One problem related to ignition coils failure has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet S10. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Original and 3 additional ignition coils, caps, and harnesses corroded in a 4 yr time span. Original and two replacement catalytic converters also needed to be replaced. Most recent catalytic converter was so badly melted, twisted & damaged the mechanic stated that I was "lucky" not to have the entire engine blown. Also, he never saw anything this badly damaged in his 25 yrs of servicing many makes of vehicles. This is a 4 yr old vehicle and it seems like a trend is established for replacing these same parts appx. Every 17-20,000 miles and 10 months apart - just long enough that gm will not honor the parts warranties. I do drive this vehicle long distances (300 miles one way each week to a worksite) but also maintain it to the manufacturers specs. I thought I bought a reliable vehicle, but the dependability is questioned when the vehicle loses momentum and stalls on highway driving, the service engine light continually pops on, & I'm paying large sums of money for towing & replacement parts to resolve a problem gm will not admit to having with this vehicle. Gm has not acknowleged this problem or resolved it in any way. A customer service rep stated that this is "normal" maintenance to replace these parts, as well as the 100,000 mile warranty spark plugs (at 73,000) which were corroded due to the corroded ignition coils. Additional info available, as well as all invoices if necessary.