Investigation RQ04012: 1998–2003 Chevrolet S10

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Nov 22, 2004

Closed

Apr 14, 2005

Model years

1998–2003

Subject

Tailgate support cable(s) break

Component: Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut

Summary

Odi is upgrading rq04-012 and opening an ea to investigate the tailgate support cables installed in 1998 - 2004 model year sonoma and s10 model vehicles.general motors is conducting recall campaign 04v-129 to replace the tailgate support cables originally installed in certain model year 2000-2004 sierras and silverados and certain model year 2002-2004 avalanches and escalade exts (c/k models).general motors has advised odithat the tailgate support cables installed in the subject vehicles were fabricated using identical or similar sheathing material as the recalled vehicles.however,general motors has advised odi that sonoma and s-10 vehicles differ from c/k models in several ways: the vehicle height is lower; the tailgate displacement (drop) when not supported by the cables is smaller and the tailgate comes to rest at a less severe tip angle when not supported by the cables; the tailgate mass is smaller; and the size, payload, and usage characteristcis are less demanding than c/k model vehicles.gm also stated that sonoma and s-10 warranty claim information indicates a lower claim count and a lower claim rate than recalled c/k models.notwithstanding the above information, odi has received an additional 73 non-injury complaints and 10 injury complaints on the subject vehicles during rq04-012 (since november 2004 to date), which justifies opening an engineering analysis to further investigate this issue.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Chevrolet S10178 complaints
• 2002 Chevrolet S10214 complaints
• 2001 Chevrolet S10308 complaints
• 2000 Chevrolet S10471 complaints
• 1999 Chevrolet S10231 complaints
• 1998 Chevrolet S10613 complaints