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2003 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems

38 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 54,252. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
38
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
54,252
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    5
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    3
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    2
  • Power assist
    1
  • Foundation components: disc
    1
  • Disc: rotor
    1

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

1990199520002018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet S10 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 9Grinding brakes 6Brake failure 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Chevrolet S10 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · KS

Twice now while lightly applying brakes to come to a stop at an intersection the antilock brake system engaged. Since it was unexpected I almost didn't come to a stop in time before rolling into the intersection into traffic. The ABS warning indicator was illuminated intermittently before this with recorded DTC C0268 (Pump motor circuit shorted). Also the transfer case input shaft seal failed which caused transmission fluid to leak into the transfer case, completely filling it. That caused the transfer case vacuum switch to fail and transmission fluid was sucked into the vacuum lines and eat through them causing a vacuum leak. Because of the vacuum leak, whenever I would accelerate to highway speeds and the engine would use what vacuum it could, the 4WD actuator would lose its vacuum then regain it when the RPM's dropped and try to lock the front axle while at highway speeds which would cause the truck to jerk and the gears to grind. And lastly the Airbag warning indicator is always illuminated for reasons I do not know.

Filed Aug 21, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · SC

2003 Chevy S10 has been maintained and taking care of. Brakes in rear were sticking due to factory defective ABS control module. Rear wheel bearing gave out and started leaking axle fluid cause of a sticking drivers side brake from ABS control module malfunctioning. After much cost of replacing calipers and brake pads the culprit from a defectively ABS control module making the brake caliper stick to the rotor.. Next the coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket and now the heater core leaks… this truck has only 146k miles on it and I always taking care of it keeping up before it’s schedule maintenance. But what I see is poor defective parts from GM. SO I have to make sure I get this work done and keep the coolant filled or there be a motor issue from overheating. This is a SAFETY concern and if the heater core leaks then breathing the toxic coolants isn’t safe at all when the AC is on or no heat in winter!. Now GM discontinued making the S10 in North America but redesigned a front wheel drive diesel version in South America.

Filed Sep 22, 2020 · Airbags, Brakes · 133,998 miles · AZ

Truck was purchased 7/7/20. Seemed to work fine, but started noticing engine trouble on 9/10/20. Had only driven it ~150 miles since purchase, never any strenuous driving. Took it in to get serviced on 9/21/20, where several problems were spotted, one of which is traceable to the dealer: 1) the distributor cap was being held on only by two zipties. This is why it seemed to run fine on the date of purchase, but caused engine misfires within a few months of light use. The dealership notified me the day before I purchased it that the distributor was being fixed, but they failed to notify me that it wasn't fixed properly. Truck now misfires, has an arcing wire, and is unsafe to drive. 2)truck was sold with no parking brake, and no warning that it was not installed. This information has omitted when I asked about safety issues before purchasing. Never noticed because phx is so flat. Had I needed to use the parking brake, not having one installed is a significant safety issue. 3) an impact sensor was left hanging from the rear of the vehicle. A large enough bump or a rock could set off airbags while driving, putting my passengers, myself, and other drivers and pedestrians at serious risk. This truck is very unsafe to drive, and I was not responsible for any of the issues that made it unsafe. The first issue was caused by a bad repair made by the dealership, and the other two noted issues were not noted in the carfax or by the salesperson when I asked about safety issues.

Filed Sep 27, 2017 · Brakes · 211,000 miles · KY

Total sudden brake failure I had to leave the road to avoid other cars. 40mph front right steal line failed and right rear line failed at the same time lines are rusty but the rest of the truck is ok there was no warning signs ( like drips or low level in the booster)

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · CT

[xxx] s-10 extended bed I am the second owner of this truck and a month after I purchased it I noticed what ever speed you were going if you pressed on your brakes the truck would slip under nether you. I was alarmed the first time and than it happened again and then again. I brought the car to the mechanic, and new brakes and calipers were changed on the rear,$$$. I was feeling much safer until soon after the problem resurfaced. I brought it back to the mechanic -nothing . Then again and again . He did replace my front brakes $$. Still the problem remained. I changed mechanic and he stated it is ABS, it happens a lot in this vehicle and he see it all the time. This is a very dangerous situation where the truck does not have the ability to stop...please help! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Brakes · 65,500 miles · NY

On august 14, 2014 the rear brake line rusted through and fluid was spilled onto the road. Fortunately I was leaving my home and only going about 10 MPH and there were no injuries. The s-10 has 65500 miles on it. It cost $700 to repair at the gm dealer. *tr in november 2013 the front brake line rusted through as I was leaving work and had to stop at traffic light. Once again I was fortunate that I was traveling in a school zone and only going 15 MPH when they gave out. It cost $1600 for the repairs. It has 58000 miles on it at the time. I can only image the danger associated with these brake failures as I travel in the nys thruway and long island expressway regularly at speeds of 65-70 MPH. I am fearful of the next rust through as the rear brakes lines were repaired not replaced.

Filed Aug 9, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 104,550 miles · MD

I was parked idling when the engine went out. Cooled down and started. Got on 10 at 60 MPH and the ABS brake light came on and the speed dropped instantly to about 30 MPH. Twice on the way home did the same, then conked out. Tried to drive to shop and had to be towed. They replaced the cam sensor and acts mostly okay. But every so often the ABS light comes on and the speed drops dramatically then recurs. There is not a code being put in the system telling them the issue why but there was a code one ABS sensor is turning on. It is like the ABS is engaging without me hitting the brakes and then cutting off. Again this only happens sporadically will be taking it into the dealer asap. Note again no indicator the cam sensor was bad or anything else. Updated 08-20-14 *bf the dealer stated there was a code in the system, for the speed sensor, and they were able to clear it. Updated 09/15/14 updated 08/28/2017

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Brakes · 109,736 miles · VA

Driving back home from the grocery store. Brake pedal went to the floor. Nursed the truck to the house. Reservoir almost empty. Refilled reservoir with brake fluid. Checked under truck and found that the left rear wheel was coated with brake fluid. Pulled the rear wheel to find the leak. Brake lines coated with fluid. I had my wife come out to pump the brake pedal while I was under the truck. Leak found in the hard line about 2 inches from the flexible line to the hard line connection.

Filed Oct 17, 2013 · Brakes · 136,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. The contact was approaching a traffic stop when he applied the brakes and the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal became stuck to the floorboard, causing the contact to become involved in a crash that involved four additional vehicles. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the brake lines were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 136,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/29/14

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. The contact stated that while attempting to apply the parking brake, it failed to engage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for repair or inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90000. Updated 11/15/13

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet S10 brakes

Does the 2003 Chevrolet S10 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 21% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet S10 brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 54,252 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet S10 brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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 2003 Chevrolet S10 problems

Body 30Engine 17Transmission 17Airbags 15Electrical 15Visibility 15Fuel system 14Tires 12Locks 11Acceleration 6Steering 6Wheels 5Lights 4Suspension 4Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Seats 1

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