RoadVitals

1999 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.
133
Latest Dec 17, 2014
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.
4
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.
20
20 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 133 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Astro, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and transmission categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 82 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

4 campaigns cover this model year

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

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

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

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

Suspension
Filed Dec 17, 2014

WHILE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED OFF DROPPING THE FRONT END TO THE GROUND. *TR

NHTSA ID
10666969
Incident
Nov 19, 2014
Mileage
251,470 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2014

I HAVE 2- CHEVY ASTRO VANS. 1-1998, 1-1999. THE 1999 HAS CORRODED BRAKE LINES AND GAS LINES. THE MAIN BRAKE LINES ARE CORRODED INTO. I WAS COMING BACK FROM A LONG TRIP YESTERDAY AND I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE SOFT. WHEN I GOT HOME UPON INSPECTION I CHECKED THE BREAK FLUID AND IT WAS LOW. I FILLED IT. I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FLUID BY THE BACK TIRE. AND LOOKED, I DISCOVERED ALL OF THE BRAKE AND GAS LINES WERE EAT UP WITH CORROSION. GM NEEDS TO TAKE THIS AS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND FIX IT IMMEDIATELY. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED , OR I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF THE BRAKES FAILED TO HOLD. I INSPECTED THE 1998 ASTRO VAN TO SEE IF IT HAD A PROBLEM TO. AND UPON DOING SO DISCOVERED IT IS FINE, NO PROBLEMS. I HAVE PICS OF BOTH VANS THE PICS WILL SHOW THAT MY STATEMENT IS TRUE. I BOUGHT THE 1999 VAN (THE ONE WITH CORRODED LINES) IN THE STATE OF OHIO. AND I BOUGHT THE 1998 VAN IN ALABAMA.I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS IS, BUT I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A FAULTY GM PRODUCT WITH CORROSIVE BRAKE AND GAS LINES. I AM VERY THANKFUL I DISCOVERED THIS BEFORE TRAGEDY HAPPENED. THIS IS A POTENTIAL DEADLY PROBLEM, AND GM NEEDS TO RESOLVE THIS BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE, NOT AFTER. ANY HELP WITH GETTING THIS RESOLVED IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! I JUST WANT TO LET UNSUSPECTING GM OWNERS KNOW ABOUT THIS DANGER! *TR

NHTSA ID
10609436
Incident
Jul 8, 2014
Mileage
200,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 3, 2014
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT STATING THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO ON ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10566809
Incident
Feb 27, 2014
Mileage
230,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 11, 2011

HAD CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED PRIOR TO ENTERING A REDUCED SPEED AREA AND IT FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. AFTER DEPARTING THE REDUCED SPEED AREA, I ENGAGED THE RESUME FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED PAST THE SET SPEED AND KEPT SPEEDING UP. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITH BRAKES ALTHOUGH THEY GOT VERY HOT AND SMOKED SEVERELY. ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, AS WELL AS TURNING OFF AND REMOVING THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER SUCCESSFULLY STOPPING THE VEHICLE, I CONTINUED ATTEMPTS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT ANY ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE RESULTED IN IMMEDIATE RACING OF THE ENGINE. I EXAMINED THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND DISCOVERED THAT FUSE NUMBER 6 WAS LABELED "CRUISE MODULE, CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, ELECTROMECHANICAL MIRROR". THE FUSE WAS REMOVED BUT THE ENGINE RACED UPON ATTEMPTING TO START IT. I THEN DISCOVERED THAT FUSE NUMBER 18 WAS LABELED "VCM-IGN 3, VCM-BRAKE, 4WAL, CRUISE STEPPER MOTOR SIGNAL". UPON REMOVING THIS FUSE, I WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE, AND IT REMAINED IN NORMAL PARAMETERS. I DID NOTICE THAT THE ANTILOCK LIGHT WAS ON, BUT BELIEVE THIS IS RELATED TO THE VCM-BRAKE LABEL ON THE CIRCUIT BREAKER. I WAS THEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME, AND WILL BE CONTACTING THE REPAIR SHOP TO DISABLE/REMOVE THE CRUISE STEPPER MOTOR, AS I REFUSE TO CHANCE ANOTHER UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10439322
Incident
Dec 11, 2011
Mileage
103,412 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASS LOCK MODULE THAT TURNED OFF THE GAS TO THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WOULD START UP BRIEFLY BUT THEN SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

NHTSA ID
10358308
Incident
May 11, 2008
Mileage
110,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 4, 2010
Crash reported2 injuries reported

AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN APPROX. 50 MPH HEAD-ON CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10347238
Incident
Aug 3, 2010
Mileage
133,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 28, 2009

WILL NOT START WHEN WEATHER IS DAMP. WILL TAKE 3 OR 4 DAYS TO DRY OUT BEFORE STARTING AGAIN. NO MECHANIC HAS BEEN ABLE TO PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. TOWED TO SHOP VAN SITS INSIDE THE BAY DRIES OUT AND STARTS WITHIN 2-3 HOURS. HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT GETS DAMP. 10 YEARS BEEN DOING THE SAMETHING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10297104
Incident
Dec 25, 2009
Electrical
Filed Feb 24, 2008

ANTI THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM FAILURE. LOCKS OWNER OUT FROM STARTING VEHICLE IN WET WEATHER. BAD PLACEMENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEM PLACED UNDER BATTERY. CORROSION OF SECURITY SYSTEMS COMMUNICATIONS WIRING CAUSED LOCK OUT AND CAR WILL NOT START. *TR

NHTSA ID
10218981
Incident
Jul 28, 2007
Mileage
97,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

23-NA-144

SERVICE BRAKES

This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.

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.

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
1999Viewing1334054.3
19982416054.3
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.