RoadVitals

1990 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.
68
Latest Apr 2, 2008
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.
7
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.
6
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.
13
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 68 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Astro, most frequently naming the brakes, interior & seats and steering categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 6 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

  • Brakes2837.8%
  • Interior & seats1317.6%
  • Steering79.5%
  • Seat belts56.8%
  • Transmission45.4%
  • Engine34.1%
  • Body & structure34.1%
  • Driver assistance22.7%

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

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

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.

PE97025ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INSTRUMENT PANEL/DASH ELECTRICAL FIRE

Opened Jun 12, 1997
Closed Nov 26, 1997

ALLEGED ELECTRICAL FIRES MAY OCCUR IN THE DASH AREA WHILE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BEING OPERATED OR WHILE PARKED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EA92022ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE

Opened Jun 24, 1992
Closed Nov 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

SEATSLed to recall 93V187000
DP92012ClosedDefect Petition

APV FIRES

Opened Jun 9, 1992
Closed Jun 25, 1992

APV FIRES

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
EA91028ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKE FAILURE

Opened Jun 10, 1991
Closed Jun 30, 1992

===

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 68
BrakesExterior lightingSeat belts+1 more
Filed Apr 2, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT QUICKLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN IN THE DIRECTION OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN SHE DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE WHEEL BEARINGS FREEZE AND THE VEHICLE STEERS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SWAY BAR FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NO INTERNAL LIGHTS, BUT THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED OCCASIONALLY, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE PLACES FOUR QUARTS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE EVERY DAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS AND SWAY BAR FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 184,583 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,083. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/15/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10223109
Incident
Feb 25, 2008
Mileage
182,083 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 19, 2004

THE DRIVER'S SEAT UNDERSIDE FRAME TRACK RUNNERS THAT ATTACH TO THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT MOTORIZED SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN ITS PROPER FUNCTION. THE RIGHT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM AN ALLUMINUM ALLOY AND THE LEFT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM A STEEL ALLOY. THE STEEL ALLOY HAS HELD UP AND MAINTAINED ITS POSITION THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. HOWEVER, THE ALLUMINUM ALLOY RUNNER ON THE LEFT UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND LOST ALL FUNCTIONALITY. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO SEVERLY LEAN TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND BACK. ALONG WITH THE CURRENT SAFTEY RECALLS ABOUT THE INTERAL FRAME OF THE SEAT DESIGN. OTHER 1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS THAT HAVE THE CURRENT PROBLEM COULD HAVE A VERY SERIOUS INJURY, IF NOT A FATALITY UPON EVEN A MODERATELY LOWSPEED COLLISION FROM ANY DIRECTION. IN 1993, WE BROUGHT THE VAN BACK TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAS ACCURED ONCE AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY, THE MANUFACTURERS PART DESIGN HAS A CLEAR DEFECT.*AK

NHTSA ID
10066507
Incident
Apr 19, 2004
Mileage
50,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 11, 2002
1 injury reported

VEHICLE WAS MODIFIED INTO A CONVERSION VAN. DRIVER'S SEAT BUSTED AND FELL BACKWARDS. *AK THE PART WHICH SUPPORTS THE BACK OF THE SEAT FAILED. *JG

NHTSA ID
8007396
Seat belts
Filed Feb 15, 2002

HAD PLACED CHILD SEAT IN VEHICLE, THREADED SEAT BELT THROUGH AND LOCKED IT. SEAT BELT FAILED TO BE CINCHED TIGHT ENOUGH TO KEEP CHILD SEAT FROM TIPPING OVER WHEN ROUNDING CORNERS.*AK

NHTSA ID
8004112
Brakes
Filed Oct 25, 2001

ABS BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE QUICKLY ENOUGH WHEN APPLIED. CAN HEAR ABS MOTOR CATCHING AND THEN RELEASING. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MANUFACTURER.*AK

NHTSA ID
898221
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 24, 2001

TIRE BUBLED TO ABOUT TWICE NORMAL SIZE ON ABOUT HALF OF TIRE. (TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )

NHTSA ID
741432
Incident
Feb 22, 2001
Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2000

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THEY CAUSED A THUMPING SOUND, AND BRAKES WOULD MOMENTARILY LOCK UP AT A STOP POSITION. ALSO, SUDDEN STOP WOULD CAUSE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AS WELL. ALL CONDITIONS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON 3-4 OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID
869096
Incident
Jan 1, 1998
Filed Jun 10, 2000

IN DRIVING AROUND TOWN I'VE NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM ON ALMOST EVERY OLDER VAN. I HAVE AN "84" PICK-UP AND I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ID
723843
Incident
Mar 17, 1997

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

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

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

376105

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

COLD ENGINE KNOCK. *TW

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
1990Viewing687667.9
1989576160.9
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.