2004 Chevrolet S10

The 2004 Chevrolet S10 is a compact pickup truck known for its affordability and reliability. Engine options for the 2004 S10 include a 2.2L Inline-4 engine producing around 120 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.3L V6 engine with approximately 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the S10 for its compact size, ease of parking, and utility for light-duty tasks. Common complaints include the truck’s age-related issues, fuel economy with the V6 engine, and relatively basic interior features.

Engine

2.2L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, vacuum leak, lean condition, possible check engine light (CEL).
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

4.3L V6

• Fuel Injector Issues (Spider Injector)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, misfires, hesitation upon acceleration, CEL.
  • Solution: Replace the spider injector assembly with an updated MFI (Multi-Port Fuel Injection) unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal, Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks underneath the engine, oil consumption, oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the rear main seal and/or valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rear Main Seal: $400 - $800, Valve Cover Gaskets: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E 4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, delayed engagement, harsh shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Could also be a faulty shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rebuild: $1500 - $3000, Replace: $2000 - $4000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling at stops, inability to shift correctly.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints and control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Sagging/Broken
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, poor ride quality, reduced load capacity.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), intermittent power loss to the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Dimming/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights dimming or failing intermittently, possibly due to wiring issues or a faulty headlight switch.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair wiring, replace headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Frame, Body Panels)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the frame, rocker panels, and other body panels. This is especially prevalent in areas with road salt use.
  • Solution: Treat surface rust, repair or replace rusted panels/frame sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity, $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in warmer climates due to sun exposure.
  • Solution: Install a dashboard cover or replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cover: $50 - $150, Replacement: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior door handles breaking, making it difficult to open the door from the inside.
  • Solution: Replace the interior door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2004 Chevrolet S10, while generally reliable, faces common issues typical of vehicles of its age. Engine issues such as intake manifold leaks and fuel injector problems in the 4.3L V6 can be moderately expensive. Transmission problems, particularly with the 4L60E, can be costly to repair. Suspension issues like worn ball joints and sagging leaf springs impact ride quality and handling. Electrical problems and rust are other areas to watch. Overall, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas and factor in potential repair costs.