Four problems related to automatic transmission cooler have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet S10. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Oil cooler line: the metal tubing in the lower oil cooled line rest on top of the steering gear assembly. A hole wore through the tubing due to being in direct contact with the gear box causing complete loss of engine oil while driving, loss of braking on driver side (due to oil spray on brake rotor) and near seizure of engine. I stopped on the side of the road to prevent major damage to the engine and possible fire in engine compartment. As of this writing I am still not aware if any occurred (engine damage).
Transmission went out at 61,000 while driving on highway @65 miles per hour, just quit on the highway, GMC wouldn't stand behind it, transmission shop rebuilt it and found a crack in the case due to it not cooling properly, had to put a larger cooler unit in the truck to handle the transmission for this truck. Timing belt went while going down the highway @65 miles per hour, everything locked up on the truck power steering, brakes and just died in the middle of the highway. Both situations very dangerous.
Transmission fluid line cracked, causing fluid to spray over catalytic converter.
Transmission leaks fluid. At time of incident, all transmission fluid had leaked out and transmission seized while driving on the highway. Was replaced by opel deal(nearest gm affiliate, we currently reside in germany, usaf). With in 2 months the same problem occurred. Still not fixed. Having problems contacting someone here to repair it. This problem could have possibly cause an accident and injured someone.