Owners filed 328 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
120000120,000 milesMedian miles at failure
33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
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.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
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.
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.
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).
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings06E041000
Filed May 18, 20067,800 vehiclesR&b, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Risk. A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
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.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint94V177000
Filed Sep 14, 1994381 vehiclesSherry Designs, Inc.
Defect. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BACK HEIGHT DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: SEAT OCCUPANTS ARE SUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDD STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy. SHERRY DESIGNS WILL PROVIDE AN ATTACHABLE HEADREST FOR THE DEALER OR CUSTOMER TO ADD TO THE SEATS.
Equipment › Other › Labels94V087000
Filed May 9, 19942,255 vehiclesExplorer Van Company
Defect. THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OWNERS OF VEHICLE WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE LOAD CAPACITY OF THE VANS, THE VAN BUILD DATE, AND WOULD NOT HAVE ANY ASSURANCE THAT THE VANS MEET THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
Remedy. THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 23, 2011162,000 milesKY
ON NOVEMBER 21ST, 2011, I WAS DRIVING MY ASTRO VAN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME APPLIED THEIR BRAKES. I ALSO APPLIED MY BRAKES, BUT MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. I ATTEMPTED 4 TIMES IN A PANICKED STATE TO TRY AND RE-APPLY MY BRAKES WITH NO SUCCESS. I STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER CONSIDERING WHAT HAD HAPPENED THAT DAY AND LOOKING AT THE BRAKE PEDAL SIZE IN THE VEHICLE IT IS NO WONDER I COULDN'T READILLY RE-APPLY THE BRAKE. I MEASURED THE BRAKE PEDAL SURFACE AREA. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 4 SQ. INCHES. I HAVE SINCE BEEN LOOKING AT OTHER VEHICLES AND THE SIZE OF THEIR BRAKE PEDAL SURFACE AREA. I HAVE YET TO DATE FOUND SUCH A SMALL BRAKE PEDAL IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VAN THOUSANDS OF MILES AND KNOW WITHOUT MUCH CONSIDERATION THE PEDALS LOCATION WITHOUT LOOKING, BUT IN A PANICED STATE I FOUND YOU LOOSE THAT REFERENCE AND IT SIMPLY COMES DOWN TO AN INCREASED OR DECREASED CHANCE OF HITTING THAT PEDAL GIVEN SURFACE AREA. *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 6, 201027,000 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT FELL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION PIN WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO FIND OUT IF THE DIFFERENTIAL COULD BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 27,000. UPDATED 01/06/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PREVIOUSLY, TRANSMISSION PAN HAD TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS LEAKING DUE TO RUST. THE CONSUMER STATED NO FURTHER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AS THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED NOT WORTH FIXING AFTER ASSESSING THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DO THE ADVANCE RUST CONDITION. UPDATED 03.02.11
Visibility
Filed Jan 14, 2010130,000 milesOH
I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY ASTRO VAN. DURING A HEAVY RAIN,WITH THE WIPERS ON HIGH THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2008100,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 50 MPH, THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET FAILED. WITHIN A THREE MONTH PERIOD, THE BRACKET HAS FAILED TWICE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO FIND A REPLACEMENT COMPONENT AT A JUNKYARD AND WAS INFORMED BY THE JUNKYARD DEALER THAT HE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REQUESTS FOR THAT PARTICULAR COMPONENT DUE TO FREQUENT FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS OVER 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 9, 2008163,951 milesKS
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TORSION BAR ON THIS 1994 CHEVY ASTRO AWD VAN. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. I HAVE DONE A SEARCH AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THE TORSION BARS FAILING WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN BOTTOMING OF THE SUSPENSION. FORTUNATELY, IT FAILED WHEN I WAS PARKED BOTH TIMES IT HAS FAILED BUT COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 11, 2008180,000 milesWI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO. BEFORE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HER VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS LAYING ON THE GROUND. SHE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. SIX YEARS AGO, THE CONTACT NEEDED TO HAVE THE TORSION BAR REPLACED AT 80,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 6, 2006126,112 milesIA
WE OWN A 1994 CHEVY ASTRO VAN. FORTUNATELY, IT WAS SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN ONE OF THE TORSION BARS BROKE, DROPPING THE VAN DOWN ONTO THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE VAN WITH OUR FAMILY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. TWO DAYS LATER, THE OTHER TORSION BAR BROKE, AGAIN IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IN LOOKING AT THE WAY THE TORSION BAR IS MOUNTED TO THE CROSS MEMBER, IT APPEARS THAT A MANUFACTURE DEFECT CREATED A PROBLEM WHERE SNOW, SALT, RAIN AND DIRT ACCUMULATED INTO THE CYLINDER SHAPED TUBE THAT THE BAR IS MOUNTED INTO, TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE TORSION BAR, MADE OF SPRING STEEL, RUSTED AND BROKE IN TWO. THE TORSION BAR IS PART OF THE SUSPENSION THAT KEEPS THE FRONT OF THE VAN UP OFF OF THE FRONT TIRES. AFTER READING SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS, IT APPEARS THAT THIS SAME DEFECT HAS CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND NEAR ACCIDENTS TO OTHER ASTRO VAN OWNERS. WHETHER REPORTED OR NOT REPORTED, THE DESIGN OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET FOR THE TORSION BAR WAS MOST LIKELY USED THIS WAY SO THE MANUFACTURED COULD USE ONE SIZE OF TORSION BAR FOR SEVERAL VEHICLES AND THEN MODIFY THE MOUNT ON EACH VEHICLE TO ACCEPT THE SAME SIZE BAR. WE HAVE PURCHASED REPLACEMENT TORSION BARS (GM PARTS) FOR $462.00 AND NEED TO ALSO PAY TO HAVE THEM INSTALLED. THE REPLACEMENT TORSION BARS ARE NOW 3 INCHES SHORTER, PROVING THAT THE MANUFACTURE BECAME AWARE THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECTED IT WITH THE REPLACEMENT PARTS - NOW WITHOUT THE EXTRA 3 INCHES OF OPEN CYLINDER TO COLLECT SALT AND SN
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 1, 2005140,000 milesIN
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE METAL BRAKE LINE HAD BURST ON THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VAN WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INCIDENT. THE LINE BROKE AS THE BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. THE CONSUMER AVOIDED A COLLISION AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER'S HUSBAND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LINES. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE. SINCE THE REPAIR, THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK (11/29/05) *SC
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 6, 200574,000 milesNC
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM ON 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WINDSHIELD FUNCTIONS FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS ON CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED GM, AND THEY REFERRED THE CONSUMER TO NHTSA. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR AROUND SIX MONTHS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT COME ON IMMEDIATELY WHEN TURNED ON. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD A DELAY REACTION WHEN THE SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FIXED TODAY.*AK *NM
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 24, 200570,000 milesMS
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING WHILE RAINING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL STOP WORKING. CONTACT STATES IF LIFTING THE HOOD AND MOVING THE MOTOR THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN. IF THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL STOP WORKING AGAIN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE, BUT CONSUMER'S SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, BUT CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE WIPERS FAIL ED TO OPERATE EACH TIME WHEN RAINING, AND NEED TO BE USED.*AK *NM
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 28, 2005UT
DT: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR 1995 CHEVORLET PICKUP. HE ALSO OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO WHICH ACTUALLY HAS THE PROBLEM THAT THE RECALL MENTIONS BUT THAT PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED. HAS BEEN HAVING THE PROBLEM OVER A YEAR. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD TO TAP IT TO KEEP IT WORKING. CONSUMER FEELS THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Mar 7, 2005140,000 milesPA
AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, LATER THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO FIND THE VEHICLE LEFT FRONT LEANING OVER. THE CONSUMER WENT UNDER THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED, THE TORSION BAR WAS BROKEN. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Jan 26, 2005102,000 milesIN
FAILURE OF LINEAR EGR VALVE ON MY 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO MINI VAN. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jan 7, 2005105,000 milesNJ
RECALL 03V159000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 9, 2004100,000 milesTX
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER MUST TURN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON AND OFF MANY TIMES TO ACTIVATE THEM. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 12, 2004CA
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY PUMPING THE BRAKES MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 6, 2004OH
CONSUMER HAD THE SAME THE PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V159000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOMING INOPERABLE AND RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 13, 200411,320 milesWA
WHILE DRIVING OR STARTING UP VEHICLE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed May 27, 2004141,700 milesKY
I WAS GOING AROUND A SHARP CURVE HEADING TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN THE STEERING WOULD NOT CORRECT. I WENT AT NO FAULT OF MINE UP BEHIND A MAILBOX HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARD A HUGE TREE AT WHICH TIME GOD ALMIGHTY HAD A HAND ON ME NO DOUBT, AND VEERED BARELY TO THE LEFT OF TREE, MAILBOX I DAMAGED WITH MIRROR WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT CROSSED LADIES DRIVEWAY, WENT UPON ANOTHER EMBANKMENT AND BACK DOWN INTO DITCH. THE TIE ROD CAME COMPLETELY OFF. *MR
Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed May 18, 2004MA
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THREE WEEKS AND ONE DAY LATER, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND DUE TO THE STABILIZER BAR. THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. *JB
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 24, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.