2003 Chevrolet S10 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 6%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,448miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 6% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,448 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a new Chevrolet s-10 in 2003. From the very first time I drove it I noticed the A/C compressor made a grinding noise which was much nosier than any other compressor I've ever heard on any vehicle. I took it back to the dealer and they supposedly checked it out , on a couple of different occasions and claimed there was nothing wrong with the A/C. All I know is two months after the warranty expired, my A/C compressor started smoking, blowing heavy clouds of white smoke into the passenger compartment, and the air coming into the passenger compartment was hot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228717, filed 2008-05, 29,896 miles“At approximately 83,456 miles the heater core broke. I first noticed smell ethylene glycol, it caused (somewhat greasy) fogging of the windshield above the windshield heater vent. Glycol leak directly into the car, causing wet upholstery or carpeting. Coolant sprayed directly into the passenger compartment followed with white colored smoke.”
NHTSA complaint #10350429, filed 2010-08, 84,354 miles“Excessive coolant (antifreeze) usage and discoloration of coolant (rust) in a 7 month old Chevrolet, s-10. Mileage is 8500 miles. Coolant is dex-cool.”
NHTSA complaint #10054705, filed 2004-01, 8,500 miles“I accelerated to merge onto interstate 95 and the vehicle would not decelerate. I had to keep the brake depressed as hard as I could to keep the truck under control before I got off the highway. I feel lucky to be alive. The truck was towed to a chevy dealer, but I don't think they took it very seriously.”
NHTSA complaint #10136713, filed 2005-09“2003 Chevrolet s-10 zr2's four wheel drive automatically engaged causing accidents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to find a problem. The transmission slipped. The engine would also miss. The vehicle also exhibited problem with the driver's side window, headlights, taillights, windshield wipers, cruise control and trim. The vehicle cruise control activated once while driving. The tailgate had to be adjusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10167969, filed 2006-08Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This 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…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 11 | 6% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 25 | 8% |
| 2000 | 30 | 6% |
| 1999 | 22 | 10% |
| 1998 | 51 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
| 1996 | 71 | 11% |
| 1995 | 84 | 9% |
| 1994 | 66 | 7% |
| 1993 | 16 | 7% |
| 1992 | 9 | 5% |
| 1991 | 18 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 14% |
| 1989 | 4 | 8% |
| 1988 | 6 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
| 1985 | 3 | 27% |
| 1984 | 3 | 38% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet S10
38 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsTires
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet S10
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology