Owner report · 1998 model year

1998 Chevrolet S10 Pickup

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Visibility & Lighting

Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 212 of 613 complaints (35%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (21) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed rose from 469 in 1997 to 613 in 1998.

Data last changed Nov 7, 2026. Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints: 613
Recall campaigns: 11
EPA fuel cost per year: $2,850–$3,900
Combined MPG: 16–22

Complaints by model year

6731996
4691997
6131998
2311999
4712000

Where owners report problems

Visibility & Lighting212 (35%)
Body, Seats & Latches104 (17%)
Brakes77 (13%)
Engine52 (8%)
Electrical50 (8%)
Airbags & Restraints48 (8%)

Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 1998: 2 electric configuration(s), excluded from the figures and bar above.
Category	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	vs. 1998 gas-powered vehicles
Annual fuel cost ($)	2,700–3,650	2,700–3,900	2,850–3,900	2,700–3,900	2,700–3,900
Combined MPG	17–23	16–23	16–22	16–23	16–23
City / Highway MPG	15–20 / 20–27	15–20 / 20–27	14–20 / 19–26	14–20 / 19–26	14–20 / 19–26
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)	386–523	386–555	404–555	386–555	386–555
Complaints filed	673	469	613	231	471	Not compared
Recalls issued	11	8	11	5	9	Not compared
Crash-involved complaints	111	63	61	33	52	Not compared
Fire-involved complaints	12	8	9	2	8	Not compared
Injuries reported	55	38	40	21	46	Not compared
Deaths reported	1	3	0	0	3	Not compared
Configurations compared	4	4	6	6	8

Common questions

How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet S10 Pickup have?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 1998 Chevrolet S10 Pickup?

Visibility & Lighting: 212 of 613 NHTSA complaints (35%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet S10 Pickup get?

EPA rates it 16–22 MPG combined across 6 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 Chevrolet S10 Pickup?

EPA estimates $2,850–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (8)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
Configuration	Transmission	Cylinders	Displacement	Drivetrain	Fuel Type	Vehicle Class	City	Highway	Combined	Annual Fuel Cost	CO₂
Configuration 1	Automatic 4-spd	4	2.2L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	17 mpg	24 mpg	19 mpg	$3,300	468 g/mi
Configuration 2	Manual 5-spd	4	2.2L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	20 mpg (high)	26 mpg (high)	22 mpg (high)	$2,850 (low)	404 g/mi (low)
Configuration 3	Automatic 4-spd	6	4.3L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	15 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg	$3,650	523 g/mi
Configuration 4	Manual 5-spd	6	4.3L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	16 mpg	21 mpg	18 mpg	$3,450	494 g/mi
Configuration 5	Automatic 4-spd	6	4.3L	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	Regular	Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD	14 mpg (low)	19 mpg (low)	16 mpg (low)	$3,900 (high)	555 g/mi (high)
Configuration 6	Manual 5-spd	6	4.3L	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	Regular	Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD	15 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg	$3,650	523 g/mi
Configuration 7	Automatic (A1)	—	—	2-Wheel Drive	Electricity	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	52 MPGe	58 MPGe	55 MPGe	$1,400	0 g/mi
Configuration 8	Automatic (A1)	—	—	2-Wheel Drive	Electricity	Small Pickup Trucks 2WD	28 MPGe	28 MPGe	28 MPGe	$2,700	0 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
Category	Complaints	Crash-Involved	Fire-Involved	Injuries
Engine	52	0	3	1
Transmission & Drivetrain	40	0	0	0
Fuel System	16	1	0	0
Electrical	50	2	5	1
Brakes	77	17	0	6
Steering	14	1	0	1
Suspension, Wheels & Tires	43	2	0	0
Airbags & Restraints	48	37	0	21
Driver Assistance & Speed Control	18	1	0	3
Body, Seats & Latches	104	5	1	9
Visibility & Lighting	212	3	0	0
Other	21	1	0	0

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (11)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Campaign 07E021000 · Mar 12, 2007
Defect
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign 06E065000 · Jul 17, 2006
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006
Defect
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."
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
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Campaign 00V374000 · Nov 13, 2000
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS CONTAINING A NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NIMH) BATTERY PACK. THESE VEHICLES CONTAIN SOFTWARE WITHIN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE INTENDED TO DISABLE THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN IF THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE WITH THE BATTERY PACK EXCEEDS A PRESCRIBED VALUE. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL ILLUMINATE THE "SERVICE NOW" AND "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" TELLTALES AND CONTINUE TO FUNCTION IN A REDUCED PERFORMANCE MODEL INSTEAD OF BEING DISABLED.
Consequence
IF THE TELLTALES ARE IGNORED AND THE AFFECTED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN, HEAT COULD BUILD UP AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED SOFTWARE IN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign 00V220000 · Aug 11, 2000
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign 00V159000 · Jun 16, 2000
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS. A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL-FIRED HEATER FILL PIPE GROUND STRAP CONTACTS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PIPE.
Consequence
THIS COULD WEAR OFF THE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE BRAKE PIPE, LEADING TO PREMATURE CORROSION AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY. WHEN BRAKE PIPE INTEGRITY IS LOST, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE GROUND STRAP ATTACHMENT, INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE IF NECESSARY.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Campaign 98V177000 · Aug 4, 1998
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE. RAPID FOGGING OF THE INTERIOR GLASS CAN OCCUR WITHIN TWO MINUTES AFTER THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IF (1) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BETWEEN 35 AND 76 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND (2) WATER HAS COLLECTED ON THE HEAT EXCHANGER DURING PREVIOUS OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.
Consequence
IF RAPID FOGGING WERE TO OCCUR DURING DRIVING, IT COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL ADVISING THEM TO FOLLOW A "STOP AND WAIT" PROCEDURE TO HELP AVOID WINDOW FOGGING WHILE DRIVING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Campaign 97V208001 · Nov 25, 1997
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Consequence
THE CLIP MATERIAL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN IGNITE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITE OTHER COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.

Show 1 earlier campaign

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign 97V218000 · Nov 24, 1997
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Consequence
PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.