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2002 Chevrolet S10

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most S10 years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet S10 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 42.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

139 reports with mileage · 75 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports2 fire reports16 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

21 reports
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150,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

2002 CHEVY S10 LS CREW CAB THE DOOR STRIKERS CAVED INTO THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE.THIS HAPPENED WITH IN ONE DAY OF EACH OTHER. ON PHOTOGRAPHED INSPECTION THE STEEL HAD RIPPED IN THE SHAPE OF THE CLIP BEHIND THE DOOR STRIKERS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING FLAW IN DESIGN,I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO ACKNOWLED…

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2002 CHEVY S10 LS CREW CAB THE DOOR STRIKERS CAVED INTO THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE.THIS HAPPENED WITH IN ONE DAY OF EACH OTHER. ON PHOTOGRAPHED INSPECTION THE STEEL HAD RIPPED IN THE SHAPE OF THE CLIP BEHIND THE DOOR STRIKERS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING FLAW IN DESIGN,I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW LAUNCHED A COMPLAINT WITH PHOTOS HE TOOK AS WELL. CHEVY SAID THE TRUCK WAS TO OLD, EVIDENTLY THE DOORS CAN FALL OFF YOUR TRUCK IN 8 YEARS AND CHEVY DOES NOT CARE. I HAD TO WELD THE STEEL MY SELF SINCE THE DOORS WOULD NOT SHUT. CHEVY WILL BE HIT WITH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT EVENTUALLY WHEN SOMEONE FALLS OUT OF THEIR CRAPPY TRUCK. UNLIKE TOYOTA WHO IS TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS CHEVY WILL JUST GIVE YOU THE MIDDLE FINGER. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY TRUCK UNLESS IT IS A 74 OR UNDER.SHAME ON CHEVY FOR SELLING SHOTTY CARS AND TRUCKS NO WONDER THEY WERE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. NOW MY DOOR LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WON'T LOCK THE PLASTIC SEAT HANDLE SNAPPED OFF AND THE VISORS ON BOTH SIDE THE PLASTIC MIRROR HINGES JUST CRUMBLED BAD PLASTIC I CAN LIVE WITH BUT DOOR STRIKERS FALLING INTO THE FRAME I JUST CAN'T CONDONE THAT. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT SINCE DAY ONE ,WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK. A REAL WASTE OF MONEY DIDN'T EVEN LAST 10 YEARS. CUSTOMER NO SERVICE AT CHEVY WAS A WASTE OF TIME AND FRUSTRATING. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS THE DOOR STRIKERS RIPPING OUT IS AN ISSUE OF BEING TO OLD IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE PERIOD AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY CHEVY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355872

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

THE MECHANISM TO OPEN THE 3RD DOOR ON MY CHEVY S10 PICKUP HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. I HAVE STOPPED REPLACING IT, AS IT SEEMS FUTILE. THIS COULD PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE BACK IN THE BENCH SEAT AND THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE (OR BE RESCUED FROM…

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THE MECHANISM TO OPEN THE 3RD DOOR ON MY CHEVY S10 PICKUP HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. I HAVE STOPPED REPLACING IT, AS IT SEEMS FUTILE. THIS COULD PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE BACK IN THE BENCH SEAT AND THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE (OR BE RESCUED FROM THE SEAT), ESPECIALLY IF THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER OR INCAPACITATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255423

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TAILGATE OF S10 FLEW OFF BACK OF TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252576

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2008
EquipmentLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF MY S-10 ZR2, THE 3RD DOOR HAS BEEN UNUSABLE WITH SUBSTANTIAL COSTS PUT INTO IT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS FIXED. IT WOULD BE NICE IF CHEVROLET WOULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES BECAUSE IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE SOMEONE RIDE IN THE THIRD SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235494

10,000 miles · Apr 22, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN NEW FORM FROM GALLUCCI CHEVROLET IN MEDINA, OH. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE USED TO OPEN THE REAR THIRD DOOR BROKE APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ON EACH OCCASION. WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANTY, THE…

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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN NEW FORM FROM GALLUCCI CHEVROLET IN MEDINA, OH. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE USED TO OPEN THE REAR THIRD DOOR BROKE APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ON EACH OCCASION. WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANTY, THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE AGAIN BROKE, AND TO DATE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO COST. THIS INCIDENT APPARENTLY IS WIDELY KNOWN TO BE A PROBLEM WITH CHEVY, AS THE MECHANICS TOLD ME THIS IS COMMON IN MY VEHICLE, AND UPON SPEAKING WITH OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE, NEARLY EVERY ONE HAS HAD THE DOOR HANDLE BREAK. THIS PROHIBITS A THIRD PASSENGER FROM ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLE OR FOR ME TO OPEN THE BACK SEAT FOR GROCERIES, ETC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225396

65,225 miles · Nov 28, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

I HAVE THE SAME TAILGATE CABLE PROBLEM THAT EVERY OTHER S10 OWNER HAS. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DESCRIBED IN THE "GM SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT 06020". *TR THE DEALER SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR "SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT" AND REFUSES TO FIX IT. ONE CABLE IS ALREADY BROKE INSIDE AND JUST CONNECTED BY THE OUTER…

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I HAVE THE SAME TAILGATE CABLE PROBLEM THAT EVERY OTHER S10 OWNER HAS. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DESCRIBED IN THE "GM SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT 06020". *TR THE DEALER SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR "SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT" AND REFUSES TO FIX IT. ONE CABLE IS ALREADY BROKE INSIDE AND JUST CONNECTED BY THE OUTER PLASTIC. THE OTHER IS STILL HOLDING FOR NOW.

NHTSA ODI #10210166

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

MY 3RD DOOR LATCH HAS FAILED AGAIN!!! THIS IS THE 2ND TIME. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT MY TRUCK FROM TOLD ME THEY KEEP A BOX LOAD OF THESE LATCHES IN STOCK BECAUSE THEY BREAK SO OFTEN. BAD DESIGN!!!! CHEVY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND PROVIDE A RELIABLE REPLACEMENT. IF MY SON WAS BACK THERE AND THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY I WOULD BE UNABLE TO O…

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MY 3RD DOOR LATCH HAS FAILED AGAIN!!! THIS IS THE 2ND TIME. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT MY TRUCK FROM TOLD ME THEY KEEP A BOX LOAD OF THESE LATCHES IN STOCK BECAUSE THEY BREAK SO OFTEN. BAD DESIGN!!!! CHEVY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND PROVIDE A RELIABLE REPLACEMENT. IF MY SON WAS BACK THERE AND THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY I WOULD BE UNABLE TO OPEN THE 3RD DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10209197

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HANDLE ON THE THIRD DOOR IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THE PLASTIC IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH AND HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER ON ALL THREE OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE HANDLE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET S10. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HANDLE ON THE THIRD DOOR IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THE PLASTIC IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH AND HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER ON ALL THREE OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE HANDLE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACE THE HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD BECAUSE ONE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE VULNERABILITY OF THE HANDLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 27,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10196105

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

THIRD DOOR ON MY 2002 CHEVY S10 PICKUP WILL NOT OPEN, IT WAS BEEN FIXED TWICE, AND ONCE AGAIN I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN THIS DOOR WITHOUT EXTREME DIFFICULTY. SHOULD I NEED EASY ACCESS IT WOULD NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO GAIN ACCESS QUICKLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10183428

64,809 miles · Jan 23, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

3 TIMES MY 3RD DOOR LATCH HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY 2002 S10 PICKUP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10179509

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA05008 · Tailgate Support Cables

Opened Apr 14, 2005 · Closed May 19, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING A SPECIAL POLICY PROGRAM FOR 903,464 OWNERS OF 2000 - 2003 MODEL S/T VEHICLES THROUGH WHICH OWNERS MAY, AT THEIR OPTION, EITHER (1) PERIODICALLY INSPECT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLE AND HAVE THE CABLES REPLACED IF THE CABLE COATING EXHIBITS ANY INDICATIONS OF DAMAGE OR DETERIORATION OR (2) REQUEST THAT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. GM WILL HONOR ALL REQUESTS BY OWNERS WHO OPT FOR REPLACEMENT WITHOUT QUESTION REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OR APPEARANCE OF THE CABLES. GM HAS AGREED TO MAIL REMINDER NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS 12 YEARS OLD.ODI'S INVESTIGATION INDICATES THAT A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF THE REPORTED COMPLAINTS (87%) AND INJURIES (94%) HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2000 - 2003 S/T VEHICLES.

RQ04012 · Tailgate Support Cable(s) Break

Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 14, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

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.