Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STRUCTURE - BODY
5707/01/200310016473Water leak in front floor carpet area. gm tech link. *tt09/13/2005
02085700406/01/2002634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide. *tt10/03/2002
STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS
323210010651Paint code unknown for front bumper and wheel flare. *eh12/03/2004
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
02086400703/01/2002631292Some customers may comment that the third door is hard to open and/or the door handle may be broken for 1996-2002 chevrolet and gmc s/t extended cab pickup models.. *slc05/22/2002
25010201/25/2002629723Concerns with excessive effort or breaking of the third door handle on extended cab pick ups. *tt04/05/2002
25100110/25/2001628025Some three door pick-ups may have a third door handle that breaks or is hard to operate. *tt03/01/2002
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
322710/04/20063227C10011755Tailgate cable slack. this includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and gmc full and mid size trucks. *eh updated. *kb01/31/2005
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
0602009/01/200606020A10020659Special policy adjustment - tailgate support cable replacement. *kb12/08/2006
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS
01136C11/18/200310004206Clunk noise felt through floor pan. *tt11/21/2003

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - SUPPORT DEVICE
RQ04012GENERAL MOTORS CORP.11/22/200404/14/2005TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE(S) BREAK
 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.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STRUCTURE
07/01/200225000
 Tl*-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. the contact observed when the vehicle was parked that the spare tire under body attachment was corroded. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under the service warranty. the identical failure occurred on a separate occasion in november of 2009. the vehicle was not repaired for the malfunction. the failure mileage was 25,000. the current mileage was 56,000.
01/18/200965000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. the contact stated that the tailgate straps failed and were rusted. the dealer stated that nhtsa would be the one responsible for issuing a recall for this failure. there are recalls on other chevrolet vehicles, but not the contact's model. the failure mileage was 65,000.
11/01/20081
 Tailgate of s10 flew off back of truck. *tr
07/24/2005200001
 Tail gate cables on 2 year old s-10 truck failed. dealer would not cover cost of replacement. two years later company had a recall for replacement and dealer still would not reimburse cost of replacement. called gm and followed their instructions to send in receipt for reimbursement but never heard from them, calls not returned. company and dealer were long on talk, very short on service. this is one of three serious s-10 defects, so far. *tr
04/08/20048000105/01/2002
 Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle leans to the left. the dealership originally explained they could repair the defect. when the dealer took the front end apart, the front springs were on backwards. the dealership determined because the vehicle was no more than one-half inch off, they could not make repairs because the vehicle was within specifications.
STRUCTURE - BODY
03/13/201389000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. the contact stated that while opening the rear tailgate door, the door fractured because the hinges and the cables were severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileages were approximately 89,000. the vin was unavailable. kmj
03/13/201389000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. the contact stated that when opening the rear tail gate it fractured. after inspecting the vehicle she noticed that hinges and the cables were severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileages was approximately 89,000. the vin wasunavailable. tb
08/13/201289000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. while driving approximately 35 mph, the spare tire located under the vehicle detached. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the cable that held the tire in place was fractured. also, the contact stated that the interior door handle on the front driver's side door was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the door handle was replaced however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs for the spare tire cable. the approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
08/13/201289000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. while driving approximately 35 mph, the spare tire located under the vehicle detached. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the cable that held the tire in place was fractured. also, the contact stated that the interior door handle on the front driver's side door was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the door handle was replaced however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs for the spare tire cable. the approximate failure mileage was 89,000. kmj
08/13/201289000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. while driving approximately 35 mph the spare tire located underneath the vehicle detached. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the cable that holds the tire in place fractured. also, the contact stated the interior door handle on the front drivers side door fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the door handle was replaced. the door handle fractured a second time. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic or repair of the spare tire cable. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 89,000. da
04/01/20021
 Driver's seat moves back and forth and will not lock in place. vehicle accelerated and seat flew back on acceleration. vehicle has been in at dealer one time for intermittent problem. dealer was correcting the problem. *ak consumer stated that the tilt wheel control froze in one position, dealer adjusted tilt steering. center console hard to open, dealer adjusted console.
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
05/03/201047813
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer s-10. the contact stated in rainy weather, the rain water would leak into the vehicle from the drivers side window. the dealer advised the failure was due to incorrect installation of the driver
08/03/200319000107/05/2003
 Drivers side third door leaks water when it is raining, causing carpet to become musty smelling.has there been a recall or fix issued for this problem? vehicle only has 19000 miles on it.*ak
03/27/200328101/12/2003
 Drivers side door leaks water and air. bad wind noise. *ak
05/31/2002205/01/2002
 Door leaks water/air. *ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
06/14/200772000209/15/2004
 I own a 2002 chevrolet s-10 with 72,000 miles. since purchasing the vehicle, the door hinge pin bushings have failed, resulting in the vehicle doors falling out of alighment and opening while driving. the dealership, and gm, while acknowledgeing the design flaw have failed to do anything. i have researched this problem on the internet and have found in to be a wide spead situation with all gm medium duty door hinges. this problem started with the introduction of the welded door hinges rather that the bolt on type. this seem to be a very serious safety concern to me, and i cannot understand why gm is not willing to fix this problem.
12/10/20061083001
 The driver's side door is loose. one can literally jiggle the door approximately half of a centimeter up and down. the auto dealership in portland, maine (forest city chevrolet - now called quirk chevrolet) advised me that they could fail my inspection a couple of years ago - that there had been reports of this and what the progression would be of such. the door did not jiggle at all during that time and was operating properly. it did pass maine's tough inspection law during said initial notification by the dealer (inspected by vip auto, south portland, maine). *jb
08/02/20054025906/26/2002
 Following are problems i have had with this vehicle since owning it. all of which i feel has caused me great inconvenience, and recently too much money. i have sent letters to gmc just today to see if they are going to do anything about the inconvenience and cost. october 21, 2002 at 4035 miles the idler arm was replaced, (under warranty) at doan chevy. somewhere around january 2003, a sensor for the heater shield was replaced under warranty at doan chevy. march 4, 2004 at 26,345 miles the idler arm was again replaced under warranty at doan chevy. march 29, 2004 the drivers
08/01/2004107/10/2002
 I have a 2002 chevy s-10 pick up (zr2) and the drivers door hinge is separating from the weld causing the door to be approximately 1 inch out of alignment and getting worse. i currently have 41,000 miles on this vehicle and it is out of warranty. *jb
06/08/20024239104/01/2002
 The door opened fine all day and all of a sudden when i went to open the door it opened only 2 inches. it appears that the front right fender panel has slid back towards the door approx. 1/2 inch and that is what's blocking the door. upon further inspection the hinge is slightly bent. dealer is trying to say that the door was sprung. witnesses that i have including 2 police officers can state that this did not happen. they can state that the door opened fine the first 2 times and then not at all later. body shop mechanic slid something inside the door hinge and popped it open resulting in the paint on the hinge to be scraped off. this should have been a warranty issue but the dealer refuses to fix it without payment. i feel since this did not happen by cause or fault of me nor was this vehicle hit on the driver side, that it is a defect and needs to be investigated. *ts *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***762999
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
05/23/200949000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. while driving approximately 10 mph and exiting a parking lot, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. immediately, the vehicle was pulled over and the driver observed that the driver's side tailgate cable failed without warning. while the vehicle was in operation, the tailgate dragged onto the road surface due to the faulty cable. the tailgate was removed from the vehicle. the vehicle has not been repaired. the contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. she has pictures of the failure. the failure mileage was 49,000 and current mileage was 50,000.
09/14/200532000209/20/2004
 My son-in-law sat down on the tailgate of my 2002 chevrolet s-10 and both tailgate cables broke. he fell to the ground but only suffered minor scrapes and a sprained ankle and back. i had the cables replaced at the dealer where i had bought the truck. there were recalls in force for other gmc trucks whose tailgate cables had suddenly broken, but i was informed that my particular year was not among them. i feel, in light of the recent recalls, mine should have been included in, that recall,or at least this recall, and my deduction for the repairs covered by gmc. i am certain that all the trucks using the same cables will, or have been affected by the sudden failure of said cables. *nm
STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD
11/04/20021
 Driver feels that the design and location of the hood release lever causes foot to make contact with lever when entering or exiting the vehicle. this resulted in the hood releasing unexpectedly. ts *nlm
STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
12/01/200445000110/21/2003
 2002 chevrolet s-10 crew cab, tailgate cables broke. bf the consumer was standing on the tailgate when the incident occurred. *jb
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE
08/20/200550000104/22/2002
 Dt: the contact states the tailgate cable broke during motion and the tailgate slammed down. this happened on 8-20-05. he was going approx. 40 mph.contacted the dealer as well as gm, and they told her that this vehicle not included in previous recalls on older year models.she iwasvery concerned because if her husband was to be carrying a heavy load in the truck ,and something fell ou. , there could be a very bad accident. the dealer was willing to fix the tailgate at the consumer's cost. *ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
04/15/200784509208/09/2004
 2002 chevrolet s-10 tailgate cable was defective. one of them broke without warning. upon inspection the other cable was faulty and likely to break also. *ak since i was standing on the tailgate at the time, i was lucky to avoid injury when the cable broke.
09/04/200641500110/10/2002
 The cable that retains the tailgate has broken. it is encased in a vinyl covering that hides the rust that appears to have caused the failure. the cable has rusted out in the middle causing the tailgate to be unstable when loading/unloading. when unloading the truck, the unstable tailgate caused a fall. the vinyl casing prevents visual inspection for rust, and probably leads to rust since it retains moisture. the design and installation of the cables prevents ready replacement as the entire latch must be removed/replaced. *jb
07/03/200637179105/31/2002
 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 that the steel cable was very rusted. *jb
01/14/20061
 Both tailgate cables broke on my 02 s-10 under my weight(170lbs). *jb
06/10/2006201/02/2003
 (1) i own an 02 s-10 sports side pickup which i rarely use the tail gate. (2) my 250 lb 6'3 father put the tailgate down, sat on it, and the tailgate support cables snapped. he didn't jump, hop, or sit down excessively hard and they broke. (3) upon further inspection of the tailgate it wasn't creased so i was okay. my uncle (who works for a dealership) said there was a recall on the full sizes and he would check for mine. he calls back no recall but the cables are $10 a piece. i'm thinking ok no problem. the next day he said those cables were discontinued and the new ones/ new assembly cost $35 a piece. so i'm going from a $20 fix to $70. that's insane. why should they make more money off me from their mistake? *nm
05/31/200654595110/24/2001
 Both cables securing the tail gate on my 2002 chevrolet s-10 broke. while there was no damage there could have been if my wife had not been alert and prevented the tailgate from dropping. i understand that there is current a product safety memo for the 1999-2000 chev silverado and gmc sierra. *nm
06/05/200679006202/06/2002
 When opening the tailgate on my truck both cables broke in the middle due to corrosion. this is the same problem gm has on their larger trucks which have been recalled. *nm
06/20/200340000104/14/2002
 My chevy 2002 s10 pickup tailgate cables broke within 1 year and my air conditioner went out in june 2003....i'll never buy another chevy!! the tailgate hit my foot and bruised it good. *nm
02/05/2006772001
 I read with personal interest about the gm recall for full size pickup tailgate cable failures. while i own a 2002 chevy s10 pickup and have experienced the same failed cable due to rust, my truck is not included in the recall. why? as it is now the tailgate is not usable until they are replaced, walking over the tailgate is sure to lead to failure of the second cable and a fall to the ground. *nm
03/14/200673000111/01/2002
 Dt*: the contact stated while standing on the tailgate, the driver side cable broke, causing minor injuries. also, the passenger side cable is breaking. there is a nhtsa recall, # 04v129000, regarding the tailgate cable. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the vin.
07/15/200527500103/15/2002
 Having read about the gm recall for the full size pickup tailgate cables one of two cables failed on my 2002 s10 crew cab p/u. i replaced only one because of the cost. the cable failed after the warranty had expired, approximately three and half years. this was with normal usage, no heavy weights, the cable just corroded through. the s10 uses a similar if not he same cable as the full size. *nm
03/10/2006100000109/01/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while opening the tailgate the cables on the right and left side were broken. there is a nhtsa recall, # 04v129000, regarding the structure body tailgate hinge and attachments. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the model and vin.
02/11/200646610201/16/2002
 Tailgate support cables on my 2002 chevrolet s-10 pickup broke while opening and fell onto my foot. foot was only bruised and i did not seek medical attention. both of the tailgate cables had corroded and snapped at the same time. this seems to be a common chevrolet problem, as chevrolet and gmc full-size pickups have been recalled to replace cables. i replaced the cables for $98.37. the cables should be recalled and replaced before a serious injury takes place. *jb
01/04/200649000101/02/2002
 Placed about a 200 pound torch on tailgate when lifing into 2002 chevy s10 truck. tailgate cable broke. although no injuries or damaged property that day, in the future a 275 pound owner could have been on the tailgate and a broken cable could cause broken bones or lacerations. to correct problem one can not simply replace a $10 cable. gm has made the vehicle so you have to buy the cable and hinge for $45. this is ridiculous and if these cables have been found to be faulty and recalled in the silverados they should probably also be recalled on the s10s. as of yet the cable has not been replaced-wailting to see if a recall will be issued. *nm
06/15/20051
 One of the cables that support the open tailgate on my 2002 chevy s-10 failed and broke when opening the tailgate. i have not yet replaced this part because i have seen that the part has been recalled in other chevy trucks. why is this truck model not included in the past recalls? *nm
11/28/2005105/01/2002
 Dt: the contact stated immediately after stepping off the tailgate the cables broke simultaneously. he purchased the parts to fix the vehicle himself. he contacted the manufacturer, but they offered no assistance.*ak
09/17/200542500112/29/2001
 I own a 2002 chevrolet s-10 pickup. i was helping a friend move some small furniture when at the end of our last run i noticed my tailgate was resting on my bumper. apparently the tailgate cables snapped. upon further inspection the site of failure where the cable snapped was rusted through. now this is a cable that is entirely encased in plastic from the factory and it still managed to rust. i have open and closed my tailgate perhaps two dozen times in the course of three years so this is certainly not a wear issue.. i feel that gm should extend the tailgate recall it has for its full size trucks(which experience the same problem) to include their mid-size s-10 trucks as well. *jb
10/13/200583789111/15/2004
 I own a 2002 chevrolet s-10 crew cab pick-up 4 x 4. i would like to report failure of the tail gate cables. the cables had corroded in the center and then broke. chevrolet has a recall on cables for the larger pick ups, but does not have a recall for the s-10's. *nm
09/03/2005107/01/2002
 Dt: 2002 chevrolet s10. the consumer states the cables that hold the tailgate both snapped simultaneously. there was nothing on the tailgate when this happened. the cables were not showing any sign of wear. the dealership and manufacturer were contacted about the problem. the manufacturer told the consumer after sending in the parts they would determine whether or not the parts should be reimbursed. *ak
07/20/20052100005/20/2002
 2002 chevy s10 3 door pickup truck, 22,000 miles, one owner. rear tailgate cables rusted and broken.
08/01/200561000104/05/2002
 Dt: consumer stated 2002 chevrolet, s-10 tailgate cables broke at the same time. consumer was loading straw , and set a bale of straw on the tailgate. when the weight was applied to the tailgate both cables snapped. there was corrosion on the outside of the cable. the cables snapped underneath the rubber coating on the bottom of the cable. the tailgate was dented after the tailgate fell, no damage to the bumper. consumer going to contact the dealer and the manufacturer today. consumer was going to call and see if gm was willing to repair the damage before he fixed it. *ak
05/27/2005104/01/2002
 Dt: consumer states the tailgate on the chevrolet s10 the cables broke. chevrolet fixed the cables but would not fix the tailgate where it was dented from hitting the bumper. consumer's 14 year old daughter was unloading the bed when this happened. the cables were rusting, but the consumer did not notice the problem until after it occurred. *nm
06/13/200556000104/01/2002
 Dt: the cables that hold the tailgate level rusted and broke. tailgate goes up but consumer cannot let it down because it rides on the bumper. contacted chevrolet, they said there was no recall on a s-10. *ak
02/02/200518896204/13/2002
 On february 2, 2005 i was unloading a twenty-five pound pail from the back of my chevy s-10 pick up truck. i opened the tail gate, and as i slid the pail on to the tailgate, both of the tailgate support cables snapped. i fell backwards onto the garage floor, and i injured my back. i called the dealership where i purchasde my truck, and they said there was nothing they could do because there was no recall. on march 17,2005 as i was driving, i heard a loud bang. the tailgate had fallen into the middle of the road. a woman with a van full of children had to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid hitting the tailgate. the tailgate was dented and badly scratched. i again called the dealership and explained what had happened, and again they told me they would do nothing, because there was no recall for the s-10 pick up regarding the tailgate supports or the tailgate. i have the broken tailgate support cables, and the tailgate.*ak
04/14/200533200110/22/2001
 The tailgate straps broke while the consumer was closing the tailgate. the tailgate slipped out of the consumer's hand and the straps broke. the manufacturer offered no help. *ak the manufacturer did offer to pay for the labor but not the parts. *sc *jb
04/02/200553000201/02/2004
 I was loading my riding lawn mower into the back of my pickup when both safety cables on the tailgate broke. *ak
02/05/200539600110/15/2002
 Both support cables on the tailgate broke while loading. this caused the tailgate to drop without warning. both cables showed sign of corrosion. the dealer was notified.*ak
07/06/2004570001
 While loading the rear the tailgate straps broke without warning. no injuries reported. *ak *nm
12/28/200434000111/25/2001
 Opened tailgate and saw that right tailgate support cable broke. truck not used for heavy hauling. no wear indication. replacement of cables requires replacement of entire latch assembly. 34000 miles, 38 months. ordered new latch/cable through dealer. have not yet installed.*ak
08/15/200455000209/10/2001
 1. use of the tailgate in order to put cargo in pickup box. 2. the tailgate cables broke, made from poor material, also same as the recalled silverado tailgate cables 3. dealer gave me the option of paying 5 times more than aftermaket for the cable or wait until enough complaint are received in order for recall. *jb
11/28/200440000102/01/2002
 One of the two tailgate support cables on my 2002 chevrolet s-10 has prematurely broken. less than 3 years old and under 40000 miles. *ak
12/06/20041
 The tailgate straps broke off, keeping the tailgate from maintaining upward position. dealer will repair at consumer's expense.*ak
11/26/20041
 While opening the tailgate both support tailgate cables broke. suddenly the tailgate dropped to the floor. the cause ha not been determined. consumer will contact the dealer in the near future. *ak
04/02/2004700001
 While standing on the tailgate left/right tailgate support straps snapped. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
05/17/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s10. while the vehicle was being repaired at an independent repair shop for routine maintenance she was informed the frame was cracked. the vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where she was again informed the frame was cracked but they were unaware of the cause. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 91,628. sm.
08/23/200552634
 Frame crack passenger side. 2002 s-10
08/18/20091100001
 Door hinges were welded from factory the welds looked poor just spot welded. *tr
1
 The frame is bent. the vehicle has a problem with the alignment a week after being repaired. the vehicle has been to the dealer several times for this problem. chevrolet, s10, blazer extreme 2002. *ak
01/15/2002
 On passenger side water is leaking from top corner of windshield into vehicle. vehicle been to the dealer on five occasions, and unable to locate the cause. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS
03/30/200780000110/07/2005
 I have a 2002 chevrolet s10 zr2. it has had many problems in the front end, it was eventually discovered to have numerous cracks and broken welds, mostly on the right side. at this point gm has offered a 70/30 split on repairs, which we reluctantly agreed to because we needed the vehicle repaired. now that the frame has been haphazardly repaired by a different dealer, because the dealer that we purchased it from refused to look at it, we feel that it is still a safety hazard and we are trying to get it repaired correctly. we want proper repairs for our vehicle, but ,to also alert others that there may be problems with the zr2 frames. the original frame is still in the possession of turnpike chevrolet in nitro, wv. *jb