RoadVitals

1998 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.
241
Latest Oct 26, 2017
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.
0
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.
27
31 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 241 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, most frequently naming the visibility, brakes and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 61 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

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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 241
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 26, 2017

WHAT IS THE REAL IS HARD TO TURN IN MY ALTERNATOR WENT OUT

NHTSA ID
11039948
Incident
Jul 29, 2017
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BEGAN TO DRIVE IN REVERSE AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHERE THEY STATED THAT FUEL LEAKED FROM THE WIRING HARNESS AND INTO THE ENGINE COMPUTER. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE COMPUTER AND THE FUEL INJECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,000.

NHTSA ID
10561879
Incident
Dec 26, 2013
Mileage
245,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 24, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10521373
Incident
Jul 1, 2012
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2012

DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND DIDN'T PROVIDE WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE BOOK STATES THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON TO INDICATE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SERVICE IS REQUIRED. MALFUNCTIONS OFTEN WILL BE INDICATED BY THE SYSTEM BEFORE ANY PROBLEM IS APPARENT. THIS SYSTEM IS ALSO DESIGNED TO ASSIST YOUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN IN CORRECTLY DIAGNOSING ANY MALFUNCTION. NONE OF THIS WORKED ON THE VAN. *KB

NHTSA ID
10452404
Incident
Jan 1, 2012
Mileage
92,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN HEAT EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING THE FAILURE, THERE WERE NO VISIBLE FLAMES OR SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,349. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ UPDATED 04/27/12

NHTSA ID
10452205
Incident
Feb 1, 2012
Mileage
92,349 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BUILT- IN DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT PROVIDE WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND CAUSED ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR ABNORMALLY. THE ENGINE MOTOR AND THE INTAKE GASKETS WOULD BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BUILT-IN DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S AGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 08-07-12 *BF

NHTSA ID
10450272
Incident
Jan 1, 2012
Mileage
92,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 1, 2011
Crash reported

1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING WEST ON IR 80 IN THE RIGHT LANE. UNIT 1 WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, OVER CORRECTED, AND WENT SPINNING 270 DEGREES AND WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE MEDIAN BARRIER. THE DRIVER CHANGED HIS STORY AND SAID HIS TIRE BLEW OUT AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0293-90)*JB UPDATED 08/11/11*LJ UPDATED 08/12/11*JB UPDATED 08/16/11

NHTSA ID
10404866
Incident
Apr 30, 2011
Fuel system
Filed May 15, 2011

I HAVE A 1998 CHEVY ASTRO VAN THAT QUALIFIES FOR A EXPIRED WARRANTY FOR GM THAT IS RELATED TO A DEFECT IN THEIR FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM THAT CAUSES THEM TO STICK OPEN OR CLOSED. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY CHEVY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS NOT PROPERLY DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC UNTIL THIS YEAR. THE BULLETIN/WARRANTY NUMBER IS: 99066E AND IT STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE COVERED NO CHARGE TO THE VEHICLE OWNER AS LONG AS IT'S WITHIN 10 YEARS OR 200,000 MILES. SO, I'M 3 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE 217,000 MILES. IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT THAT CHEVY NEVER CONTACTED ME ABOUT THIS AND I'VE HAD TO PAY FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM IN THIS VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS WITHOUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF I HAD MY FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FIXED. THESE VANS ARE KNOWN TO RUN UP TO 450,000 MILES. THE OPERATION OF MY VEHICLE IS VITAL IN THIS ECONOMY. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE THIS WARRANTY EXTENDED TO ME. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVY/GM AND THEY JUST READ THE WARRANTY BACK AND DENY ME REPAIR OR TELL ME TO GET IT FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT THERE IS A WARRANTY THAT STATES THAT THEY ARE AT FAULT AND IT'S RELATED TO FUEL DEPOSITS IN CALIFORNIA FUEL? *TR

NHTSA ID
10400943
Incident
Feb 10, 2011
Mileage
200,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT3665M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIT3665L

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT3665J

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIP4723D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

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
1998Viewing2416054.3
19973607156.5
19962637155.0
19954467363.5
19943286160.9
19931355053.3
19921325162.6
1991956566.1
1990687667.9
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.