Chevrolet

S-10 (2003)

2003 · Midsize Truck · 10 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.6)
205 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
17 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

L31

5.7L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Incomplete/Cutaway C3 (2002-2002)GMC Savana (2002-2002)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014)CHEVROLET G30 (2002-2002)CHEVROLET G30 (2001-2001)CHEVROLET G Series (2000-2000)GMC S Utility (2003-2003) +54 more

LL8

4.2L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET T-Series (2007-2007)GMC Suburban (2003-2003)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2000-2000)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)GMC Savana (2002-2002)CHEVROLET S/T Blazer (2003-2003) +74 more

L91

1.6L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Optra (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Aveo (2004-2011)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009) +16 more

L36

3.8L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)GMC L Series (2003-2003)FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007) +63 more

L43

2.2L
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Ethanol (E85)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Utility (2003-2003)CHEVROLET S-10 (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009)CHEVROLET S-10 (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)GMC Sonoma (2000-2004)CHEVROLET S-10 (2000-2000) +8 more

LA1

3.4L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)OLDSMOBILE Aurora (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Monte Carlo (2010-2010)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2004-2004)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2003-2003) +85 more

LG8

3.1L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.3)
2 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET S-10 (2002-2002) +54 more

L59

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.6)
7 complaints 7.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3
body
1
fuel system
1
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)GMC L Series (2003-2003)SUBARU Forester (2003-2008)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET T Utility (2002-2002) +58 more

LN2

2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.7)
41 complaints 38.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
10
engine
5
other
4
brakes
4
wheels tires
4

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (10 complaints)
Engine Issues (5 complaints)
Brakes Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET C Series (2001-2001)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003) +34 more

LU3 90 Degrees

4.3L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
107 complaints 107.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
29
body
23
electrical
11
safety systems
10
transmission
10

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (29 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (23 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (11 complaints)

Also found in

PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)FORD Explorer (2002-2005)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Suburban (2007-2014)CHEVROLET S-10 (2002-2002)GMC Savana (2003-2025)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009) +32 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Body/Trim Issues (35 complaints)
body critical
Brakes Issues (34 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (16 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (11 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Transmission Issues (10 complaints)
transmission critical

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 problems?

The 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 has accumulated 205 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Brakes, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet S-10 engine is most reliable?

The 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 a good used car?

The 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 205 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 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 have?

The 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10 has 205 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 2003-2003 Chevrolet S-10?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2003 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, Brakes, Electrical 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.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 205 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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