Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments — runs 4.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
213Complaints
3Recalls
17Crashes
2Fires
16Injured
3Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments (18.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments
39 · 18.3%
not available
—
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
10 · 4.7%
not available
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
8 · 3.8%
not available
—
Electrical System
8 · 3.8%
not available
—
Air Bags:frontal
7 · 3.3%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
7 · 3.3%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP7 · 3.3%
STRUCTURE7 · 3.3%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP6 · 2.8%
SUSPENSION6 · 2.8%
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS6 · 2.8%
Percentages are the share of the 213 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I WAS LOADING A STORAGE TRUNK ONTO THE BED OF MY 2002 S10 WHEN BOTH TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES SNAPPED AND DROPPED THE TRUNK OFF OF…”NHTSA complaint 10168801 — filed 09/20/2006 · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
“TAILGATE CABLE BROKE WITH LESS THAN 75 LBS (MY 7YR OLD DAUGHTER) SITTING ON TAILGATE. CABLES APPEARED TO BE CORRODED DUE TO A COATING ON…”NHTSA complaint 10167734 — filed 09/09/2006 · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
“2002 CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP TRUCK. 37,179 MILES ON VEHICLE. TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE BROKE WITH ONE PERSON SITTING ON THE TAILGATE. PLASTIC COATING RIPPED AWAY REVEALING…”NHTSA complaint 10161629 — filed 07/06/2006 · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet S10?
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments issues are the most-reported category, cited in 39 of 213 NHTSA complaints (18.3%), followed by latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch (10), power train:automatic transmission (8), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2002 Chevrolet S10 have?
213 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. 3 deaths were reported.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet S10 have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 06E060000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Chevrolet S10's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.