RoadVitals

1989 Chevrolet Astro

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
57
Latest Aug 25, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest May 24, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
5 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 57 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Astro, most frequently naming the steering, seat belts and body & structure categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1320.6%
  • Seat belts914.3%
  • Body & structure57.9%
  • Brakes57.9%
  • Electrical57.9%
  • Engine57.9%
  • Interior & seats46.3%
  • Suspension46.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA92022ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE

Opened Jun 24, 1992
Closed Nov 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

SEATSLed to recall 93V187000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 57
Electrical
Filed Aug 25, 2015
Crash reported2 injuries reported1 death reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER DIED AT THE SCENE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY, MEMORY LOSS, BACK, LEFT ARM, AND LEFT LEG INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MA 10/25/15

NHTSA ID
10759138
Incident
Feb 1, 1994
Brakes
Filed Nov 2, 2011

RUSTED METAL BRAKE LINE FROM THE OE BRAKE LINE SPLICE FORWARD OF THE FUEL TANK TO THE LINE SPLITTER AT THE REAR AXEL ALLOWED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. AS THE LINE WAS REMOVED TO REPLACE, SEEPAGE ON THE RUSTED LINE TO THE LEFT BRAKE FROM THE SPLITTER WAS OBSERVED. AS A PRECAUTION, THE RIGHT REAR LINE WAS REMOVED WHICH DISINTEGRATED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10433940
Incident
Nov 10, 2010
Mileage
44,594 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 15, 2004

THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPACE AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. THE POWER STEERING BRACKET, OR BRACE, GM PART # 10045287 6.006 BROKE AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT, BELT, AND OTHER ITEMS BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND THE DEALER TOWED IT IN AND REPAIRED EVERYTHING AT NO CHARGE. SINCE THEN THE SAME BRACKET HAS CRACKED AND BROKEN FOUR OR FIVE TIMES, AND WAS REPLACED EACH TIME WITH A NEW ONE, MOST RECENTLY IN JULY OF 2004. THE PARTS DEPARTMENT ADMITS THEY SELL A LOT OF THESE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10086889
Incident
Jul 30, 2004
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jul 12, 2002
Fire reported

BRAKES WENT OUT AND STARTED ON FIRE. BAFFLES ON ENGINE EXHAUST RUSTED OUT AND LAYED ON FRAME TOUCHING STARTER MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH STARTED BRAKE FLUID ON FIRE FROM OTHER SIDE OF VEHICLE. BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY SAME TIME AS BAFFLE RUSTED OUT. MASTER CYLINDER WAS BUBBLING FROM THE HEAT AS BRAKE FLUID WAS ON FIRE. FIRE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUT OUT. BUCKETS OF WATER WOULD NOT EXTINGUISH FLAMES. ONLY A HOSE COULD REACH THAT AREA OF THE FIRE.*AK*AK

NHTSA ID
764159
Incident
Jun 15, 2002
Steering
Filed May 7, 2002

THIS IS THE FOURTH POWER STEERING PUMP WE HAVE PUT ON THE VEHICLE IN A YEAR.*AK

NHTSA ID
761652
Incident
May 5, 2002
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 30, 2001

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, RIGHT POWER SEAT MOUNT IS BROKEN. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH SEAT WILL NOT BE RETAINED. SEARCH FOR A REPLACEMENT INDICATED THAT OTHER LIKE VEHICLES ARE ALSO SUFFERING CRACKS IN THE SAME PART. THE FAILURE OF THE PART WILL CAUSE THE SEAT TO NO LONGER SUPPORT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY. MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM INDICATE THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE PART.

NHTSA ID
752750
Incident
Sep 15, 2001
Seat belts
Filed Jun 13, 2001

NONE OF THE SAT BELTS WORK. NLM

NHTSA ID
561563
Seat belts
Filed Feb 13, 2001

DRIVER/ PASSENGER/ REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERABLE. SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT IN HOUSING MECHANISM. MOST OF THE SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID
880427

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT-3665-A

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

GENERAL MOTORS: ON ALL 1988-2009 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET/GMC PICKUPS, UTILITIES AND VANS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL MOVE DOWN OR SELF APPLY DURING FULL LOCK TURNS OR NEAR FULL LOCK TURNS. CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VANS; HUMMER 2 ARE INCLUDED. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE

01667

VISIBILITY

WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR DOES NOT FIT. *TT

990730016A

POWER TRAIN

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT

467108

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION EXTENTION SEAL LEAKS. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Astro by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005920—
2004142048.0
2003623050.3
2002703157.1
2001913156.9
20001752052.9
19991334054.3
19982416054.3
19973607156.5
19962637155.0
19954467363.5
19943286160.9
19931355053.3
19921325162.6
1991956566.1
1990687667.9
1989Viewing576160.9
1988565763.5
1987295763.2
1986234665.4
1985565—
1984111—
1983010—
1976001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.