Chevrolet

S-10 (2002)

2002 · Midsize Truck · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.4)
185 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
19 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Chevrolet S-10 → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

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

Engine Reliability Ratings

L43

2.2L
⚠️ Caution (3.4)
20 complaints 20.0 per year Ethanol (E85)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
6
fuel system
5
safety systems
2
brakes
2
other
2

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (6 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (5 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)

L43 - Flex fuel

2.2L
⚠️ Caution (3.4)
19 complaints 19.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
12
other
2
interior
2
electrical
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (12 complaints)
Interior Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Chevrolet S-10 Unidentified Engine

Avoid (1.4)
46 complaints 46.0 per year
2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
16
fuel system
6
electrical
5
safety systems
5
brakes
5

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (16 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (6 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)

L35

4.3L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
97 complaints 96.0 per year
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
45
brakes
9
electrical
8
safety systems
7
suspension
7

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (45 complaints)
Brakes Issues (9 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet S-10 regardless of engine variant.

Body/Trim Issues (80 complaints)
body critical
Electrical System Issues (15 complaints)
electrical critical
Fuel System Issues (11 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Brakes Issues (10 complaints)
brakes critical

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 problems?

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 has accumulated 185 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Electrical System, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet S-10 engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.2L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 185 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 have?

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 has 185 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

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

Before buying a used Chevrolet S-10, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Electrical System, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

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

The 2002 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. 185 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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