1997 Chevrolet Astro
Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA
Recalls7
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006, Campaign 06E049000
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006, Campaign 06E043000
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006, Campaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washerApr 28, 2003, Campaign 03V159000
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Seat beltsFront, warning light/devicesApr 10, 2001, Campaign 01V123000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE "FASTEN SAFETY-BELT" AUDIBLE WARNING OCCASIONALLY MAY NOT COME ON OR MAY TERMINATE IN LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ALARM MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Child seatJan 20, 1999, Campaign 99V009000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED DUAL CHILD SEATS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISSING A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CLUTCH SPRING AND/OR PAWL SPRING IN THE CHILD SEAT. IF THE CLUTCH SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND COULD NOT BE USED. IF THE PAWL SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT WOULD CONTINUALLY PLAY OUT AND WOULD NOT LOCK.
Risk
THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE OCCUPANT'S RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS ON THE CHILD SEATS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CHILD SEAT.
Seat beltsRear/otherApr 8, 1997, Campaign 97V057000
THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME.
All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.
Recent complaints448 total
Most reported, across all 448 complaints
- Visibility17%
- Service brakes, hydraulic15%
- Power train13%
EngineFiled Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.
Incident Jun 4, 2014
TiresFiled May 24, 2014
I BOUGHT 4 GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A TIRES FROM THE SEARS AUTO STORE AT 3000 TOWN EAST MALL ON 4 NOVEMBER 2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:50AM. THE TIRE DESCRIPTION: P2 235\70R15. THREE WEEKS LATER ON ABOUT 13 DECEMBER 2013 THE LEFT REAR TIRE COMPLETELY CAME A PART WHILE DRIVING ON LBJ FREEWAY WESTBOUND AT HIGHWAY 75. MY SPEED WAS BETWEEN 60-64 MPH. JUST THREE WEEKS ON THE ROAD AND LESS THAN 300 MILES ON THE TIRES. HAS THERE BEEN ANY INCIDENTS WITH THIS TIRE? HAVE THERE BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS TIRE? *TR
Incident Dec 13, 2013
TiresFiled May 24, 2014
ON 4 NOVEMBER 2013, I PURCHASED 4 GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A TIRES FROM THE SEARS AUTO STORE AT 3000 TOWN EAST MALL IN MESQUITE, TX. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER AND LESS THAN 300 MILES ON THE TIRES, THE LEFT REAR TIRES COMPLETELY CAME A PART WHILE DRIVING ON LBJ FREEWAY WESTBOUND IN DALLAS, TX. MY APPROXIMATELY SPEED WAS BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. HAS THERE BEEN ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS TIRE BRAND AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER? *TR
Incident Dec 13, 2013
Electrical system, structure, latches/locks/linkagesFiled Oct 28, 2013
1997 CHEVROLET ASTROVAN WITH ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS. PULLED INTO SHEETZ GAS AND GO AND WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND IT DID NOT OPEN. TRIED TO PUSH THE MANUAL INSIDE DOOR LOCK BUT IT WAS TOTALLY FROZEN AND WOULD NOT ACTUATE. NEXT TRIED ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCK SWITCH. NO RESPONSE ON DRIVERS DOOR BUT THERE WAS WEAK SOUND FROM PASSENGER DOOR LOCK SOLENOID. IT WAS AS IF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IT WAS SUFFERING FROM INSUFFICIENT VOLTAGE. CRAWLED OUT OF PASSENGER SEAT AND GOT OUT OF CAR. ' TOOK IGNITION KEY AND INSERTED IT INTO DRIVERS DOOR LOCK. KEY WOULD TURN TO LOCK (FELT THE DETENT OF THE ) AND BACK TO NEUTRAL... KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO UNLOCK POSITION ...WOULD MOVE A LITTLE AND THEN FREEZE. I DID NOT TRY HARDER TO TURN AS I FELT THERE WAS A VERY GOOD CHANCE THE KEY WOULD BREAK AND LEAVE ME STRANDED 40 MILES FROM HOME... NO BACKUP IGNITION KEY. IGNITION KEY WORKS THE DOOR LOCKS IN THIS MODEL. WENT TO NTSTB WEB SITE AND SEARCHED FOR OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME TYPE PROBLEM. NO LUCK. WENT TO GOOGLE AND DID SAME SEARCH CHEVROLET ASTROVAN DOOR WON'T OPEN AND GOT A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT HAD NOT REACHED NTSTB.. CHEVROLET HAS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS MODEL HAS FLIP UP STEERING WHEEL, THIS WOULD NOT BE THE PROBLEM IT IS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR OLDER AND LARGER PROBLEM TO CLIMB OUT OF THE BUCKET SEAT AS THE STEERING WHEEL TRAPS YOUR LEGS WHEREAS A BENCH SEAT YOU SIMPLY SLIDE SIDEWAYS. THIS IS AN ENTRAPMENT ISSUE!!!!!! WILL SEE DEALER IN HOUR. *TR
Incident Oct 26, 2013
Service brakesFiled Aug 8, 2012
JUST BEFORE STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION THE BRAKE PEDAL LIFTED SLIGHTLY. THERE WAS A MOANING SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE VAN DRIFTED INTO THE CROSSWALK ( LOST BRAKING ). I THREW IT INTO REVERSE TO STOP. AFTER REPLACING THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, HYDRO BOOSTER, POWER STEERING PUMP AND GEAR AND HOSES, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON AN ON-LINE FORUM WHO SUGGESTED DISABLING THE ABS BY PULLING THE FUSE. PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY WENT AWAY WHEN ANTI -LOCK BRAKE WAS DISABLED. *TR
Incident Jul 11, 2012
SteeringFiled Jul 1, 2011
I OWN A 1997 CHEVY ASTRO VAN WITH 151K MILES. SUNDAY, THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. WHEN IT DID SO, THE BRAKES TURNED MUSHY WITH LITTLE BRAKING POWER. WE WERE LUCKY AS WE HAD JUST COME DOWN A STEEP DRIVEWAY. IF THEY HAD FAILED THEN OUR CHOICES WOULD HAVE BEEN TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF A CAR IF WE COULD HAVE TURNED, RUN INTO A GROUP OF PEOPLE AND THEN CONTINUED DOWN A STEEP HILL INTO BRUSH AND FOREST WITH LIKELY CASUALTIES. LUCKILY, WE HAD JUST STARTED UP TO LEAVE AND NOTICED THE PROBLEM. WE SHUT DOWN AND THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN A PART. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD US THAT TO THIS DAY, MANY CHEVY VANS AND TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME SYSTEM WHERE THE POWER STEERING PUMP ACTS AS A BOOSTER PUMP FOR THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THAT LACK OF INDEPENDENCE BETWEEN THE TWO SYSTEMS IS AN ENGINEERING ERROR AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. *TR
Incident Jun 26, 2011
StructureFiled Jan 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE CHANGING ONE OF THE TIRES THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CABLE WHICH HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING HIS OWNS REPAIR TO REPLACE THE CABLE, IT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Incident May 11, 2010
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO MINIVAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED, CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER ID: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK) BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VEHICLE AS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 346,000.
Incident Dec 27, 2010
Electrical system, equipmentFiled Jun 29, 2010
1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL ISSUES WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ODOMETER LIGHT WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AND THE AIR CONDTIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING, WHICH MADE CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT. *JB
Incident Jan 1, 1901
Electrical systemFiled Jun 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOMETER AND OTHER UNKNOWN LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THERE WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO ADDITIONAL MECHANICS WHICH ADVISED THE CONTACT OF THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT INFORMED THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/06/10*JB
Incident Jun 7, 2010
Show the 50 most recentShow fewer
Seat belts1 injuredFiled Aug 2, 2008
I OWN A 1997 CHEVY ASTRO VAN CUSTOM. THE REAR SEATBELTS DO NOT WORK IN THE BACK BENCHSEAT. THEY HAVEN'T WORKED SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WE HAVE FOUGHT AND FOUGHT TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED. THE GO IN WITH A SCREWDRIVER AND POP IT AND SAY IT'S OK. IT"S NOT OK> KIDS SIT BACK THERE. OR AT LEAST THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. I CAN'T ALLOW ANYONE TO USE THOSE SEATS. I AM AFRAID TO GET SOME FROM THE JUNKYARD AND FOR 30,000. I SHOULD HAVE WORKING SEATBELTS. *TR
Incident Jun 19, 2008
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled May 15, 2008
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SUDDENLY SLOWED DUE TO AN ACCIDENT AHEAD. THE STEEL BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR BRAKES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST DURING AN EMERGENCY STOP ON HIGHWAY. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE ABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE WITH NO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES. STEERING WAS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT DURING THE STOP POSSIBLY DUE TO ABS ACTION, BUT NO WHEEL LOCK EVER OCCURRED. *TR
Incident May 1, 2008
Suspension, service brakes, hydraulicCrashFiled Nov 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT APPLY AND SHE ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT FAILURE EVER SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKES AT THE COST OF $125, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO WORK, SHE HAS TO SLAM HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THIS SOLUTION IS NOT ALWAYS GUARANTEED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,800 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01-10-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED GROSSMAN CHEVROLET REPAIRED THE CHEVY VAN AGAIN ON NOV. 30, 2007 AT THE COST OF $979. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED IN 2005 SHE REAR ENDED A VEHICLE AT 5MPH BECAUSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, REPAIRED FRONT COVER GASKET, REPLACED FRONT PINION, AND REPLACED SERPENTINE BELT. UPDATED 12/31/07 *TR
Incident Jul 29, 1997
Electrical systemFiled May 12, 2007
AUXILIARY AIR CONDITIONR (A/C) REAR SWITCH FAILED/ MELTED/ SMOKED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IN 4 YEARS. WENT TO THE JUNK YARD, AND FOUND THET 5 OF 5 ASTRO VANS WITH THIS TYPE SWITCH ALSO WERE MELTED/BURNED. NO APPEARENT DEFECT WITH REAR BLOWER MOTOR THAT WOULD PULL EXCESSIVE AMPS. *AK
Incident May 7, 2007
SeatsFiled Jul 1, 2005
VEHICLE INVOLVED 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO 1. SEAT RECLINER WAS BEING USED WHEN THE HANDLE BROKE OFF. THE SEAT REMAINED IN THE POSITION ESTABLISHED WHEN THE HANDLE BROKE. STARTED DRIVING THE VAN AND SUDDENLY THE SEAT BACK WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO HANG ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE DID WANDER INTO THE LEFT LANE DURING THE INCIDENT. 2. I INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE AND FOUND THE PLASTIC HANDLE WAS INTACT, HOWEVER THE METAL PIVOT PIECE THAT ENGAGES THE SERRATED LOCKING PLATE FAILED. THIS PIVOT PIECE ALSO CONTAINS THE TORSION SPRING THAT LOCKS THE PLATE WHEN THE HANDLE IS NOT BEING ACTUATED. THE DESIGN IS NOT INTRINSICLY SAFE IN THAT THE LOCKING PLATE IS PUSHED UPWARD BY THE SPRING TO SECURE THE SEAT. AS LONG AS THERE IS PRESSURE ON THE SEAT THE MECHANISM WILL STAY ENGAGED. WITHOUT A LOAD ON THE SEAT, THE LOCKING PLATE CAN DROP FREE DUE TO GRAVITY AND THE SEAT WILL RECLINE BACKWARD TO THE FULL FLAT POSITION. EXAMINATION OF THE PIVOT PIECE APPEARS TO SHOW A CRACK STARTED WHERE THE SPRING IS SECURED AND THE CRACK PROPOGATED THROUGH THE PIECE DUE TO FATIQUE AND VIBRATION UNTIL FAILURE OCCURRED. 3. THE SEAT WAS LOCKED INTO A PERMANENT POSITION USING HIGH STRENGTH FASTENERS AND EXISTING HOLES IN THE SEAT FRAME. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOCKING PLATE WAS ENGAGED AND ALSO PINNED INTO PLACE TO FURTHER SECURE THE SEAT. THE RECLINING FEATURE OF THE SEAT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I RETAINED THE BROKEN ADJUSTMENT HANDLE WITH PIVOT PIECE.
Incident Jun 6, 2005
Unknown or otherFiled Jun 8, 2005
DT: OWNER TOOK THE DEALER, ANN DAVIDS WAS THE MANAGER, THE DEALER DENIES ANY PROBLEM. THE FIRST DAY, OWNER NOTICES A DUST UNDER HOOD, THEN NOTICED THE WIRES WERE BURNT UNDERHOOD AND UNDER CAR.TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER, AND EVERYTHING WAS APPARENTLY OKAY. OWNER TRIED CRUISE CONTROL TO CHECK THE VEHICLE, WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, VEHILCE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY, THEN OWNER PULLED OFF AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. WHEN IN NEUTRAL, THE VEHILCE STARTED TO REV. THEN A BIG BANG, AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE EXAUSHT. AFTER VEHICLE COOLED, HE SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND CHECKED THE ACCELERATOR, THEN STARTED THE CAR AGAIN. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN, WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THE DRIVER WOULD PUT IT NEUTRAL. CAR WAS TAKEN BY TOW TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANAGER REPORTS ALL IF FIXED, BUT NO CRUISE CONTROL. 450 DOLLARS FOR NEW CRUISE CONTROL.
Incident Jun 8, 2005
Fuel system, otherFiled May 17, 2005
1997 ASTRO VAN. FUEL TANK ALWAYS READS FULL. RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN TRAFFIC CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I KNOW OF OTHERS WITH SAME VEHICLE WHO HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. CALLED GM AND OPENED TROUBLE TICKET. THEY SAID NO RECALLS OR BULLITENS ARE OPEN FOR THIS PROBLEM. FUEL LEVEL SENSOR ON FUEL PUMP IS BAD.
Incident May 13, 2005
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled May 15, 2005
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN RECENT ARTICLES FOR GM MODEL YEAR 2000 AND LATER. NEAR COLLISIONS WITH VEHICLES AND PROPERTY AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM IS STILL NOT CORRECTED, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM TEMPORARILY DISABLED TO MAKE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE.
Incident Sep 10, 2004
Vehicle speed controlFiled May 5, 2005
DT: WHILE TURNING A CORNER AND PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR IT BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FASTER. THE CONSUMER PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE GO FASTER. THE CONSUMER THEN PLACED HER OTHER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH MADE THE REAR TIRES SPIN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. TRIPLE A WAS AFRAID TO TOW THE VEHICLE DUE TO ACCELERATION ISSUE BUT FINALLY DECIDED TO TOW IT TO DEALER. DEALER WAS WILLING TO REPAIR UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. GMC WOULD OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. *NM
Incident Apr 8, 2005
Engine and engine cooling, power train, visibility, structure, seatsFiled Mar 29, 2005
THE CONSUMER'S 1987 AND 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS HAD FAULTY ENGINE'S.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAME LOOSE, THE REAR DOOR HATCH BROKE AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER SLIPPING AND VALVE BODY WEAR (90000 MILES). *NM
Incident Jan 1, 1901
VisibilityFiled Mar 29, 2005
CONCERNS REGARDING SAFETY RECALL NOTICES INVOLVING 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE ON MARCH 1,2003, THEN CONSUMER HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON APRIL 15,2003 AND THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM EVER SINCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. *JB
Incident Mar 1, 2005
VisibilityFiled Mar 25, 2005
BOTH FRONT POWER WINDOWS MOTORS HAVE FAILED TO FUNCTION.*AK
Incident Dec 6, 2004
Electrical systemFireFiled Mar 18, 2005
WHILE PARKING FOR 15 MINUTES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OWNER PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH AN FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *AK
Incident Mar 11, 2005
WheelsFiled Mar 15, 2005
ALL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL NUTS STRIPPED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED NO COMPLAINTS OF THAT PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED. *JB *NM
Incident Dec 7, 2004
Engine and engine coolingFiled Feb 16, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE COMMENCED TO LOSE SPEED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE MORE THEN 20-25 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR/ EGR VALVE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTIONED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR/ EGR VALVE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MELTED DOWN. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. *TC
Incident Jan 18, 2005
Electrical systemFiled Jan 14, 2005
WITHIN MONTHS OF PURCHASE, ON APRIL, 2003, THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN. THEN THE CD PLAYER WOULD NOT EJECT THE CD'S. THE INTERMEDIATE LEVELS OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NO LONGER WORKED BY THAT WINTER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE DUE TO IT DISCHARGING, I HAVE JUMPED THE VAN AND PLACED THE BATTERIES ON CHARGERS, ONLY TO BE DEAD AGAIN AFTER A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE REPLACED THE CONNECTORS AS WELL IN HOPES THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT TO NO AVAIL. NOW THE REAR HEATER DOES NOT WORK. *JB
Incident Oct 1, 2003
Fuel system, otherFiled Dec 27, 2004
FUEL GAUGE READS FULL ALL THE TIME. I REALIZE THAT IT IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS OTHER THINGS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER THE WARRENTY RAN OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VECHICALS AND NOT WITH JUST THE ASTRO VANS. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT PEOPLE NORMALY JUST USE THERE TRIP ODOMETER. THE REASON I WAS GIVEN WAS THAT IT WAS A $500 FIX. I KNOW 5 OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE OR HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. MOST JUST GET BY UNTIL THEY GET RID OF THE VECHICAL.*AK
Incident Oct 3, 2000
Latches/locks/linkagesFiled Dec 7, 2004
ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Incident Nov 21, 2004
TiresFiled Sep 15, 2004
AFTER PURCHASING TIRES AND PLACING THEM ON THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT FROM THE INSIDE. NEXT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BUCKLE, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONSUMER DROVE TO A TIRE SHOP AND THE OTHER TWO TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. *JB
Incident Sep 1, 2004
Service brakes, hydraulic, power train, visibility, equipmentFiled Sep 13, 2004
BRAKE PROBLEMS ON 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED THAT MORE BRAKE WORK WAS NEEDED. THE BRAKES HAD RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED, THE A/C WAS NOT BLOWING COLD AND THERE WAS A HEATING CONCERN. *SC THE REAR AXLE SEALS AND DIFFERENTIAL GASKETS WERE LEAKING.. *JB
Incident Jul 2, 2003
Vehicle speed controlFiled Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR CABLE SHREDDED. THE SECOND TIME THE GUIDES BROKE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 90 MPH. THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE CONSUMER APPLIED PRESSURE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND REPORTED INCIDENT TO CHEVROLET. *AK *SC
Incident Mar 29, 2004
Engine and engine cooling, equipmentFiled Aug 14, 2004
TENSIONER BELT ON MY 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN CONTINUES TO MAKE CHIRPING SOUNDS ESPECIALLY AFTER IT RAINS. TENSIONER BELT HAS BEEN CHANGED 4 TIMES AND ALLEVIATES THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY.*AK
Incident Jun 4, 2004
Electrical systemFiled Jun 17, 2004
POWER WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE HAS FAILED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 NEW BATTERIES SINCE WE PURCHASED IT 6 MONTHS AGO. SEEMS TO BE DRAINING BATTERIES AND WE ARE NOT SURE WHY. WE PUT BATTERY ON RECHARGER OVERNIGHT, BUT WITHIN HOURS OF TAKING ITOFF THE CHARGER, THE BATTERY IS DRAINED WHILE THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING.*JB
Incident Jun 17, 2004
StructureFiled Jun 5, 2004
PAINT IS PEELING AND CRACKING ON MY 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE UNDER WARRENTY THE ROOF WAS REPAINTED. SOON IT STARTED TO CRACK BUT DEALER WOULD NOT HELP. AS A OWNER OF SEVERAL GM VEHICLES I FEEL MY VAN SHOULD BE REPAINTED FOR FREE SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT OF GM. ALL I AM ASKING FOR IS FOR GM TO PAY TO HAVE MY VAN FULLY REPAINTED. THANK YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. ANTHONY O. HOOPER. *AK
Incident Jun 4, 2004
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jun 4, 2004
CAR BEGAN TO IDLE VERY HIGH THEN BEGAN TO DRIVE ITSELF. BRAKES HAD TO BE USED AT ALL TIMES DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE UNTIL VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO MECHANIC.*AK
Incident Jun 3, 2004
Fuel system, gasoline, power trainFiled Apr 27, 2004
MY VAN IS A 1997 ASTRO AND IT HAS SOME SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AFTER GOING 30-40 MILES AND STOPING AT A LIGHT IT JERKS REAL HARD AND FEELS LIKE I WAS HIT IN THE BACK I HAVE TOOK IT 3 TIMES TO GET FIXED AND IT STILL DOES IT THE SERVICE INGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT STARTS DOING IT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHEAT WRONG THEY JUST KEEP TAKEING MY MONEY AND TELLING ME ITS FIXED WHEN ITS NO IF SOME ONE COULD TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT 900.00$ THE DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR WENT OUT THE IDLER ARMS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED BRAKES KEEP WEARING DOWN ...PLEASE SOME ONE CONTACT ME.*AK
Incident Jan 8, 1999
VisibilityFiled Apr 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM THE VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. *NM
Incident Mar 11, 2004
VisibilityFiled Mar 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM THE VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Incident Mar 11, 2004
Service brakes, hydraulic, power trainFiled Mar 5, 2004
LTR FM JAMS M. CLARK (MD) RE THE DEFECTIVE 4L60 ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 4 SPEED TRANSMISSION W/OVERDRIVE IN HIS 1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN, REPLY IN DUPLICATE ATTN DENISE NOOE/ANNAPOLIS OFC. *PH THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FULL BRAKE REPLACEMENT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. *JB (1997 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE CONVERSION VAN)
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Mar 3, 2004
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FUEL INDICATOR READ FULL WHEN THE FUEL TANK LEVEL WAS LOW. *AK
Vehicle speed controlFiled Feb 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Incident Feb 24, 2004
VisibilityFiled Dec 24, 2003
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOUND DEFECTIVE.*MR THE WIPER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THE WIPER MOTORS. *PH *NM
Incident Jan 18, 2003
VisibilityFiled Dec 15, 2003
WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED WORKING ON BOTH SIDES.*AK
Incident Sep 4, 2003
SuspensionFiled Dec 11, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH REAR END FAILED, AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
Incident Dec 9, 2003
StructureFiled Aug 11, 2003
DOOR HANDLE ON REAR DOOR HAS BROKEN. *NLM
Incident Nov 1, 2002
TiresFiled Jul 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 60-62 MPH REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. 4 TIRES WERE REPLACED ON 07-02-03. *AK
Incident Jul 20, 2003
Vehicle speed controlFiled Jul 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK AND THEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH. CONSUMER SHUT OFF IGNITION TO STOP VEHICLE. MECHANIC DETERMINED A PLATE INSIDE THROTTLE BODY HAD TWO RIVETS THAT CAME LOOSE AND GOT STUCK.*AK
Incident Jun 26, 2003
EquipmentFiled Jul 17, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHEN AIR CONDITONER IS SET ON MAXIMUM AIR COMES OUT OF DEFROSTER INSTEAD OF ALL THE OTHER AIR DUCKS. IT'S INTERMITTENT.*AK
VisibilityFiled Jun 30, 2003
POWER WINDOW MOTOR (PASSENGER SIDE) IS INOPERABLE. REPLACED POWER WINDOW MOTOR ON DRIVER SIDE 12/02. SECOND MOTOR TO FAIL IN SIX MONTH PERIOD. *AK
Incident Jun 28, 2003
Unknown or otherFiled Jun 25, 2003
THE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR AND CONNECTS TO THE REAR EVAPORATOR, COMPRESSION SUCTION, DISCHARGE JUNCTION BLOCK AND CONDENSER SITS AGAINST THE BELL HOUSING OF THE TRANSMISSION. DUE TO VIBRATION IT HAS WORN A HOLE IN THE LINE CAUSING THE REFRIGERANT TO LEAK AT A RAPID RATE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE HAD A MECHANIC AND A HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM TECHNICIAN LOOK AT IT WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IT IS AN ONGOING PROCESS OF CHARGING THE SYSTEM EVERY 3 TO 4 DAYS WHICH IS TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE. *NLM
Incident Jun 22, 2003
NHTSA crash ratings
1997 Chevrolet Astro 4x2
- Front, driver
- 3 out of 5 stars
- Front, passenger
- 3 out of 5 stars
- Side, front seat
- Not Rated
- Side, rear seat
- Not Rated
- Rollover
- Not Rated
Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.
Decode a 1997 Chevrolet Astro VIN
Get the exact trim, engine, transmission, plant and safety equipment for one specific car.