Research · Small Pickup Trucks
1996 Chevrolet S-10Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 686 owner complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet S-10. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (203) and visibility (96). The EPA rates it 17–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
686
Top: service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1996 Chevrolet S-10 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
686 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 1995 – Jul 2018
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes, hydraulic
203 reports37 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CRYSTALLIZATION OF THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED FIVE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,574 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.”
Visibility
96 reports
“RECALL ON WIPER MOTOR ON 1996 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP WAS DONE IN THE EARLY 90'S. WHENEVER IT RAINS NOW, WIPERS DON'T TURN OFF RIGHT AWAY. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE I HAD RECALL DONE, AND WAS OK UNTIL JUST RECENTLY. *JB”
Air bags
74 reports67 crashes
“THE ACCIDENT WAS ALMOST HEAD ON MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS HARD THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF IN THE OTHER CAR BUT NEITHER ONE OF OURS WENT OFF. FOR ABOUT A YEAR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE TRUCK WOULD STALL AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
6 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Pickup Trucks, Standard Pickup Trucks
- Engines
- 2.2L 4-cyl · 4.3L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S10 Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Chevrolet S-10 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3555
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1996 S-10 questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet S-10 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 1996 Chevrolet S-10 problems?
Owners filed 686 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (203), visibility (96), air bags (74). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1996 Chevrolet S-10 get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Chevrolet S-10 at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026