S-10 (2002)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L35
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet S-10 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L43
2.2LView details
Complaint Breakdown
L43 - Flex fuel
2.2LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
LN2
2.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LU3
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
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.
What to check on a used 2002 Chevrolet S-10
On a used 2002 Chevrolet S-10, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (81), the brakes (18) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (16). 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.
- 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 81 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 about the body and structure.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet S-10 about the fuel system.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize Truck
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 complaints?
Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the brakes and the safety systems.
Is the 2002-2002 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 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 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 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10 have?
NHTSA has 186 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2002 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 2002-2002 Chevrolet S-10?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002-2002 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 safety systems, 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 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. 186 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.