A jeep with a bike mounted on a bike rack stopped quickly in front of me. I hit my brakes, but quickly lost braking effectiveness and the brake pedal went to the floor. I tried to swerve, but hit the rear of the jeep, damaging the bike and bike rack. Severe damage to my grille, drivers side front fender and headlight, and radiator mount. After exchanging insurance information, I noticed brake fluid on ground, by the fuel tank on drivers side. Limped home (about 2 blocks). No brakes other than emergency brake. Subsequent inspection revealed failed brake line and severe rust on most brake lines.
The worst 1990 Chevrolet S10 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes10
- Engine4
- Fuel system4
- Body3
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Chevrolet S10
Recalls 2
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- The intermediate steering shaft loosens at the steering shaft to steering gear coupling. With this looseness, the yoke pinch bolt can wear on the splines of the shaft until there is no longer an interference between the splines and the bolt.
- Risk
- This condition can cause body to chassis movement allowing the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear which can result in a loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will retorque the upper and lower bolts to correct specifications.
Recall number 96V195000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- The engine cooling fan blades break as a result of fatigue and/or vehicle induced stress.
- Risk
- If the blade breakage occurs while the hood is open, aperson working under the hood or in the vicinity of the vehicle could be struckand injured by the blade segment.
- Remedy
- Install a newly designed fan assembly.
Recall number 93V008000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Chevrolet S10
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
An alleged malfunction in the atlernator resulting in engine compartmet fires.
EA94029
High idle flare
There is no summary currently available
EA92015
High idle flare
There is no summary currently available
PE92001
Headlight switch failure
There is no summary currently available
PE91057
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Chevrolet S10 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case
- Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan
- End gate latch rattle (install revised striker)
- Water leak at the a/c recirculation door (install new hood hinge seal)
- Cold engine knock
- Front door side glass binding/track disengagement
1990 Chevrolet S10 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 16-21 | 17-25 | 17-22 |
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 22 | 18 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19-20 | 16-17 |
What 1990 Chevrolet S10 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When brakes are applied front wheels lock, and rear wheels keep turning, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Last week two tires have shown signs of tread separation. Tires were on a 1990, chevrolet, s10. Not original tire equipment. Tire mileage about 35,000. There was 5/32 tread left on the tires. *ak both of the back firestone firehawk atx tires had bulges on the tread.
Fual pump wire melted inside of fual tank.
3rd door latch failed causing door to not open/stick. Mjs
When I purchased the vehicle on march 6 1999 I discovered the #2 cylinder was badly carbon fouled ,since that time it's has been in for repairs on 10 different occasions I have not been able to use the vehicle for my own personal use at all,the mechanic has basically told me that ,this particular engine was manufactured to operate in this manner and basically live with it! I feel this is a manufacturing defect and should get my money back in full since I have not been able to use the vehicle at all and apparently this is a lemon vehicle.
Paint on roof is beginning to peel. Everytime I was in vehicle more paint flakes off
The cable holding the spare tire on broke. If any visual inspection is needed feel free to do so
Engine is giving an error signal. Owner interested in complaints on 1990-1998 s10's and the vortex v-6 engines.
While changing a flat tire on the rear passenger's side the jack collapsed. The manufacturer and dealership are aware of the problem. The jack will not be replaced free of charge.
Compare the 1990 Chevrolet S10
Other model years
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Questions about the 1990 Chevrolet S10
Is the 1990 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1990 Chevrolet S10, 1.4 times a typical S10 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Chevrolet S10?
Brakes, with 10 complaints. Next is engine (4).
How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet S10 have?
2 recalls, covering steering and engine and engine cooling.
What year does the Chevrolet S10 have bad brakes?
The Chevrolet S10 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (532 complaints), 1995 (320 complaints) and 1996 (219 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet S10 get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Chevrolet S10 range from 16 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 16-21 city and 17-25 highway.
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