Chevrolet

S10 (2004)

2004 · Midsize Truck ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.8)
21 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Show 3 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.

L43

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

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet S10 regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
brakes cosmetic

Recalls (3)

09E025000Nov 4, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

06E065000Jul 16, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

04V132000Mar 17, 2004cosmetic
Equipment

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 problems?

The 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 has accumulated 21 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Body/Trim, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet S10 engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 was offered with 4 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 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 a good used car?

The 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 21 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 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 have?

The 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 has 21 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 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2004 Chevrolet S10 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” 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 S10?

Before buying a used Chevrolet S10, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Body/Trim, Safety Systems, 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.

Does the S10 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet S10. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 21 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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