Water leak in cowl area allowed rain water to collect undetected under carpet moisture barrier causing accessory handicapped accelerator pedal assembly to corrode. Corrosion of the pedal arm pivot shaft eventually caused pedal to freeze in a part throttle position in traffic. Evasive maneuver required to avoid collision while approaching intersection.
1998 Chevrolet S10 body problems
38 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 90,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body: tailgate: hinge and attachments16
- Body: door7
- Frame and members3
- Body: tailgate3
- Body: bumpers3
- Body: door: hinge and attachments2
- Body2
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
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 body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Tailgate support cable(s) break
Odi is upgrading rq04-012 and opening an ea to investigate the tailgate support cables installed in 1998 - 2004 model year sonoma and s10 model vehicles.general motors is conducting recall campaign 04v‑129 to replace the tailgate support cables originally installed in certain model year 2000-2004 sierras and silverados and certain model year 2002-2004 avalanches and escalade exts (c/k models).general motors has advised odithat the tailgate support cables installed in the subject vehicles were fabricated using identical or similar sheathing material as the recalled vehicles.however,general motors has advised odi that sonoma and s-10 vehicles differ from c/k models in several ways: the vehicle height is lower; the tailgate displacement (drop) when not supported by the cables is smaller and the tailgate comes to rest at a less severe tip angle when not supported by the cables; the tailgate mass is smaller; and the size, payload, and usage characteristcis are less demanding than c/k model vehicles.gm also stated that sonoma and s-10 warranty claim information indicates a lower claim count and a lower claim rate than recalled c/k models.notwithstanding the above information, odi has received an additional 73 non-injury complaints and 10 injury complaints on the subject vehicles during rq04-012 (since november 2004 to date), which justifies opening an engineering analysis to further investigate this issue.
RQ04012
What 1998 Chevrolet S10 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that there was a crack in the frame, behind the driver's side lower control arm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that there was no corrosion or impact that could have caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was reported to the manufacturer, who refused to provide assistance for the repair. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 47,000. The current mileage was 48,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet s10 extended cab. The third door handle on the driver side broke as the contact attempted to open the door. The handle broke at least five times and had to be replaced the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 03/16/11
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet s-10. The contact took the vehicle to his mechanic and was informed that the mainframe was rusted very badly. The dealer wants to charge $100 for diagnostic testing. The contact informed the dealer that his mechanic already diagnosed the issue and will not pay for a diagnosis. The failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 03/09/09. *lj updated 3/5/09 *cn updated 03/12/09.
Opening of tailgate on 1998 chevy s10 and when sitting down on tailgate a snap sound occurred and the tailgate dropped slightly indicating the support cable snapped on passenger side. Part is on order.
On my 1998 chevy s-10 both of the tailgate cable broke. The cables broke and the wood I was loading slid off and hit my foot it did hurt it, but luckily it was not bad. It also damage my tailgate on my truck. I have see on the internet and from other people about there tailgate cables breaking. I have seen it on 1995, 1998 and 2000 s-10 trucks. I think that gm needs to make replacement cables this very dangerous and if you were loading something it could slid off the tailgate and hurt themselves like I did. Thank you, [xxx]. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Both cables on my 1998 chevy s-10 pick-up have snapped. My dog was using a ramp that rested on the tailgate when it happened. It caused the ramp to fall a few inches luckily the dog was uninjured however he is very frightened to use the ramp now. He weighs over 150s so I can't lift him. I went to the local auto parts store to get new cable when I was told about the recall on other similar vehicles. I have put off repairing this in anticipation of a recall.
Dt*: the contact stated during routine inspection of the spare tire, the cable that held the tire fractured and released the tire. The failure was not noticed until recently. The contact found a similar problems at other s10 trucks. Updated 06/07/2006. *ak
The upper hinge on the drivers door is so worn away that it has caused a door seal leak and rain gets in. Nothing has been done to correct it yet.
I have a 1998 chevy s-10 and the left tailgate cable broke. It broke when I opened the tailgate and sat down on it. I did not get hurt but I think a cable needs to be able to hold some weight. I have heard that the cables retain moisture which causes them to rust out and mine was rusted. I left the cable on and it damaged the tailgate by putting a dent in it and cracking the paint. I cut the cable so it would not damage the tailgate any more. My brother told me I could use his cable from his tailgate and I am. I think that it should be recalled as this is a safety problem. I heard they might recall this so I decided to put my input because someone could get hurt. I also bought replacement cables, but there is no way to put them on because gm uses a big rivet. I have heard of other people's cables on their 95-2003 s-10's. Thanks.
Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet S10 body
Does the 1998 Chevrolet S10 have body problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the body of the 1998 Chevrolet S10, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet S10 body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet S10 body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet S10 have the most body problems?
The Chevrolet S10 model years with the most body complaints are 2000 (93 complaints), 2001 (75 complaints) and 2002 (73 complaints).
Other 1998 Chevrolet S10 problems
Visibility 203Brakes 77Engine 52Electrical 49Seats 48Transmission 40Airbags 37Suspension 24Locks 22Acceleration 18Fuel system 16Seat belts 14Steering 14Tires 12Lights 8Wheels 8
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Chevrolet S10?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history