2004 Chevrolet S10 Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 63,250miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chevrolet S10 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet S10. The part named most often is brakes, with 6 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags (3) and electrical system (3). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 36% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 63,250 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 380 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Brakes6 29%
- Air bags3 14%
- Electrical system3 14%
- Body and structure3 14%
- Steering2 9.5%
- Suspension2 9.5%
- Engine cooling1 4.8%
- Exterior lighting1 4.8%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Dt: contact states vehicle vibrates at high speeds. The service dealer stated it was a brake problem; the rotors were warped not and they were not covered under the warranty. The rotors were replaced by an independent service shop. In warmer weather the vibration became worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10125581, filed 2005-07, 13,500 milesAir bags: “While pulling into a driveway another vehicle t-boned consumer's vehicle on the right front. This caused consumer's vehicle to become air born. When the vehicle descended it was struck head on with another vehicle. Consumer was wearing seat belts, but the front air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained minor injuries to the legs, chest, and arms. The police arrived and cited the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10080071, filed 2004-06, 6,600 milesElectrical system: “Headlights go out when driving and horn starts sounding when the vehicle is park and without keys. Problem reported to GM when the vehicle was new. Gm dealership worked on the vehicle and said that is was fixed. Problem has reappeared. Also a lot of minor electrical problems *”
NHTSA complaint #10407657, filed 2011-06, 133,000 milesBody and structure: “2004 Chevrolet s-10 crew cab truck tailgate cables failed. The cables each broke in the center causing the tailgate to drop against the rear bumper. Contacted chevy about their special policy 06020 to replace the known defect, but it only covers 2000-2003. However, 2004 uses the same cables. I will have to pay the dealer to replace the cables.”
NHTSA complaint #10258553, filed 2009-02, 92,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
36% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 13,500 and 100,000 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 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 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
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
- 04V132000Mar 18, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet S10 2003–2004, Blazer 2003–2004, GMC Sonoma 2003–2004 +1 more
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Recall details for the 2004 Chevrolet S10 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 380 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 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…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 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, 2024Engine, Fuel system. 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.
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chevrolet S10 have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet S10 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chevrolet S10 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 6 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags with 3.
Has the 2004 Chevrolet S10 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet S10 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet S10 (S10 Pickup 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Chevrolet S10 reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 63,250 miles and the middle half falls between 13,500 and 100,000 miles; 36% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.