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1988 Chevrolet S10Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 37 owner complaints about the 1988 Chevrolet S10, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

87
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years84% below the S10 median · #15 of 20 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints378 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 25, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Chevrolet S10 has problems

37 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling63
Service brakes, hydraulic63
Fuel system, gasoline52
Seat belts40
Electrical system41
Structure30
Tires30
Steering30
Visibility20
6 other systems70

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1988 Chevrolet S10 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Gear box: shaft sector

Recall 96V-195 · Oct 8, 1996 · 144,598 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE BODY TO CHASSIS MOVEMENT ALLOWING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other S10 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S10 median. How we score

'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'06'16'17'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Chevrolet S10, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILUREPE90039 · closed Jun 29, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What S10 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE FAN BELT DISENGAGED AND WENT THROUGHT THE RADIATOR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT.THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. TT
Complaint 975515 · Nov 27, 1995
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND FUEL PUMP 2 DAYS LATER CONSUMER NOTICED A RATTLING AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICE, PULLED OVER, EXITED VEHICLE AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED RADIATOR FLUID POURING ONTO THE GROUND, POSSIBBLE ENGINE FAILURE. NLM
Complaint 554225 · Aug 31, 2000

Own a 1988 S10?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.