2003 Chevrolet S10 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,158miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 3% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,158 miles.
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.
“Engine lower intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant. Very expensive repair is needed, costing more than $500. I have driven this vehicle very gently and always maintained it, replacing the engine oil when needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10694216, filed 2015-03, 110,067 miles“I was parked idling when the engine went out. Cooled down and started. Got on 10 at 60 MPH and the ABS brake light came on and the speed dropped instantly to about 30 MPH. Twice on the way home did the same, then conked out. Tried to drive to shop and had to be towed. They replaced the cam sensor and acts mostly okay. But every so often the ABS light comes on and the speed drops dramatically then recurs. There is not a code being put in the system telling them the issue why but there was a code one ABS sensor is turning on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10621077, filed 2014-08, 104,550 miles“When trying to use the wipers the switch refuses to operate correctly. Been replaced twice ( this happens under all three switches). When you turn it on it will not respond and does not wipe. When you use the single wipe will wipe continual and not shut off at times. Some times when you use the fluid will not turn off unless you turn the engine off and restart the vehicle. When in the first two notches for wiping will start to wipe and stop about 1/4 of the way up the windshield. In high position operates as if normal, must set it above high to get it to operate in high. …”
NHTSA complaint #10743643, filed 2015-07, 122,250 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the contact observed an unknown fluid leaking under the front of the vehicle. The contact also observed corrosion around the heating coil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/23/16 the experienced problems with the check engine light and leaks in the intake manifold and head gaskets. …”
NHTSA complaint #10806220, filed 2015-11, 130,000 miles“2003 Chevrolet S10. Consumer writes in regards to electrical issues.* ld the consumer stated then the engine hot, and he came to a stop, the oil pressure gauge dropped below normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10650181, filed 2014-10Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This 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…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
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 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 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