2002 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 2002 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
- Brakes2426.4%
- Electrical1314.3%
- Seat belts88.8%
- Driver assistance77.7%
- Steering77.7%
- Body & structure55.5%
- Visibility55.5%
- Tires & wheels55.5%
- Airbags44.4%
- Transmission44.4%
- Engine33.3%
- Exterior lighting22.2%
- Powertrain (other)22.2%
- Other / unspecified11.1%
- Fuel system11.1%
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
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
VEHICLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO EVERY SYSTEM THAT IS CONTROLLED BY THE IGNITION BEING TURNED ON. DRIVER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A U-TURN AROUND A CURBING ISLAND IN THE DIVIDED TRAFFIC ROAD WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL WAS INTERRUPTED WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT. CONDITION CAUSED STEERING TO BECOME DIFFICULT, BRAKE PEDAL WENT CLEAR TO THE FLOOR, AIR CONDITIONING AND RADIO AND HEADLIGHTS ALL WENT OFF. CONDITION WAS REPEATABLE WITH EXCEPTION OF BRAKE PEDAL, EACH TIME STEERING WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT. INSPECTION UNDER VEHICLE FOUND THAT MAIN POWER CABLE IS ROUTED ACROSS FRONT SIDE OF MAIN FRAME MOTOR MOUNT MEMBER. THERE WAS A SLIGHT CURVE IN THE WAY THE WIRE WAS ROUTED AND EACH TIME THE STEERING WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT, THE INNER TIE ROD END FOR THE RIGHT WHEEL CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE WIRE HARNESS. AFTER MANY MILES, THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND THEN THE ACTUAL WIRE INSULATION WAS RUBBED THROUGH. THIS CAUSED A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND THROUGH THE STEERING PARTS OF ALL (SWITCHED WHILE RUNNING) ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY TAPING THE WIRE INSULATION, THEN TAPING THE PROTECTIVE COVERING. I THEN HAD TO FABRICATE A BRACKET TO SCREW TO THE STEEL CRUMPLE MEMBER TO HOLD THE HARNESS BACK FROM THE STEERING LINKAGE. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. HE STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS EXTEND AROUND HIS BODY, BUT FALL TO FASTEN. DURING SUDDEN STOPS, THE SEAT BELT WOULD EXTEND UNTIL IT RAN OUT OF SLACK, BUT FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESTRAINT. GENERAL MOTORS ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE COST FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE $200. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,300. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN RESERVE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
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
2002 CHEVY ASTRO VAN IDLER ARM PULLED THROUGH THE FRAME OF THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION RESULTING IN PARTIAL STEERING FAILURE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2009. UPON INSPECTION BY HALLEEN CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPARTMENT IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NOT ONLY HAD THE FRONT RIGHT IDLER ARM BROKEN THROUGH THE FRAME BUT THE FRONT LEFT IDLER ARM WAS ALSO IN DANGER OF BREAKING THROUGH. THIS WOULD RESULT IN COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENT. *TR
BACK DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF THE VAN CANNOT GET IN THE BACK OF THE 2002 ASTRO VAN. *TR
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
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
RECENTLY I TOOK MY VAN TO A DEALER BECAUSE THE KNOB ON THE A/C FAN MELTED OFF IT COST 600 DLRS IN REPAIRS THE HVAC KNOB HAD MELTED OFF ALSO THE CONNECTOR AND RESISTOR HAD BURNED OUT . THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED TOGETHER. NO FUSE BLEW TO PREVENT HIS FORM HAPPENING WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THIS TO OCCUR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE DASH WHILE I WAS DRIVING RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL I MISSED OR IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME CONCERN CHEVY OWNER. *TR
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
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO EQUIPPED WITH GREMAX MAX 5000 TIRES (N/A), SIZE 215/75R15 AND THE DOT WAS JEHKDVP2312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,057.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
HIGH SPEED CAR ACCIDENT ON 1/3/07 DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, BELT DID NOT LOCK UPON HARD BRAKING OR UPON CAR CRASH I HIT MY CHEST ON STEERING WHEEL AND MY KNEES ON DASHBOARD, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. *JB
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
DRIVING ON 3 LANE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH WHEN TRANSMISSION FAILED(SUN GEAR SHELL IN 4L60E TRANSMISSION). EARLY AM WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC SO WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SHOULDER SAFELY. TOWED TO EXIT. HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION VERY LUCKY THAT TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AS ALL DRIVE POWER WAS LOST. *TR
4L60E TRANSMISSION SUN GEAR ON 2002 CHEVY ASTRO FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, SHRED EVERYTHING IN TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION SHOP SAYS GM KNEW PART WAS FAULTY BUT DID NOT ISSUE ANY RECALLS. THERE WERE NO NOTICEABLE SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO FAILING. FLUID WAS FLUSHED AND CHANGED LESS THAT A YEAR BEFORE. *TR
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
I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS TWO LANES OF ON COMING TRAFFIC (SPEED LIMIT 55 MPH). I PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE VAN MOVED INTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC LANES AND THE ENGINE DIED. CARS HAD TO QUICKLY APPLY BREAKS TO AVOID HITTING MY VAN. IT TOOK ABOUT 20 SECONDS TO GET THE VAN STARTED AND OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. THE VAN WAS TOWED INTO COURTESY CHEVROLET AND THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND ROTATOR WERE REPLACE. I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS CORRECTED. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AS THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES (OCTOBER 24, 2004 AND DECEMBER 16, 2004) WITH THE SAME TERRIFYING CONSEQUENCES WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC. I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO BE KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE WITH THIS VEHICLE STALLING IN ON COMING TRAFFIC.*AK
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN THE MORNING, THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE DISC, ROTORS AND SHOES. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE SYSTEM OVERHEATED, AND A BURNING ODOR FILLED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THE BRAKES STARTED TO PULSATE AGAIN WHILE GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE BETWEEN SHIFTS AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND SHIFTED ERRATICALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD BREAK UP ON A SLIGHT ACCELERATION DUE TO THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE ROTOR BEING CORRODED. *SC *JB
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 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
HAZARD LIGHTS STOP WORKING AND CAUSES THE TRAILER LIGHTS NOT TO WORK( NO LEFT TURN, RIGHT TURN OR BRAKES TO TRAILER HARNESS). SIGNALS AND BRAKES ON VAN WORKS OKAY BUT NO HAZARDS. *TR
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
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN THE MORNING, THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE DISC, ROTORS AND SHOES. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE SYSTEM OVERHEATED, AND A BURNING ODOR FILLED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THE BRAKES STARTED TO PULSATE AGAIN WHILE GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE BETWEEN SHIFTS AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND SHIFTED ERRATICALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD BREAK UP ON A SLIGHT ACCELERATION DUE TO THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE ROTOR BEING CORRODED. *SC *JB
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE SHIFT LEVER DID NOT GO INTO ANY OTHER GEAR UNLESS EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECENTLY I TOOK MY VAN TO A DEALER BECAUSE THE KNOB ON THE A/C FAN MELTED OFF IT COST 600 DLRS IN REPAIRS THE HVAC KNOB HAD MELTED OFF ALSO THE CONNECTOR AND RESISTOR HAD BURNED OUT . THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED TOGETHER. NO FUSE BLEW TO PREVENT HIS FORM HAPPENING WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THIS TO OCCUR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE DASH WHILE I WAS DRIVING RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL I MISSED OR IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME CONCERN CHEVY OWNER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2002 ASTRO VAN HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPT. AT RON CARTER IN ALVIN TEXAS 11 TIMES, 7 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE STEERING. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS 5 TIMES, THE LIGHT FLASHING AND THE LOCKS CLICKING CONSTANTLY. THE BACK DOOR BROKE TWICE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE FUEL PUMP FAILING AND NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS, WELL THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED, BUT NOW IS ACTING UP AGAIN, I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND NEED A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN WITH MY KIDS.*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 .