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2003 Chevrolet S10 engine problems

17 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 104,550. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
104,550
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Cooling system
    3
  • Exhaust system
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1
  • Engine: gasoline
    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 engine problems in other years

1990199520002018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet S10 engine

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

Won't start 6Check engine light 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Chevrolet S10 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Nov 23, 2015 · Engine · 130,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet s10. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the contact observed an unknown fluid leaking under the front of the vehicle. The contact also observed corrosion around the heating coil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj the experienced problems with the check engine light and leaks in the intake manifold and head gaskets. An inspection revealed, the gasket was coming apart and was corroded. The heater coil was corroded and leaking. Updated 03/03/16.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Engine, Visibility · 122,250 miles · MD

When trying to use the wipers the switch refuses to operate correctly. Been replaced twice ( this happens under all three switches). When you turn it on it will not respond and does not wipe. When you use the single wipe will wipe continual and not shut off at times. Some times when you use the fluid will not turn off unless you turn the engine off and restart the vehicle. When in the first two notches for wiping will start to wipe and stop about 1/4 of the way up the windshield. In high position operates as if normal, must set it above high to get it to operate in high. Sometimes it only operates at one speed no matter the position except when in high mode. Many times will not turn on when you turn it on and when you turn it off will not turn of if working. This is the third switch that has done this to me. ? Is there a recall on gm switches as I can find none and many people say they have experienced same results on other gm vehicles or heard of it occurring update 9/15/15*cw the consumer was informed the wiper control module failed. It was replaced and there were no more problems. The consumer stated the engine control module failed, previously. Updated 10/13/15

Filed Mar 13, 2015 · Engine · 110,067 miles · IN

Engine lower intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant. Very expensive repair is needed, costing more than $500. I have driven this vehicle very gently and always maintained it, replacing the engine oil when needed.

Filed Oct 29, 2014 · Engine · ME

2003 chevrolet s10. Consumer writes in regards to electrical issues.* ld the consumer stated then the engine hot, and he came to a stop, the oil pressure gauge dropped below normal.

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 Jan 10, 2011 · Engine · 112,000 miles · CT

2003 chevrolet s10 pick-up. Many recalls for replacement of defective head gasket which gm will not cover.

Filed Aug 18, 2010 · Engine, Visibility · 84,354 miles · NY

At approximately 83,456 miles the heater core broke. I first noticed smell ethylene glycol, it caused (somewhat greasy) fogging of the windshield above the windshield heater vent. Glycol leak directly into the car, causing wet upholstery or carpeting. Coolant sprayed directly into the passenger compartment followed with white colored smoke.

Filed May 23, 2008 · Engine · 29,896 miles · TN

I bought a new chevrolet s-10 in 2003. From the very first time I drove it I noticed the A/C compressor made a grinding noise which was much nosier than any other compressor I've ever heard on any vehicle. I took it back to the dealer and they supposedly "checked it out", on a couple of different occasions and claimed there was nothing wrong with the A/C. All I know is two months after the warranty expired, my A/C compressor started smoking, blowing heavy clouds of white smoke into the passenger compartment, and the air coming into the passenger compartment was hot. The clutch had went out on the compressor. Now I have a fairly nice truck that I have to bake in when I drive it. This is the first car I've ever owned in my 52 years that ever had this to happen. I certainly feel cheated in that I was at the time still making payments on the vehicle, which I bought brand new and took good care of. Do I have any avenue of recourse? I feel my A/C compressor was defective from day one, as does my brother, who owns a large professional HVAC company here in town. Please help me. Thank you.

Filed Aug 30, 2006 · Acceleration, Body · IL · crash

2003 chevrolet s-10 zr2's four wheel drive automatically engaged causing accidents. *kb the vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to find a problem. The transmission slipped. The engine would also miss. The vehicle also exhibited problem with the driver's side window, headlights, taillights, windshield wipers, cruise control and trim. The vehicle cruise control activated once while driving. The tailgate had to be adjusted.

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet S10 engine

Does the 2003 Chevrolet S10 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet S10, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet S10 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 104,550 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet S10 engine?

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

What year does the Chevrolet S10 have bad engine?

The Chevrolet S10 model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (82 complaints), 1996 (72 complaints) and 1994 (66 complaints).

Other 2003 Chevrolet S10 problems

Brakes 38Body 30Transmission 17Airbags 15Electrical 15Visibility 15Fuel system 14Tires 12Locks 11Acceleration 6Steering 6Wheels 5Lights 4Suspension 4Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Seats 1

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