VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet S10 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Chevrolet S10 sits mid-pack among S10 years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), visibility & wipers (3), and electrical system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other S10 years?

S10 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted1,225 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 7 complaints1984: 9 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 32 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 43 complaints1989: 55 complaints1990: 34 complaints1991: 253 complaints1992: 221 complaints1993: 276 complaints1994: 1,225 complaints1995: 1,151 complaints1996: 875 complaints1997: 574 complaints1998: 742 complaints1999: 298 complaints2000: 559 complaints2001: 404 complaints2002: 246 complaints2003: 230 complaints2004: 30 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 0 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 5 complaints
S10 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S10 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet S10 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes723%
Electrical System310%
Airbags310%
Body & Structure310%
Visibility & Wipers310%
Steering27%
Transmission27%
Suspension27%
Engine13%
Latches & Locks13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

04V132000OtherMarch 18, 2004 · 183,922 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DT: CONTACT STATES VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED IT WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM; THE ROTORS WERE WARPED NOT AND THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP. IN WARMER WEATHER THE VIBRATION BECAME WORSE.*AK *JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 16, 2005

“CHEVY S-10 QUAD CAB CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION; PASSENGER SEAT WAS ADJUSTED (ELECTRIC SEAT WITH HEAT) SMELLED SMOKE AND PARKED VEHICLE TOOK KEYS AND EXITED VEHICLE WITH PASSENGER. VEHICLE BURNED ALL WIRING AND THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD MELTED. NO FLAMES SEEN ONLY SMOKE, ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2007 · fire

“THE FRONT WINDOWS ON MY TRUCK WOULD COME OFF TRACK WHILE BEING ROLLED UP WHEN TRAVELING. I DRIVE A 2004 CHEVROLET S10 CREW CAB. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR AWHILE. EVERY TIME I TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET FOR REPAIRS THEY WOULD SAY IT WAS FIXED, BUT IT WASN'T. THEN THEY FOUND OUT FROM GM THAT THIS WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2005

“WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE T-BONED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO BECOME AIR BORN. WHEN THE VEHICLE DESCENDED IT WAS STRUCK HEAD ON WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 25, 2004 · crash

“2004 CHEVROLET S-10 CREW CAB TRUCK TAILGATE CABLES FAILED. THE CABLES EACH BROKE IN THE CENTER CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO DROP AGAINST THE REAR BUMPER. CONTACTED CHEVY ABOUT THEIR SPECIAL POLICY 06020 TO REPLACE THE KNOWN DEFECT, BUT IT ONLY COVERS 2000-2003. HOWEVER, 2004 USES THE SAME CABLES. I WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 7, 2009

2004 Chevrolet S10 — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet S10 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical S10 year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2004 S10 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chevrolet S10. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet S10 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S10 years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1997, 2000, 2001, 1999, 1993, 1991, 2002, 2003, 1992. The cleanest record among S10 years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.