Ten problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet S10. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer had the same problem as the recall on the abs light illuminating. Dealer would not repair because VIN was not included. The vehicle check engine light illuminated and the dealer indicated that the oxygen sensor was bad, the radiator leaked, the head gasket had blown and the water pump leaked.
Mechanics evaluation is that possible failure could be from dex-cool coolant eroding gaskets.
The bolt on the drivers seatback sheared causing the back of the seat to fall to a horizontal position. /coolant became rusty causing the radiator to become cloged which caused the water pump to fail.
Vehicle rides great. Just stays in the shop more than on the road! no safety defect indicated in the summary.
Coolant system turns colors and gets griddy. Manual states no maintenance for 5yrs or 50,000 miles. Manufacturer contacted, with case #990212859, nothing done to remedy problem. Problem still exists.
Head gasket failed at 51300 mile on vehicle, causing cooling system of vehicle to drain. Repair cost is approximately $525. Failure seems unusual at this mileage.
Have had problems with the windshield wipers from the beginning. I would be driving in pouring-down rain and the wipers would go out causing me to have to pull over. Right now they do not work at all. I had to work on my brakes the first year and a couple of times thereafter. I recently had to have my air-conditioner done. The latest was my water pump that I fixed myself. The worse was my motor. I had been stalled a number of times till finally it wouldn't go at all. I had it towed to michael holley Chevrolet in lakeland (the town I worked in). They refused to honor my smartcare saying I had not changed the oil. That was not true since I had changed it myself and had it changed also. They wanted over 3000 for a new motor. I am and was still paying on my truck and did not have that much cash. I had to tow it at my mothers and park it. I was able to change the oil and noticed that the Chevrolet dealers had removed the alternator belt and had left it loose. That did not give me any confidence in them. 4 months later my mother's car was totalled and she paid for me to get a motor from an amoco dealer. In September of 1999 my mother was surfing the net and found out that there had been recalls on this vehicle almost from the first and I have never been notified at all. I wrote to the home office in early September but received no answer. I still owe 2 years payments. If I had been traveling on the highway when my motor went out on me something bad could have very well happened. I feel sure that I will never trust in chevy's products again.
Water pump failed.
Consumer states of having problems with cooling system. Mr.
They say my transmission is not one that seizes but it is locking up and bucking for some reason. I have to disengage, then speed up to get it to stop bucking. Any ideas? this has occurred since I bought it used w/limited warranty. I can't afford $65. Everytime I need an estimate (down time) and this might be related to the recall. How can they tell which ones (not just VIN) regarding special torque tool. . Also, what is the life expectancy from manufacturer on the rear oxygen sensors? I had a cracked cylinder head two months after purchasing. They say it was a defect in the water-cooling system. It sucked all my coolant thru engine, blew out back. My sensor in rear was clogged. . . Direct result. . . They say it couldn't have gotten past cat. Convertor, although blue was blowing out my tailpipe. . . They won't fix. I am just curious as to how I can keep from them blowing smoke up my skirt. Thanks, I'm single, female and they saw me coming.