2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

[jee70611]

Hi everyone,<br /><br />I was wondering if any of you have had similar experiences with this model. I bought this truck new with 53 miles on the odometer. Since then, I have had nothing but trouble out of it. I had to put it in the shop at 200 miles for a computer update. Here is a list of all the problems I've had:<br /><br />1. Computer had to be updated to stop backfiring through the intake.<br />2. An exhaust manifold bolt fell out leaving the dipstick dangling with an open hole in engine.<br />3. The A/C works when it wants to.<br />4. Overcharging caused a dead cell (still overcharging with sulfur smell).<br />5. The front end pops when you barely hit a bump.<br />6. The tires squeal when turning (like in a drive-thru).<br />7. The Emergency brake-pedal bracket bolt came loose (I tightened it myself).<br />8. Gas pedal bracket nuts came loose (I retightened).<br />9. Window mechanism knocks when rolling up or down.<br />10. The seat made a sound like the cloth was "sticking" to and peeling from glue in seat.<br />11. A spring popped loose in the seat.<br />12. The Driver side door is out-of-line.<br />13. The clutch intermittenly decides to go to the floor and leave the transmission engaged (yes it is full of fluid).<br />14. The paint chips very easily.<br />15. The Catalytic convert seems to be going out (rotten egg smell from exhaust).<br />16. When the brakes are applied the lights go dim-bright-dim-bright as if there is a power surge(not just headlights, all lights, even the radio).<br />17. There is valve clatter when idling.<br />18. Engine misses erratically when idling.<br />19. The visor clip came loose.<br />20. The seatbelt buckle sometimes won't buckle.<br />21. Sometimes the brakes act as though they aren't gonna grab then.. bam the jerk hard.<br />22. Last but not least, there is about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of shifting of the passenger side axle in the rearend. You can shake the truck from side to side and hear it "clunking."<br /><br />Also, I have taken very good care of this truck and it only has 49,700 or so miles on it. This is ridiculus. I have always kept up with regular maintenance and I use Mobil 1 Synthetic motor oil ALWAYS. This is by far the worst example of a QUALITY vehicle. I guess when the say it is built like a rock they mean that literally. As in it won't move, just sit there. If Gm doesn't do something to help me out with this POS I will NEVER EVER EVER buy another GM product. Well, now I'm done venting. Have any of you had similar experiences or heard of any recalls. Mine is a 2000 Chevy S-10 with the 2.2L vortec with the alternative fuel option. It is also a 5-speed, short-wheel-base singlecab. Please let me know if I am alone on this issue. If not, lets see about a class action lawsuit <br /><br />James

 

[JB]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Forget lawsuit, James.<br /><br />Check with the TN Attorney General about a lemon law. If it's as good as TX lemon law an arbitrator may get you a replacement truck.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Scoop]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

I agree with JB. My whole family has worked for GM and built quality products, but they have slipped in a lot of their lines. After they treated me like garbage and offered me $65 for a repair that was a safety issue, happened under warranty the first times, the dealer ate $1500, and I ate $600 and was without my car for over a month straight (more than that if you add the number of times it was in), I told them to take their blankity blank $65 and shove it up their Hoohas (I did feel sorry for the person ont he phone). I just took delivery of my new Honda van. I even get the GM employee discount which would give me a new vehicle that was loaded for less than I paid for the Honda and the dealer paid for the vehicle. My sister has also sworn off GM. Their grievence process stinks and is unhelpful. The people making the decision don't even speak with you, they look at your file and make the decision. They implemented a process to pay for all S-10 head gaskets that had been replaced on certain models. I thought, wow they are turning the corner. I sent my paperwork in and it took me more than 25 calls, and 1 years time to get reimbursed. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, they would not let me. When I asked for a grievence number they said there was none. When I did finally get someone to help me 11 months later, they said, oh you just need to send this piece of paperwork. Unfortunately, the other car companies are the same. Every one has these same problems thus the lemon laws that are being implemented. Still, as far as I am concerned, I would love to send a picture of me and my new Honda van to the president of GM. I am the reason all of my friends bought GM. I have sold at least 10 vehicles for them in the past before the person even went to the dealer. I have owned 9 GM vehicles personally with 3 being brand new. Out of those 3. One ran great. In 240,000 miles, I replaced 5 alternators and almost nothing else. It did have one problem that happened just after the warranty ran out. A bolt started sticking out of the back of the seat. GM said it was normal wear and tear. After the bolf first stuck out, I got cut 5 times in the back and ripped 10 pairs of pants. My next one kept having anti-lock brake problems. the harness kept getting stretched out and I got rid of it just after warranty and 5 replacements so I would not have to buy the harness myself every 6 months. The next one would not start intermittently in weather under minus 5 degrees farenheight. It was great when my wife and son went to the store one night just beofre closing and got stuck in the car with no on around in 10 below weather. That was 2 years ago, and it has not been that cold since it was supposedly fixed. It may happen again. I will not even get into the list of the other things that are still wrong with it that went out under warranty and were intermittent and they refused to fix. They have lost their most loyal customer ever. My friends are shocked, they used to call me Mr. GM.

 

[butlp]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

I have a Mexican assembled 2001 Chevy Suburban with 60,000 Km. It just went into the shop for gearbox number five, third set of pads and rotors and is on its second set of tires. The first 4 transmissions were covered by warranty but now its my ticket. <br />Time to sell and get an import!!!

 

[DaleT]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

James, just out of curiosity, what model and motor do you have? The paint chipping is pretty common on the S-10 p/up. The wheels squeaking around tight turns at low speed is common on the lifted, can't for the life of me remember the z number, model. I've been working with GM's company vehicles for 4 years and that truck has been one of the better vehicles for problems. I would have to agree with the others who said to check the lemon laws. It sounds like you got one of the lovely "Friday builds."

 

[12Footer]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Never had a new Chevy. But I have had a new Ford (1985 F-150)..What a POS that thing was! It spun the main bearing under warantee, and I was without transportation to n from werk for 3 weeks!<br /><br />The air conditioner caught FIRE at 10K miles.<br /><br />I let it go back under lemon law.

 

[JB]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Jeez, Guys!<br /><br />After reading about your problems with supposedly good vehicles I sure am glad I spent the extra bux to get my Mercedes ML320. It cost me less than a F250 4x4 Diesel would cost (my second choice).<br /><br />I will turn over 95K tomorrow or the next day.<br /><br />I take her in about twice a year for complete, bumper to bumper inspections. I average about $500/yr for preventive maintenance and have had zero problems not covered by the bulletproof warranty. The one time she failed me on the road, I called roadside service and had a new battery delivered to me and installed in my garage.<br /><br />Something to consider.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

That is one reason I like to wait a couple of years or so after a new vehicle comes out. To see what kind of problems they have. I have a 1989 Ford, F-250 with the 7.3 and Banks turbo on it. Bought it new and put the Banks on myself. It has over 200,000 miles on it and the only thing I have done is replace the glow plugs, and valve cover gaskets. It gets serviced every 5000 miles reguardless of where I am. All I can say is I have had great service from my Ford. " Knock on some wood."

 

[butlp]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

I think JB has the right solution. German design, built in the USA. Petty they don't make a stretched version with three rows of seats.<br />I think the 2003 Ford Excursion is my next choice, anyone have one and can comment.

 

[DJ]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Lost Canadian,<br /><br />Better get your Excursion quick-it's going away. It's GREAT vehicle, just so happens the media killed it.<br />You know, too big, to nasty.<br /><br />Jee70601,<br /><br />Not all auto makers are the same when it comes to disputes.<br /><br />You have two options.<br /><br />1. Look in your owners manual for the Dispute Settlement Board in your area. This step MUST be done before a Lemon Law case can be started.<br /><br />2. Lemon Law. Again, Dispute Settlement is the first step.<br /><br />I'll be honest with you ( I do not work for GM, but I do work for another brand that will remain nameless), your accrued mileage is going to be difficult to overcome. If your records are good, you may be able to avoid mileage charges for repeat items that occurred early.<br /><br />Sounds to me like you have a legit. beef.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

It was interesting to read all of your comments, since they generally parralled my experience as an arbitrator for many years. Preponderance of cases I heard were on Chev/GMC trucks and Pontiac automobiles. General Motors was also most agressive in arguments to deny customer claims.Hardly ever heard any "Japanese" cases, since the factory made sure it didn't go that far before they made the customer happy. You may find this of interest: Who went the furthest to satisfy their customers? Nissan, hands down.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

This site may help someone with persistent problems or suspicions that they own a faulty vehicle. NHTSA Auto Problems

 

[jee70611]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Thanks for all the help everyone. I took it to the shop today regarding the axle and they said it was "normal." They showed me another one on the lot and it did the same thing. Seems unsafe to me. I will look into the lemon laws here in TN ASAP. I'm getting to the point that i just wanna get rid of it no matter how far upside down I am. I would rather pay $200 more a month just to have something that would be good. To top it off, this was my first new car ever. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. Since I posted this I have learned a lot. I'll keep yall posted on how everything goes. <br /><br />Thanks again everyone.<br /><br />James

 

[12Footer]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

I was interupted, and then forgot to finish my thought....sorry. Anyhoo, I mentioned the Ford, but it was only one of three lemmons I bought, 2 of which I returned under Florida's lemmon law(all three Fords).<br /><br />Up until last month, I had a 1994 Toyota that I purchased new. I totalled it out (you may have caught the thread about it).<br />It NEVER let me down. The A/C compressor was it's only failure in the 8 years I owned it. It was a bit small for towing my bigger boat long didstance, but it would've if I allowed it.<br />I just didn't want to kill it.<br />Anyway, I got a new Dodge this time, as I really do not trust Fords anymore,and Chevy/GMC were too expensive,with zero local selection..<br /><br /> After shopping every car lot in a 4 county area, I was concentrating on the foreign trucks,like JB has. The quality engineering and finished assys on those things is apparent to the naked eye!!<br />There were only two deterants to another Toyota or Mercedes...They would not deal,interest rates were garunteed to be at least a percentage point higher, and I didn't have a lot for a sizeable down payment (which would've negated the one drawback). But the sticker price was ETCHED into the glass,judging by the dwealer's adherrance to it.<br /><br />I settled on the Dodge Ram 1500...Pretty much a base model. Another thing I've learned over the years...If you can live without a bell or whistle on your vehicle,don't get the bell or whistle. It really jacks the price up,and for minimal gain.<br />Not only that, but they seem to hold-up better,perhaps because the assemblers have the mindset that THIS particular truck has no frills, (or very few) that the feller buying it is a po-boy,like him,and so he takes better care building it. I dont know,just spec on my part.....<br /> Actually, there is my Toyota experiancce which was posative, and this Dodge, and it's too early to say about the Dodge.<br /> My new baby.<br />$15,495 after $3,000 cash back, or<br /><br />$18,495 zero down,zero inrterest for 60 months,the course of the loan. (what I opted for,do the math)....<br />But the "big three" are dealing right now, and if you can swing it, now is the time to check them out.<br />

 

[clanton]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Good looking truck 12Footer. Im on my second Nissan, and looking at the 3rd one. Wife drives GM Junk. Son in law drives a V6 S10 That has continious injector problems, GM will only replace one at the time. Dau has new Toyota, V6 Hilander, and Toyota just extended all late model<br />4/6 cylinder engine warranty to 7 years, because of oil sluging.

 

[leebob]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

you might want to contact gm about trucks date of manufactor they may have had a computerized torque machine to lose calibration ,i work for a auto assembly plant and if there is a torque problem we have to do an 8hr back build audit to insure there is good quality . i own 2 s-10's and never had a lot of trouble out of them but i have coworker who has one in the shop as we speak .its a 2000 model that has a strong vibration in the rearend that has loosend up some of his brackets .i will contact him by e- mail so he can share some of his experiences on how to get them fixed . hope you are rolling soon

 

[Scoop]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Ok, after my previous rant on this post, I do have to admit, I own an S-10. Bought it 3 years ago at 49K, has 149K on it now and have not had any problems. Now the seat bites, but does meet NHTSB regulations. The back of the seat is exactly 54 inches from the bottom of the seat to the top of the head rest. The top of the headrest sits just below the first vertebrae in my neck. Unfortunately having owned cars from 1969 to the present, they have all had adjustable headrest but this one. I did not check and did not notice until I became the proud owner. If I get rear-ended, I will be severly hurt. Someday, I may relate the story of getting rear-ended by a semi while it was going 60MPH and I was going 35MPH. It was in this truck and was the scariest thing I have ever went through in my life. Only survived by luck.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Have to say I love my GM. But to the axle squeel, it may be normal. If it has a locking differential, then it will squeel just like you describe.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

I own an Isuzu (Isu-what?) 4x4 which is built with some borrowed GM parts. I briefly had the same clutch problem you had. In my situation, when the clutch was let out and the pedal rose from the floor it would comeup too high. It was out of adjustment and when the master cylinder over-reached all fluid pressure would bypass the line to the slave cyl. and the pedal would fall to the floor the next time it was depressed. Scary, yes.<br /><br />Try adjusting the pushrod on the back of your clutch pedal so that it doesn't pull so far out from the master cyl. or adjust the pedal stop bumper so the pedal doesn't rise so far.<br /><br />I hope this helps a little, sorry about the rest of the troubles, I've been there too.<br />Oh, GMs are kind of known for the 'rotton egg smell' even when brand new. It doesn't seem to indicate a problem as long as everyone understands that it's your truck that smells...

 

[Raghauler]

Re: 2000 Chevy S10 Lemon

Two Words: Lemon Law<br /><br />That's a shame... I always try to research and buy domestically built AND assembled vehicles. It's getting more and more difficult to do so.<br /><br />I don't drive a truck. I bought my first new car in 1986: V8 Camaro. I still have it because it is by far the most reliable car I have ever owned. I beat the * out of it when I was younger, and aside from the alternator, water pump, clutch, exhaust (all after the 1st 100,000 miles) and brakes, it has never needed any work. It inspired me to buy another Camaro two years ago (SS), which has run flawlessly to date.<br /><br />My wife bought a '94 Ford Explorer new, and that has been a perfect vehicle as well, despite the many stories I have heard about the poorly built (french) automatic trannies in them... 112,000 miles, and the Firestones were the best tires I ever owned... 75,000 miles on the first set, 10,000 on the second when I got free Goodyears to replace them. The wife used to own Nissan's and Honda's. Truthfully, we had alot more problems with them than we have had with our domestic vehicles (don't get me started ).<br /><br />JB, no flame intended, but $500/year is a LOT more than I spend for preventive maintenance. That is my biggest gripe about European cars... parts cost way too much. Try buying a battery for a Volvo.<br /><br />Maybe I'm just lucky? I AM anal about maintenance. Even other gearhead friends of mine think I'm over the edge.