I was involved in a traffic collision in which my brakes failed to stop my vehicle. When I pressed the brakes during a sudden stop, the brakes started to slow down my truck but then the pedal went all the way down to the floor with a rubbing noise and my truck kept traveling until I hit the vehicle in front of me.
1996 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems
219 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 43 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 219
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- typical mileage
- 70,000
- crashes
- 43
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip166
- Foundation components14
- Foundation components: master cylinder9
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings7
- Antilock7
- Power assist: vacuum6
- Foundation components: disc: pads6
- Foundation components: disc6
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet S10 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet S10 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
- Risk
- If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
- Risk
- Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Recall number 97V146001 · Recall details
Related investigations
Abs braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v‑193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
EA94038
What 1996 Chevrolet S10 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet s10. While driving 35 MPH, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest chevrolet buick gmc in tacoma, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the brakes had been serviced by the dealer prior to this failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact cited the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v193000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,160.
1996 chevy s10 attempted to slow but had equipment failure with the braking system. Consumer then swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car ahead, drove onto the cement curb, and struck a pole. *nj updated 05/12/10 *bf the brake lines on the left front side and rear were leaking. The fluid reservoir was very low and in fact was empty on the half designated for the rear brake. The driver admitted using the wrong type of brake line fitting when he did the brake servicing. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0433-91 the consumer stated the accident was a result of excessive corrosion on and around the rear axle. Updated 05/14/10.
After hitting a bump in the road brakes failed while the consumer was parking in the lot causing the vehicle to hit a lamp post at a speed of 5 MPH. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
The consumer stated that the vehicle made a slipping noise while braking.
When traveling on wet pavement and upon applying force to the brake pedal, noticed a loud noise, pedal traveled to the floorboard, vehicle got into a skid, resulting in loss of vehicle control for a brief period. Note-every time it is wet.
Antilock brake systems failure.
...for 3 years chevrolet dealers told me there was nothing wrong with ABS. Then in 2000, received recall notice labeled campaign #c99046. On 03/28/2000 took vehicle into dealership. Bill states reprogram PCM for new antilock program ...called chevrolet customer assistance center today, because brakes failed today the same way they did before repair in 2000. ...I explained the s10 had been brought into dealership on 03/28/2000, as soon as I received recall notice, and that it appeared replacement was defective. ...I was advised that campaign ended 12/2002. When I reiterated that I had work done within parameters of campaign,but now same problem had reoccurred, I was advised it didn't matter, the campaign ended 12/2002. ...when I sarcastically said, so if I kill someone on way to dealership tomorrow because of ABS failure, you're not responsible? The response was: only if it happened before 12/2002.
Brakes failed to engage at 35-40 MPH. Brakes emitted groaning,grinding noise.from '1996-1999 complained to dealers brakes not working properly, and that the anti-lock seemed to be "locked" in place; was told nothing wrong. On 03/28/2000 ABS was modified under campaign 99v‑193,and brakes worked. Now when brakes are applied, vehicle skids and seems to go faster.
When I apply the brakes, there are occasions when it feels like they release! And I do not have the ability to stop. Because of this I have narrowly missed other cars, and have had to use curbs to stop. This has happened on more occasions than the one listed below.
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet S10 brakes
Does the 1996 Chevrolet S10 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 219 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet S10 brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 99V193000, 97V146001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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).
Other 1996 Chevrolet S10 problems
Visibility 100Airbags 74Engine 72Transmission 68Electrical 41Acceleration 38Lights 22Suspension 22Fuel system 19Steering 18Body 16Seat belts 14Seats 12Tires 11Wheels 7Locks 2
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