1990 Chevrolet Astro Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 Chevrolet Astro, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2837.8%
- Interior & seats1317.6%
- Steering79.5%
- Seat belts56.8%
- Transmission45.4%
- Engine34.1%
- Body & structure34.1%
- Driver assistance22.7%
- Electrical22.7%
- Exterior lighting22.7%
- Tires & wheels22.7%
- Visibility11.4%
- Powertrain (other)11.4%
- Suspension11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
SHOULDER STRAP FAILED AS RESULT HIT FACE ON STEERING WHEEL. TWENTY STITCHES. *AK
STEERING WHEEL TILT WAS LOOSE, CONSUMER TIGHTENED IT. VIBRATION CAUSES THE BOLTS TO COME OUT WHEN DRIVING 60-65 MPH. DEALER CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THEN A LOCK WASHER WAS APPLIED. ALSO STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY HUSBAND WAS GOING TO BACK THE VAN UP OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT WAS IN "PARK". HE STARTED THE IGNITION AND AS SOON AS THE VAN STARTED, IT BACKED UP EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN PARK. IT WENT SEVERAL FEET BEFORE MY HUSBAND HAS TO STOP IT BY SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. IF A CHILD HAD BEEN BEHIND THE VAN OR ANOTHER VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE "TORQUE - CONVERTER". I WILL NEVER DRIVE THE VAN AGAIN. I REALIZE THE VAN HAS HIGH MILEAGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT ANYTHING CAN GO WRONG WITH A VEHICLE THAT OLD, BUT I CAR POOL SMALL CHILDREN. IT THAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME AT SCHOOL, I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE'S CHILD. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT OUR MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT HE HAS HAD IT HAPPEN TO HIM ONE TIME. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. *AK
TRANSMISSION VIBRATION REQUIRED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE OVERHAULED . NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING HEARD CLICKING NOISE, VEHICLE STOPPED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. BY THE TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED CAR WAS TOTALED. *AK
TRANSMISSION VIBRATION REQUIRED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE OVERHAULED . NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE, CAUSING FLUID EXPULSION/ DRIVESHAFT SEPARATION AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
THE PAINT BEGAN TO "BUBBLE" APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUDDEN ACCELERATION EXPERIENCED DUE TO FAULTY ACCELERATOR CABLE THROTTLE BODY.
CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS SPONTANEOUSLY. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BATTERY & THE ALTERNATOR JUST WENT DEAD, AND I HAD TO BE TOWED TO BRITTS TIRE SERVICE IN BETHLEHEM PA. *AK
THE INSIDE OF THE VAN BURNED UP WHILE BEING PARKED OVERNIGHT. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VAN TO BURN. THE VAN HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TRANSMISSION VIBRATION REQUIRED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE OVERHAULED . NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE BUBLED TO ABOUT TWICE NORMAL SIZE ON ABOUT HALF OF TIRE. (TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )
OWNER HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLER ARMS ON BOTH FRONT SIDES TWICE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, AND RUINED A NUMBER OF TIRES. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON ICY ROAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIDDLE WINDOW INPLODED INTO THE VEHICLE, CAUSING GLASS TO SHATTER ON OCCUPANTS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE, CAUSING FLUID EXPULSION/ DRIVESHAFT SEPARATION AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .