2001 Chevrolet S10: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Chevrolet S10: 1 recall, 308 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V228003 · 2000 · 156,305 vehicles
What's wrong: The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (75): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (17), door / lock issues (11).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (50): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), noise or vibration (11).
- Electrical (28): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), stalls / loses power (12), won't start (6).
- Engine & cooling (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), warning light on (6), fire / smoke (5).
The 2001 Chevrolet S10 has 308 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 19 S10 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 299). Complaints peaked in 2005 (65 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (471 complaints, 4 recalls), 2002 (214 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Chevrolet S10.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Chevrolet S10 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2001 Chevrolet S10, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet S10 problems?
Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (75), brakes (hydraulic) (50), electrical (28).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet S10 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Chevrolet S10 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.