2001 Chevrolet S10 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,538miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,538 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission in my 2001 S10 Chevrolet 4wd p/u failed as I was driving behind a school bus...children were let off and as I tried to accelerate, the transmission failed without warning and the vehicle behind me almost hit me from behind.. I pulled over to let vehicles pass and put myself in a position where I had to back up first to get back on the road.. I put my truck in reverse and couldn't move at all.. I found that I had 1st and third gear but no 2nd fourth or reverse..the transmission had no prior symptoms of anything being wrong.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10159974, filed 2006-06, 90,000 miles“During 41,000 service observed rear pinion seal leaking, after 3 attempts to get the correct seal, finally found the correct one. Parts stores only show 3 different seals for a 2001 s-10 pickup w/ 4.3l engine and automatic transmission. Had to go to 2003 s-10 pickup to find the correct seal.”
NHTSA complaint #10144408, filed 2005-12, 40,975 miles“For 2 weeks the truck felt like it was hesitating somewhat when accelerating. Then when driving home on dry pavement one night, a pop sound was heard & second gear was gone. From a dead stop, RPM's go up to 4000 or 4500 before it down shifts into 3rd gear. There is also no reverse gear. Chevy says it is the sun gear that blew. Truck has 78000 miles on it. You either rebuild it for $1600 with a new sun gear, or replace the tranny for $2600.”
NHTSA complaint #10151189, filed 2006-02, 78,100 miles“No special events leading to failure. At approximately 30000 miles, the 4x4 shift actuator failed during extreme snow conditions, causing vehicle to become stranded on highway. Shift actuator replaced with genuine GM part at dealership. Note: per dealer, shift actuator is not covered by either GM warranty or the extended warranty on drivetrain and axle. It was called a normal wear item. General motors has not responded to emails or phone calls regarding this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10165221, filed 2006-08, 30,000 miles“When turning the front made a loud popping noise. Consumer felt the noise was coming from the drivetrain, and could result in the drivetrain breaking at any time. Dealership will be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10089886, filed 2004-08, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10114916Oct 21, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
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 2001 Chevrolet S10
75 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
21 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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