1996 Chevrolet S10 recalls
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet S10. Between them they involve visibility, brakes, seat belts and power train. The most recent was received on April 28, 2003.
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Visibility
GM/windshield wiper motor
The defect: On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
The risk: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
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Brakes
GM/ABS
The defect: Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
The risk: If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
The remedy: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
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Brakes
GM/ABS
The defect: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: certain light duty pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, or minivans equipped with 3-sensor ABS (antilock braking system) ebc4 units.
The risk: These vehicles can experience extended stopping distances during ABS stops on certain multiple surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will modify the computer program which operates the ABS unit on some vehicles, or replace the computer on others to improve the performance of the ABS on these surfaces.
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Visibility
GM/windshield wiper wiring
The defect: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
The risk: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
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Brakes
GM/brake line contacts oil pan
The defect: Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
The risk: Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
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Seat belts
GM/safety belt webbing
The defect: Vehicle description: extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
The risk: If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
The remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
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Visibility
GM/FMVSS 212
The defect: The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
The risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the windshield may not stay in place as required by FMVSS no. 212.
The remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
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Power train
GM/power train:transmission:5 speed and up
The defect: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to GM's specifications.
The risk: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
Check by VIN
A campaign rarely covers every S10 built in 1996. Enter your 17-character VIN to find the recall campaigns filed for your make, model and model year. The VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the door-jamb label, and on your registration and insurance documents.
Is a recall still open on your vehicle? Only NHTSA’s official VIN check can say whether a campaign applies to your exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been done.
Your VIN is decoded with NHTSA’s public vPIC service to identify the make, model and year. It is not stored and is not added to any page address.
What 1996 Chevrolet S10 owners should do
- Check your VIN on NHTSA’s lookup to see which of these campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether any are still open.
- Call a Chevrolet dealer and book the repair, quoting the campaign numbers.
- If you have bought the vehicle used, the recall still applies: the repair is free whoever owns the vehicle now.
- Make sure your current address is on file with the manufacturer so the owner letters reach you.
Other Chevrolet S10 model years
Common questions
Does the 1996 Chevrolet S10 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet S10: 03V-159 (GM/windshield wiper motor); 99V-193 (GM/ABS); 99I-006 (GM/ABS); 98V-150-001 (GM/windshield wiper wiring); and 4 more.
How do I know if my 1996 Chevrolet S10 has an open recall?
Enter your VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup. Most campaigns cover only part of a model year’s production, and the lookup also shows whether the repair has already been done on your vehicle.
Will the dealer charge to fix the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
No. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by Chevrolet dealers. Quote the NHTSA campaign number when you book.