 milesBody and structure: “My daughter was letting my tailgate down on my 2000 chevy s-10 pickup when both support cables snapped. The tailgate pinched her fingers between the tailgate and the bumper, it could have been much worse. She bruised her fingers, no permanent injury. I have yet to replace the support cables, we lower the tailgate carefully.”
NHTSA complaint #10114211, filed 2005-03, 69,000 milesSeats: “The driver's seat has not been working properly for several months. The seat will not stay locked in place and this has created a dangerous situation, especially in intersections, when the truck has been in motion. Now that this has happened several times, I've been especially careful & prepared to move the seat back forward so I can again reach the pedals. My solution for the time being - placing a wooden 2x4 piece behind the seat so it will stay fixed. It's working, but it is very inconvenient getting into or out of the seat. Will try to repair or take to a shop if a recall is not mandated.”
NHTSA complaint #11102222, filed 2018-06, 108,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “No accident took place but the transmission in two separate 2000 model s-10 and an s-10 blazer have gone out in the same exact manner within 3,000 miles of each other and both vehicles were primarily driven in two different parts of the country. The slipping of these trannys is so sudden that it actually almost became a safety concern while on the highway. I apologize if this is being sent to the wrong dept. But I would like to find out if chevy has had any recalls on these models as well. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #10214939, filed 2008-01, 83,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
37% of the 199 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,400 and 92,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Chevrolet S10. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-10 · coupe | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
| S-10 · extended cab | not rated | 2 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Chevrolet S10 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V258001Sep 8, 2000Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet S10 2000, Oldsmobile Bravada 2000, GMC Sonoma 2000
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles were built with incorrect payload information on the vehicle certification label. The payload shown on the label is greater than the maximum validated payload…
- 00V228003Aug 7, 2000Seat beltsCovers: Chevrolet S10 2000–2001, Impala 2000–2001, Venture 2000–2001 +13 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load…
- 00V055000Feb 28, 2000Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Chevrolet S10 2000, GMC Sierra 2000, Chevrolet Silverado 2000 +1 more
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Some of these vehicles have an antilock brake system (abs) motor containing an out-of-specification spring clip. This clip could allow the motor bearing to become misaligned. If…
- 99V220000Aug 11, 1999Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Chevrolet S10 2000, GMC Jimmy 2000, Chevrolet Blazer 2000 +1 more
Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles may have had the right-hand antilock brake system (abs) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand…
Recall details for the 2000 Chevrolet S10 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ04012Tailgate support cable(s) breakClosed · Nov 22, 2004
- PE02066Engine stall due to fuel starvationClosed · Sep 6, 2002
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 252 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024Engine cooling. This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has…
Other model years of the Chevrolet S10
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 21 | 63,250 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 178 | 46,582 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 214 | 48,406 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 308 | 49,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 471 | 60,300 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 231 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 613 | 71,125 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 469 | 83,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 668 | 79,500 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 911 | 115,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 967 | 86,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 233 | 131,300 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 180 | 82,163 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 174 | 132,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 29 | 98,858 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 48 | 68,250 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | — | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 27 | 83,395 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 22 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 11 | — | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 8 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 7 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet S10 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Chevrolet S10?
Owners of this model year most often write about the tailgate support cables breaking from corrosion, and about antilock brake behavior at low speed. The issues reported most often: Tailgate support cables rust through and break; ABS engages or warning light comes on at low speed; Seat recliner handles and seat tracks break.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Chevrolet S10 have?
NHTSA recorded 471 consumer complaints for the 2000 Chevrolet S10 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Chevrolet S10 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 105 complaints (22% of the total), followed by body and structure with 93.
Has the 2000 Chevrolet S10 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Chevrolet S10 get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Chevrolet S10 (S10 Pickup 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Chevrolet S10 reported?
Among the 199 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,300 miles and the middle half falls between 37,400 and 92,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.