2001 Chevrolet S-10Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 319 owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10. Most complaints involve structure (80) and service brakes, hydraulic (51). The EPA rates it 14–22 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Structure80
- Service brakes, hydraulic51
- Electrical system28
- Engine and engine cooling26
- Latches/locks/linkages22
- Fuel system, gasoline18
- Power train18
- Suspension18
- Steering17
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Structure
“I never received Safety Recall# 06020 Galvanized Defective Tailgate Cables that snap/break due to corrosion inside the cable causing the tailgate to fall down while opened. Both my cables have been torn/broken caused by the rust thru for quit some time. My son told me recently, that he had received the Recall Notice a number of years ago and the Chevy Dealer replaced his cables; his S-10 cables are good/solid no problems. I am meticulous with records and surely would have told the Dealer and had them replaced during the recall period. What should I do as I never received the Recall Notice at issue?”
Service brakes, hydraulic
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE INSPECTION THEY FOUND THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED VERY BADLY AND HAD FALLEN APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.”
Electrical system
“TRUCK HAS ABS LIGHTS ON WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS AS SOON AS THE FLUIDS ARE NOT COLD THE CHECK GUSHES LIGHT COMES ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE NEEDLE DROPS UNTIL THE THROTTLE IS AGAIN DEPRESSED... ALSO ABS IN REAR SHAKES WHOLE TRUCK WHEN GOING BELOW 50MPH AND THEN CONTINUES UP TO 80MPH BEFORE SUBSIDING. THE TRUCK HAS SERIOUS STEERING ISSUES CONSTANT LEAKS CAUSED I'M SURE MY RACK AND PINION ARE WORN DOWN AS WELL AS NOW MY TIRES AND SUPENSION I HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS LIKE THE INTERIOR IS CRUMBLING TO PIECES THE BODY HAS GIANT HOLES FROM IMPROPER PAINTING OPTIONS ON THIS MODEL I HAVE OVER SIZED TIRE WELLS THAT ARE RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT IT MAKE YOUR COMPANY LOOK SILLY FOR NOT MAKING THESE VEHICLES BETTER WHEN THEY LAST PEOPLE KEEP BUYING THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN! SEEMS LIKE YOU PROBABLY USE PARTS FOR MANY YEARS ON MANY MODELS FUNNY HOW EVERY YEAR INCLUDING THE YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURERED THERE WERE RECALLS EXCEPT FOR MINE IS THAT JUST BECAUSE IT'S OLDER”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S10 Pickup 2WD FFV Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| S10 Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| S10 Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
- 22mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| 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
2001 S-10 questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet S-10 problems?
Owners filed 319 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (80), service brakes, hydraulic (51), electrical system (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 at 14–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).