RoadVitals

2002 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.
70
Latest Oct 26, 2022
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.
3
Latest May 19, 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
4 injuries, 4 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 70 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Astro, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and seat belts categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 354 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

  • Brakes2426.4%
  • Electrical1314.3%
  • Driver assistance77.7%
  • Steering77.7%
  • Body & structure55.5%
  • Visibility55.5%
  • Tires & wheels55.5%

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

3 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

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Mar 14, 2005
77,055 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION IN THE STOP LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS BEING INOPERATIVE.
The risk: THE LOSS OF STOP LAMPS AND REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE TO THE CONTACTS AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION OF THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE REPAIR WOULD BE USED IN VEHICLES IN WHICH THE HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON IS STILL MOVABLE. IF A VEHICLE HAS A HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON THAT IS NOT MOVABLE (FROZEN), THE ENTIRE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 05013View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE04072ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION

Opened Oct 19, 2004
Closed Mar 21, 2005

IN ITS LETTER DATED MARCH 9, 2005, GM STATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REMEDY A FAULTY MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VEHICLES; SPECIFICALLY, ALL MY 2001 VEHICLES AND EARLY MY 2002 VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH AND AUGUST 2001.SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-099 FOR DETAILS.THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS.THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF THE MATERIAL AND LUBRICATION FOR THE HAZARD SWITCH CONTACTOR THAT RESULT IN INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE HAZARD SWITCH AND STUCK HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON IN OPEN (NO CONTACT) CONDITION.DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE TO THE HAZARD SWITCH CONTACTOR.IF A VEHICLE HAS A STUCK HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON, DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTSLed to recall 05V099000

Recent owner complaints

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

Driver assistance
Filed Oct 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the accelerator throttle cable fractured in the stuck open position, causing the vehicle to accelerate to approximately 100 MPH independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 258,300.

NHTSA ID
11490984
Incident
Oct 22, 2022
Mileage
258,300 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 19, 2021

GOODYEAR VIVA 3 TIRES SUFFERED STONE PUNCTURES. TIRE SIZE 215/75R15. BOUGHT TWO NEW ONES 10/5/16 AND TWO MORE NEW ONES 3/7/17. THIS VEHICLE IS INFREQUENTLY DRIVEN AND ONLY OCCASIONALLY ON COUNTY MAINTAINED GRAVEL ROADS. ONLY DROVE 18300 MILES BEFORE FIRST STONE PUNCTURE 9/27/20. SECOND STONE PUNCTURE OCCURRED WITH ONLY 12/17/20 WITH 15800 MILES ON THAT TIRE. THIRD STONE PUNCTURE OCCURRED 1/17/20 WITH 16200 MILES. DOT NUMBER MD36JK1R4116 FOR TIRES BOUGHT 13/7/17. DOT NUMBER MD36JK1R1216 FOR TIRES BOUGHT 10/5/16.

NHTSA ID
11388928
Incident
Sep 27, 2020
Airbags
Filed Oct 20, 2020

WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN.THE ALERT WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAGS ILLUMINATED. I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TOO THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MIGHT RUPTURE OR UNDERINFLATE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. AN UNDERINFLATED AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. THIS SCENARIO INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

NHTSA ID
11365408
Incident
Sep 7, 2020
Mileage
170,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 4, 2017

WHEN RAINING WIDSHIELD WIPERS DONT WORK AS DIRECTED, THEY DO WHAT THEY WANT. THEY STAY ON AFTER SHUTTING THEM OFF. AND DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK REPEATEDLY. WIPERS ALSO SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF LINE OF SIFHT INTERMITTENTLY. NEVER WORKS CORRECTLY

NHTSA ID
11012920
Incident
Aug 3, 2017
Mileage
89,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WAS MOVED AROUND THE LIGHTS WOULD FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V099000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ONLY WORKED, IF THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WAS FORCED TO ONE SIDE AND HELD IN PLACE. UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB

NHTSA ID
10871748
Incident
May 30, 2016
Brakes
Filed Apr 19, 2015

I GOT IN MY VAN TO DRIVE TO A STORE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM NEAR THE REAR TIRE. THE STEEL HARD BRAKE LINE RUNNING FROM THE ABS UNIT TO THE REAR AXLE IS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS LEAKING. THIS WAS A SUDDEN EVENT. ALSO THE FUEL LINES LOOK TO BE JUST AS BAD. I'M SURE STAINLESS STEEL LINES WOULD NOT HAVE ADDED MUCH TO THE VEHICLES COST AND WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS HAZARD AND EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10706501
Incident
Apr 19, 2015
Mileage
113,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jan 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED TO LOCK AND WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED FROM THE HOUSING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 325,000.

NHTSA ID
10678995
Incident
Jan 23, 2015
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 6, 2014

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE CAR DIED. I LOST POWER STEERING, AND I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. COME TO FIND OUT THE FUSE BOX WAS HOT AND THERE WAS A FEW FUSES THAT WERE BLOWN. I REPLACE THE BLOWN FUSES AND DROVE HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VAN, I COULDN'T GET IT START I LOOKED AT THE SAME FUSE AND THEY WERE BLOWN AGAIN. THE VAN NOW SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY TILL I FIGURE THIS OUT. BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10619259
Incident
Jul 9, 2014
Mileage
100,145 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

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.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

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
2002Viewing703157.1
2001913156.9
20001752052.9
19991334054.3
19982416054.3
19973607156.5
19962637155.0
19954467363.5
19943286160.9
19931355053.3
19921325162.6
1991956566.1
1990687667.9
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.