1996 Chevrolet Van 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 1996 Chevrolet Van, 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
- Brakes1128.2%
- Engine37.7%
- Suspension37.7%
- Transmission37.7%
- Interior & seats37.7%
- Body & structure37.7%
- Fuel system37.7%
- Electrical25.1%
- Steering25.1%
- Visibility12.6%
- Exterior lighting12.6%
- Other / unspecified12.6%
- Powertrain (other)12.6%
- Seat belts12.6%
- Airbags12.6%
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
PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON JULY 29, 2001, THERE IS MINIMUM OF NINE DOCUMENTED SERVICE REPORTS WITH THE DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 1997. TO DATE, THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE IS SEVERE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEEL VIBRATION UPON QUICK OR HEAVY APPLIANCE OF BRAKES. THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT WORK AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY FROM THE BEGINNING; THUS, THE FRONT BRAKES MUST HANDLE THE LOAD. THE FRONT BRAKE LINING MUST BE REPLACE EVERY SIX MONTHS. THE BACK BRAKE LINING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONLY ONCE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RECENT BRAKE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE ROTARS RUSTING AND SPLITTING IN HALF (A FIRST THEY SAY). THIS OCCURRED ONLY THREE MONTHS AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKES AGAIN! THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN NOV. OF 1997, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2000, THE IDLER ARMS (WHICH CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2000 AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001 (AGAIN AFFECTING TIRE WEAR, ALIGNMENT, ETC), TORTION BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001, ENGINE LEAK HAD TO BE ADDRESSED IN FEB. 2001. HARSH SHIFTING AND JERKING OF VEHICLE LET TO FAULTY TCC SOLENOID & HARNESS ASSY AND PINION SEAL REPLACEMENT IN APRIL 2001. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY AND TO THE OCCUPANTS. THE DEALER PERSONALLY CALLED CHEVROLET IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS A BUY BACK OR CREDIT. THEY WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL. APPARENTLY, SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST. RETAIL ON THIS VEHICLE IS $12,800. THE DEALER IS OFFERING $8,000 BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID TO SELL IT OFF HIS LOT BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO AUCTION. I AM SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR CHEVROLET'S ENGINEERING AND DEFECT PROBLEMS EITHER MONETARILY OR WITH MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. HELP!*AK
I HAVE A PREVIOUS REPORT ON THIS VEHICLE BACK IN APRIL OF 2000. THIS VAN WOULD NOT STOP WHEN I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AND I WENT INTO A HOUSE. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, WHICH I NEVER COULD BELIEVE. EVER SINCE THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKES NEVER FELT THE SAME. I HAVE RETURNED THIS VAN TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTER IN THIS WHO IS IN A WHEEL CHAIR. TWO WEEKS AGO I BROUGHT THIS VAN IN AGAIN TO BE SERVICED AND THEY SAID SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SENSOR, CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT BUT MY V AN AGAIN DID NOT STOP ON MY 1ST ATTEMPT OF APPLYING MY BRAKE. THE ANTI-LOCKE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN LIGHT IS ON THE BRAKES WORK O.K., WHEN LIGHT IS OFF THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE FOR MYSELF BUT MOST OF ALL MY FAMILY. IT IS IN THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AGAIN 4/15/01. *AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 MULTI PORT INJ 1INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET
PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON JULY 29, 2001, THERE IS MINIMUM OF NINE DOCUMENTED SERVICE REPORTS WITH THE DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 1997. TO DATE, THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE IS SEVERE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEEL VIBRATION UPON QUICK OR HEAVY APPLIANCE OF BRAKES. THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT WORK AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY FROM THE BEGINNING; THUS, THE FRONT BRAKES MUST HANDLE THE LOAD. THE FRONT BRAKE LINING MUST BE REPLACE EVERY SIX MONTHS. THE BACK BRAKE LINING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONLY ONCE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RECENT BRAKE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE ROTARS RUSTING AND SPLITTING IN HALF (A FIRST THEY SAY). THIS OCCURRED ONLY THREE MONTHS AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKES AGAIN! THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN NOV. OF 1997, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2000, THE IDLER ARMS (WHICH CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2000 AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001 (AGAIN AFFECTING TIRE WEAR, ALIGNMENT, ETC), TORTION BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001, ENGINE LEAK HAD TO BE ADDRESSED IN FEB. 2001. HARSH SHIFTING AND JERKING OF VEHICLE LET TO FAULTY TCC SOLENOID & HARNESS ASSY AND PINION SEAL REPLACEMENT IN APRIL 2001. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY AND TO THE OCCUPANTS. THE DEALER PERSONALLY CALLED CHEVROLET IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS A BUY BACK OR CREDIT. THEY WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL. APPARENTLY, SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST. RETAIL ON THIS VEHICLE IS $12,800. THE DEALER IS OFFERING $8,000 BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID TO SELL IT OFF HIS LOT BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO AUCTION. I AM SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR CHEVROLET'S ENGINEERING AND DEFECT PROBLEMS EITHER MONETARILY OR WITH MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. HELP!*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
1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY INTERSTATE 65 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSED. LUCKILY MY HUSBAND GOT THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND OFF OF THE ROAD, MY ENTIRE FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A TORSION BAR AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DESIGN PROBLEM AND THAT THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN 1997. THEREFORE WE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES AT A COST OF OVER 1,000 DOLLARS. IT IS STILL MAKING A NOISE AND I DON'T FEEL IT IS RELIABLE. *NLM
HEARD A NOISE, FELT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE FALL DOWN ON THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE, HEARD TIRE RUBBING, STOPPED VEHICLE, GOT OUT TO INSPECT. FENDER PARTS RUBBED ON TIRE, COULD NOT TURN WHEEL OR DRIVE , HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. REPLACE TORSION BAR AND RELATED PARTS.
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
WHILE PARKED WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION CHILD ACCIDENTLY PUT VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES VEEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD, AND HIT A CEMENT BEAM, INJURING PARENT WHO WAS TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON JULY 29, 2001, THERE IS MINIMUM OF NINE DOCUMENTED SERVICE REPORTS WITH THE DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 1997. TO DATE, THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE IS SEVERE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEEL VIBRATION UPON QUICK OR HEAVY APPLIANCE OF BRAKES. THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT WORK AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY FROM THE BEGINNING; THUS, THE FRONT BRAKES MUST HANDLE THE LOAD. THE FRONT BRAKE LINING MUST BE REPLACE EVERY SIX MONTHS. THE BACK BRAKE LINING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONLY ONCE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RECENT BRAKE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE ROTARS RUSTING AND SPLITTING IN HALF (A FIRST THEY SAY). THIS OCCURRED ONLY THREE MONTHS AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKES AGAIN! THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN NOV. OF 1997, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2000, THE IDLER ARMS (WHICH CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2000 AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001 (AGAIN AFFECTING TIRE WEAR, ALIGNMENT, ETC), TORTION BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001, ENGINE LEAK HAD TO BE ADDRESSED IN FEB. 2001. HARSH SHIFTING AND JERKING OF VEHICLE LET TO FAULTY TCC SOLENOID & HARNESS ASSY AND PINION SEAL REPLACEMENT IN APRIL 2001. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY AND TO THE OCCUPANTS. THE DEALER PERSONALLY CALLED CHEVROLET IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS A BUY BACK OR CREDIT. THEY WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL. APPARENTLY, SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST. RETAIL ON THIS VEHICLE IS $12,800. THE DEALER IS OFFERING $8,000 BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID TO SELL IT OFF HIS LOT BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO AUCTION. I AM SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR CHEVROLET'S ENGINEERING AND DEFECT PROBLEMS EITHER MONETARILY OR WITH MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. HELP!*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 BUCKET SEATS LOCATED IN MIDDLE OF VAN ARE LOOSE AND WOBBLY. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. *AK
FAILURE OF CLOCK SPRING LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN, CAUSED A TOTAL FAILURE IN THE HORN,/AIR BAGS, AND CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
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
I AM DISAPOINTED THAT ALL NEWER CARS ON THE ROAD TODAY ONLY COME WITH PAINTED BUMPERS.BUMPERS THAT ARE PAINTED ARE LIKE HAVING NO BUMPER AT ALL WHEN IT COMES TO MINOR COLLISIONS. BUMPERS, I BELIEVE, SHOULD BE PROTECTION FOR THE PAINTED AREAS AS WELL AS THE LIGHTS, GRILL ETC. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MANDATE THAT BUMPERS NOT BE PAINTED. SEEMS LIKE COMMON SENSE TO NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH THE MOST LIKELY AREAS TO BE DAMAGED AS PAINTED OR OTHERWISE DELICATE.PLEASE CONSIDER THIS IN YOUR EVALUATIONS AS IT WILL GREATLY REDUCE CONSUMER EXPENCES INVOLVING ACCIDENTS THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE ( ACCIDENTS UNDER 500.00). THANK YOU.*AK
THE ROOF ON THE CONVERSION VAN BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. *MJS
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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS GASOLINE SPILLING OUT OF THE FILLER NECK OF THE REAR FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE PUMP IN THE REAR TANK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL # 93V125000, PERTAINING TO THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HARNESS THAT CONNECTS THE POWER TO THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP FAILED CAUSING ARCING THAT BURNS THE CONNECTOR. THIS MELTED THE PLASTIC ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TWO FUEL PUMPS WERE INSTALLED. AFTER THE SECOND FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CONNECTOR WAS BAD.
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
FAILURE OF CLOCK SPRING LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN, CAUSED A TOTAL FAILURE IN THE HORN,/AIR BAGS, AND CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
SEAT BELTS FIT IMPROPERLY.
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
FAILURE OF CLOCK SPRING LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN, CAUSED A TOTAL FAILURE IN THE HORN,/AIR BAGS, AND CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
ABS BRAKE FAILURE; ALSO, POWER STEERING FAILURE. *AK
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 DRIVNG AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 55 MPH AND ABOVE BOTH OUTSIDE REARVIEW SIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE, CAUSING VERY POOR VISIBLITY. DEALERS ARE AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT NOTED PROBLEM IS UNFIXABLE, POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW. *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
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BLINDING TO OTHER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 10 TIMES.*AK
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
LUG NUTS SHEARED CAUSING REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF.
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
PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON JULY 29, 2001, THERE IS MINIMUM OF NINE DOCUMENTED SERVICE REPORTS WITH THE DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 1997. TO DATE, THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THERE IS SEVERE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEEL VIBRATION UPON QUICK OR HEAVY APPLIANCE OF BRAKES. THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT WORK AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY FROM THE BEGINNING; THUS, THE FRONT BRAKES MUST HANDLE THE LOAD. THE FRONT BRAKE LINING MUST BE REPLACE EVERY SIX MONTHS. THE BACK BRAKE LINING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONLY ONCE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RECENT BRAKE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE ROTARS RUSTING AND SPLITTING IN HALF (A FIRST THEY SAY). THIS OCCURRED ONLY THREE MONTHS AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKES AGAIN! THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN NOV. OF 1997, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2000, THE IDLER ARMS (WHICH CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2000 AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001 (AGAIN AFFECTING TIRE WEAR, ALIGNMENT, ETC), TORTION BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB. 2001, ENGINE LEAK HAD TO BE ADDRESSED IN FEB. 2001. HARSH SHIFTING AND JERKING OF VEHICLE LET TO FAULTY TCC SOLENOID & HARNESS ASSY AND PINION SEAL REPLACEMENT IN APRIL 2001. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY AND TO THE OCCUPANTS. THE DEALER PERSONALLY CALLED CHEVROLET IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS A BUY BACK OR CREDIT. THEY WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL. APPARENTLY, SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST. RETAIL ON THIS VEHICLE IS $12,800. THE DEALER IS OFFERING $8,000 BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID TO SELL IT OFF HIS LOT BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO AUCTION. I AM SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR CHEVROLET'S ENGINEERING AND DEFECT PROBLEMS EITHER MONETARILY OR WITH MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. HELP!*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
SEAT BELTS FIT IMPROPERLY.
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
FAILURE OF CLOCK SPRING LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN, CAUSED A TOTAL FAILURE IN THE HORN,/AIR BAGS, AND CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
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 .