CarBrief

The 2001 S10 has 308 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, led by structure and brakes[1][2][3]. It has one recall, for seat belt buckles, and dealers inspect and replace the buckle if needed[4].

308owner complaints[1]
1recalls[5]
14–22MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 308 owner complaints for the 2001 S10[1]. Of those, 20 mention a crash[1]. 6 mention a fire and 27 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.

The largest groups by complaint count are these.

What owners describe. We read a small sample of complaint texts for the four largest groups. It is not a measure of how common any problem is.

In the structure sample, 7 of 12 texts describe tailgate support cables that broke or rusted through, in some cases while someone stood on the tailgate[2].

In the brakes sample, 4 of 12 texts describe a pedal that sinks toward the floor or braking that is lost, often after small bumps[3]. Another 3 of 12 describe the anti-lock brakes engaging when they should not or pulling the truck to one side[3].

In the electrical sample, 8 of 12 texts describe stalling or a truck that would not start[7]. The causes owners mention include wiring, battery and ignition parts. Some of those texts are repeats of the same report[7].

In the engine sample, 8 of 12 texts describe stalling or a loss of power while driving[8]. Some are repeated texts. Two describe the engine burning oil[8].

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2001 S10[4].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists six versions of the 2001 S10[13][14][15][16][17][6]. The estimated annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2001 prices.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, automatic[13] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, manual[14] 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, automatic[15] 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450
4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, manual[16] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
2WD FFV, 2.2L 4-cyl, automatic[17] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
2WD FFV, 2.2L 4-cyl, manual[6] 19 / 25 / 22 $3,050

The 2.2L FFV versions run on gasoline or E85 and have the best ratings[17][6]. Four-wheel drive gives about 2 MPG less combined than the matching 2WD 4.3L version[13][14][15][16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the extended cab at 3 stars for rollover[18]. The regular cab is not rated[19].

How 2001 compares with other years

1995: 918 complaints, 5 recalls19951996: 673 complaints, 7 recalls19961997: 469 complaints, 6 recalls19971998: 613 complaints, 6 recalls19981999: 231 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 471 complaints, 4 recalls20002001: 308 complaints, 1 recalls30820012002: 214 complaints, 0 recalls20022003: 178 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 21 complaints, 1 recalls2004
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each S10 Pickup model year. The 2001 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19959185
19966737
19974696
19986136
19992310
20004714
20013081
20022140
20031781
2004211

NHTSA's counts for each S10 model year show 308 complaints for 2001, which is sixth highest of the ten years listed[5]. The years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000 have more[5]. The years 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2004 have fewer[5].

For recalls, 2001 has 1[5]. Other years range from 0 to 7[5]. These counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat them as a rough guide[5].

Should you buy a used 2001 S10?

The complaint record is mid-range for this model run, and the one recall has a dealer remedy[4][5]. Structure and brakes draw the most complaints, so check the tailgate cables and test the brakes over bumps[2][3]. Ask whether the seat belt buckle recall work was done[4]. Stalling comes up in the engine and electrical samples, so a long test drive is sensible[7][8]. Our data does not cover oil capacity, towing or tires.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevy S10?
Structure has the most complaints at 75, then brakes at 64[2][3]. In the structure sample we read, 7 of 12 texts describe tailgate cable failures[2].
Does the 2001 Chevy S10 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one, 00V228, for seat belt buckles that were not heat treated properly. Dealers inspect and replace the buckle if needed[4].
How many miles per gallon does a 2001 S10 get?
The EPA ratings run from 14 combined MPG for the 4WD 4.3L manual to 22 combined for the 2WD 2.2L FFV manual[16][6].
How does the 2001 S10 compare with other model years?
With 308 complaints it is sixth highest of ten years listed, and 1995 has the most at 918[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Chevrolet S10 Pickup (20 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 27 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 75 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 64 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 00V228, filed August 7, 2000: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet S10 Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 2WD FFV, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 28 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 28 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 21 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 18 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,925). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 17 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,672). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 17 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,537). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for S10 Pickup 2WD FFV, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED CAB None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.