2003 Chevrolet S10 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 2% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 300 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.
“Headlights dim without warning. On 2 occasions the headlights dimmed and failed. This reduces driver's visibility. As a result, the consumer drove off the road and went into a ditch. Also, upon depressing accelerator pedal automatic transmission dropped into first gear abruptly.”
NHTSA complaint #10046464, filed 2003-11, 300 miles“The consumers vehicle is equipped with a 2 headlamp system. After aligning the drivers side lower beam headlamp, the upper beam headlamp (which does not contain a separate aiming mechanism) appears to be aimed lower than the lower beam. The consumer states that this condition significantly limits the drivers visibility when using upper beam. The consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the headlamp was not repairable. The dealer also demonstrated a similar anamoly in the drivers side headlamp on another 2003 S10 that it had on the dealer lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10050660, filed 2003-12, 17 miles“My vehicle, a 2003 chevy S10 truck, like many vehicles, has daytime running lights that automatically go on when the truck is running; the regular headlights and taillights come on automatically when outdoor light fades. As a result I never touch the headlight switch. Recently my friend was following me in her car on a highway trip when we encountered surprisingly dense daylight fog; sensible speed on the highway dropped to 25 or 30 MPH. Happily every car I saw had its lights on (not to see but to be seen). …”
NHTSA complaint #10378267, filed 2011-01“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet S10. The contact stated that the brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the brake light module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10694650, filed 2015-03, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 1% |
| 1997 | 7 | 1% |
| 1996 | 21 | 3% |
| 1995 | 12 | 1% |
| 1994 | 10 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
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 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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