The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Chevrolet
S10Problems & recalls

214 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Body & structure appears in 73 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 214 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Body & structure73 reports
Other components59 reports
Brakes20 reports
Fuel system17 reports
Transmission & drivetrain17 reports
Air bags15 reports
Electrical system15 reports
Suspension12 reports
Engine6 reports
Steering5 reports
Visibility4 reports
See original component labels
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS39
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP7
STRUCTURE7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP6
SUSPENSION6
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS6
AIR BAGS6
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS6
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH6
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SEATS4
TIRES4
SERVICE BRAKES4
ENGINE4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY3
POWER TRAIN3
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
EQUIPMENT2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE2
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT2
PARKING BRAKE2
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
STEERING:COLUMN1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
WHEELS:HUB1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STEERING1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
SEAT BELTS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 7, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

48,406 miles is the median among 138 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 24,678–66,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Jul 17, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E065000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 06E065000 at NHTSA
Jun 29, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E060000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Read campaign 06E060000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

373 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-141GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin adv…NHTSA ID 11006421

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006421 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier…NHTSA ID 11004761

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-08-45-001HThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.NHTSA ID 10252735

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10252735 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Ti…NHTSA ID 10251890

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251890 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Apr 14, 2005 ClosedTAILGATE SUPPORT CABLESEA05008

GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING A SPECIAL POLICY PROGRAM FOR 903,464 OWNERS OF 2000 - 2003 MODEL S/T VEHICLES THROUGH WHICH OWNERS MAY, AT THEIR OPTION, EITHER (1) PERIODICALLY INSPECT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLE AND HAVE THE CABLES REPLACED IF THE CABLE COATING EXHIBITS ANY INDICATIONS OF DAMAGE OR DETERIORATION OR (2) REQUEST THAT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. GM WILL HONOR ALL REQUESTS BY OWNERS WHO OPT FOR REPLACEMENT WITHOUT QUESTION REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OR APPEARANCE OF THE CABLES. GM HAS AGREED TO MAIL REMINDER NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS 12 YEARS OLD.ODI'S INVESTIGATION INDICATES THAT A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF THE REPORTED COMPLAINTS (87%) AND INJURIES (94%) HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2000 - 2003 S/T VEHICLES.

Recorded closure: May 19, 2006

Find investigation EA05008
Opened Nov 22, 2004 ClosedTAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE(S) BREAKRQ04012

ODI IS UPGRADING RQ04-012 AND OPENING AN EA TO INVESTIGATE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN 1998 - 2004 MODEL YEAR SONOMA AND S10 MODEL VEHICLES.GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-129 TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES ORIGINALLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 SIERRAS AND SILVERADOS AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2004 AVALANCHES AND ESCALADE EXTS (C/K MODELS).GENERAL MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODITHAT THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE FABRICATED USING IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR SHEATHING MATERIAL AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.HOWEVER,GENERAL MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODI THAT SONOMA AND S-10 VEHICLES DIFFER FROM C/K MODELS IN SEVERAL WAYS: THE VEHICLE HEIGHT IS LOWER; THE TAILGATE DISPLACEMENT (DROP) WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES IS SMALLER AND THE TAILGATE COMES TO REST AT A LESS SEVERE TIP ANGLE WHEN NOT SUPPORTED BY THE CABLES; THE TAILGATE MASS IS SMALLER; AND THE SIZE, PAYLOAD, AND USAGE CHARACTERISTCIS ARE LESS DEMANDING THAN C/K MODEL VEHICLES.GM ALSO STATED THAT SONOMA AND S-10 WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION INDICATES A LOWER CLAIM COUNT AND A LOWER CLAIM RATE THAN RECALLED C/K MODELS.NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION, ODI HAS RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL 73 NON-INJURY COMPLAINTS AND 10 INJURY COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING RQ04-012 (SINCE NOVEMBER 2004 TO DATE), WHICH JUSTIFIES OPENING AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.

Recorded closure: Apr 14, 2005

Find investigation RQ04012

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