Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

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.

Combined MPG
14–22mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
319
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

319 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2000 – Jul 2026
  1. Structure80
  2. Service brakes, hydraulic51
  3. Electrical system28
  4. Engine and engine cooling26
  5. Latches/locks/linkages22
  6. Fuel system, gasoline18
  7. Power train18
  8. Suspension18
  9. Steering17

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each S-10 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996686
1997469
1998638
1999238
2000514
2001319
2002239
2003205
Crashes reported
21
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
27
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

80 reports1 fire
“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?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2023Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11517573

Service brakes, hydraulic

51 reports7 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2010Service brakes, hydraulicODI 10371253

Electrical system

28 reports2 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 18, 2021Steering, Electrical system, StructureODI 11403686
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S10 Pickup 2WD FFV
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192522$2,850404
S10 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,300468
S10 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152017$3,650523
S10 Pickup 2WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$3,900555
S10 Pickup 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131715$4,150592
S10 Pickup 4WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131714$4,450635
  • S10 Pickup 2WD FFV
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • S10 Pickup 2WD FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • S10 Pickup 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • S10 Pickup 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • S10 Pickup 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • S10 Pickup 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Chevrolet S-10 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4186Vehicle 4183
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026