Reliability
Chevrolet

S-10 (2001)

2001 · Midsize Truck · 4 engines
273 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
18 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Chevrolet S-10 → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.6 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar midsize trucks

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 48 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize truck fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 101.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall48 complaints against about 101 for similar vehicles
8.6
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

L35

4.3L 6-cyl
116 complaints 116.0 per year
3 fire reports
View details

Chevrolet S-10 Unidentified Engine

72 complaints 72.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
19
body
15
engine
7
cooling
7
electrical
6

L43 - Flex fuel

2.2L
53 complaints 53.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
19
brakes
13
interior
9
electrical
6
safety systems
4

L43

2.2L
32 complaints 32.0 per year Ethanol (E85)
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
8
fuel system
5
engine
5
cooling
5
brakes
4

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet S-10, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Body/Trim: 85 owner complaints
Brakes: 60 owner complaints
Electrical System: 27 owner complaints
Engine: 25 owner complaints
Fuel System: 23 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2001 Chevrolet S-10

On a used 2001 Chevrolet S-10, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (85), the brakes (60) and the electrical system (27). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 about the body and structure.
  2. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 about the brakes.
  3. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 about the electrical system.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 about the engine.
  5. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 about the fuel system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10 complaints?

Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the brakes and the electrical system.

Is the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10 a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10 have?

NHTSA has 273 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001-2001 Chevrolet S-10.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet S-10?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the brakes and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the S-10?

The 2001 Chevrolet S-10 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 273 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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