1994 Chevrolet Astro

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 328 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Astro years to avoid: 2.4× the complaints of a typical Astro year. Which Chevrolet Astro years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
120,000 milesMedian miles at failure

33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Chevrolet Astro problems

91 of the 328 complaints (28%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes66
1201
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor37
100
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer34
000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar31
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags20
19020
Suspension › Front6
103
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes6
101
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner6
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring5
000
Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment5
000

1994 Chevrolet Astro brakes problems

28% of all complaints

91 of the 328 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks23% · 21
  • vibrates or shakes5% · 5
  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 4

Share of the 91 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
140,000 mi
median of 3 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
20 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
17 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“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”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 12, 2004
“Windshield wipers either do not work when turned on or fail while driving. Anti-lock brakes fail when using on rough road surfaces.engine makes loud rapping noises then runs very bad / stalls/ shakes.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 16, 2000

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'941995: 41 complaints, 19 about the brakes1996: 27 complaints, 8 about the brakes'961997: 31 complaints, 12 about the brakes1998: 37 complaints, 11 about the brakes'981999: 68 complaints, 20 about the brakes2000: 40 complaints, 10 about the brakes'002001: 21 complaints, 4 about the brakes2002: 14 complaints, 2 about the brakes'022003: 23 complaints, 1 about the brakes2004: 12 complaints, 2 about the brakes'042005: 7 complaints, 1 about the brakes2006: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'062007: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2008: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes'082009: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes'102011: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakesRecall 94V087000 (equipment)Recall 94V177000 (seats)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E041000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation RQ99003
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 Astro peaked in 1999, with 68 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 28% of the complaints. In 2011 owners filed 1 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E049000
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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 1994 Astro.

WINDSHIELD WIPERRecall query RQ99003Closed
Opened Mar 8, 1999Closed May 31, 2002visibility

Technical service bulletins

24 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 Astro. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 4electrical system 4equipment 3transmission 3brakes 2visibility 2fuel system 2equipment adaptive/mobility 1
PIT-3665-AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 2010brakes

GENERAL MOTORS: ON ALL 1988-2009 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET/GMC PICKUPS, UTILITIES AND VANS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL MOVE DOWN OR SELF APPLY DURING FULL LOCK TURNS OR NEAR FULL LOCK TURNS. CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VANS; HUMMER 2 ARE INCLUDED. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE

240699Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 24, 1999brakes

SUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT

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

Tires
Filed Apr 4, 2004100,084 milesGA

I BOUGHT A SET OF 119679 FIREHAWK INDY 500 P225/70R15 TLRWLPS TIRES FROM A FIRESTONE DEALER IN WARNER ROBINS GEORGIA. THE 1ST TIME I TOOK IT TO THEM FOR BOUNCING AND THEY REPLACED 1 TIRE SAYING IT WAS CAKING,I HAVE KNOW IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A COUPLE OF THE TIRES STILL BOUNCING LIKE AN OUT OF BALANCE TIRE. I WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THEM CHECKED AGAIN SOON. IT JUST SEEMS A LITTLE STRANGE THAT I GET 4 TIRES AND AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH WHAT SEEMS LIKE ALL FOUR TIRES. IS THERE A PROCESS THAT CHECKS TIRES FOR DEFECTS ? MAKES ONE WONDER WHY FIRESTONE IS HAVING ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THERE TIRES. THANKS FOR LISTENING. WILLIAM B.COLEMAN. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Filed Mar 18, 2004150,000 milesVA

FOR ALL OF YOU 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO OWNERS AND ANY OTHERS THAT HAVE THE OLDER 4.3L VORTEC ENGINE. I HAVE THE SOLUTION TO YOUR LEGR VALVE CARBON CLOGING PROBLEM. MY 1994 EXT VAN HAS 150,000 MILES AND I HAD BEEN GETTING THE ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT PROBLEM. IT HAS DONE THIS BEFORE TO ME EVERY 6MONTHS OR SO AND I JUST PULLED OFF MY EGR VALVE, KNOCK OUT THE CARBON CHUNK THAT IS STUCK IN IT AND 20 MIN LATER IM ON MY WAY. WELL IT HAS COME BACK BAD AND IT IS CLOGING EVERY 20 MILES WITH LOTS OF CARBON CHUNKS. CHEVY TELLS ME THAT THE LOWER INTAKE NEEDS TO BE EMOVED AND BEAD BLASTED TO REMOVE THE CARBON BUILD UP. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THERE WAS A EGR RECALL THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS CLEANING IF IT HAPPENED THE 1ST 7 YEARS OR 75,000 MILES OF THE VAN. WELL THEY WONT DO IT FOR ME AND THE DEALER WANTS $500-$1000 TO DO THIS. I FANALY FOUND THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT EVERY CHEVY OWNER THAT HAS THE 4.3L VORTEC ENINGE. THIS IS CALLED THE KLEAN SCREEN. IT IS A REPLACEMENT EGR GASKET THAT HAS A HIGH TEMP SCREEN AT THE EGR INPUT OPENING THAT WILL STOP LARGE CHUNKS OF CARBON FROM ENTERING THE EGR VALVE AND WHEN IT GETS WARMED UP THE SCREEN WILL BREAK THE CHUNKS UP INTO SMALL PEICES THAT WILL PASS THE EGR POPPET. THEY COST ABOUT 13.50 EACH AT AUTO ZONE AND THE COMPANY IS NAMED TOMCO INC. WWW.TOMCO-INC.COM. IT HAS BEEN 1 WEEK SINCE I HAVE INSTALLED THE GASKET ON THE ORIGINAL EGR VALVE THAT CAME WITH THE VAN NEW 150,000 MILES AGO AND IT RUNS GREAT SO FA

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 1, 2004150,000 milesOH

WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, AND RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY. DEALER INDICATED WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT RECALLED. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Feb 20, 2004117,923 milesMN

MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED ONLY WHEN THEY FELT LIKE IT. TOOK IN TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. COST ME $125.71.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jan 15, 2004150,000 milesMN

WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON AND GO OFF INADVERTENTLY. ALSO, THE DOOR LATCHES DID NOT OPERATE CONSISTENTLY.*AK *JB *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 8, 2004130,000 milesOH

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY DURING A RAIN STORM. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *NLM *SC *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 29, 2003MI

WHILE DRIVING AT UNDETERMINED SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. CONSUMER TOWED VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 19, 2003150,000 milesCA

FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTOR DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN, I.E. INSUFFICIENT SUPPORT OF SOLDERED WIRES, LEADING TO FATIGUE CRACK OF SOLDER JOINTS, THEN FAILURE OF MOTOR OPERATION. TWO OF TWO OTHER OWNERS OF EARLY 90'S ASTROS I SPOKE TO HAD HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT, AND ONE OF THOSE HAD HEARD OF OTHERS. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Nov 28, 2003130,000 milesOH

CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 03-V-159-000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOMING INOPERABLE OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR VEHICLE BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Nov 28, 2003FL

WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH ALTERNATOR BRACKET BROKE, AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 12, 2003120,000 milesNY

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER NEVER KNOWS WHEN THE WIPERS WOULD AND WOULDN'T WORK. SHE NOTED THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN NEW YORK WINTERS. *PH *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 21, 2003WI

HAZARD; 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN FRONT WINDSHEILD WIPERS DON'T ALWAYS WORK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT RAINS AND TRYING TO DRIVE. I NOTICED THAT AFTER 1995 THEY WERE RECALLED. I THINK THEY SHOULD INCLUDE THE 1994 MODELS ALSO. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL A MAIN NUMBER. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THE MANAGER ON DUTY TO NO AVAIL. *LA

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 21, 2003IL

VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED.*MR CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR A 96 ASTRO VAN WHICH THEY NO LONGER OWN, STATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER WISHES TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS ON THE 94 ASTRO VAN THAT THEY CURRENTLY OWN THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.*TS *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 9, 2003DC

INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING A 1994 ASTRO AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*MR. THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER MOTORIST AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB *NLM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 13, 2003ME

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 27, 2003OK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 12, 2003OH

CONSUMER STATES WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY DURING USEAGE. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 7, 200370,800 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. *NLM THE WIPER MODULE WAS REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. WIPERS DIDN'T WORK FOR DAYS AT A TIME IN THE PAST MONTHS. *PH *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 24, 2003UT

CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE ROAD IS WET OR ANY AMOUNT OF SNOW AND BRAKE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 2, 2003121,525 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S LEFT REAR TIRE CAME OFF AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT LANE. NAR 07/02/2003. *MR *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 11, 2003110,000 milesNY

FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPS INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. RESTARTING REQUIRES LIGHTLY TAPPING THE MOTOR WITH THE WIPER SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION. CURRENT GM RECALL (#03023) ONLY INCLUDES 95-97 ASTROS. GM TOLD ME THEY EXPECT 94'S & 98'S TO BE INCLUDED IN RECALL IN NEAR FUTURE. OWNERS WITH VALID REPAIR RECEIPTS WILL BE REIMBURSED, ACCORDING TO MY GM CALL.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment
Filed Jun 4, 200312,500 milesIL

TIRE SIDEWALL BLOW-OUT. *MR THE RIGHT FRONT SIDEWALL HAD BLOWN OUT. THE TIRE WAS 1 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH A 2-3 INCH GASH IN A LINE FROM THE HUB TO THE OUTER TREAD IN THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL. THE DEALER REP STATED THAT THERE WAS A HISTORY OF BLOWOUTS WITH THESE TIRES. DURING AN OIL CHANGE THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE RIGHT SIDE IDLER ARM WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE IDLER ARM MAY HAVE CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO BECOME CHOPPY ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. (THE TIRE ONLY HAD 12500K MILES AT THE TIME) (FIRESTONE FT70CTUWSPS) *SCC *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 3, 200375,786 milesWA

I OWN A 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN, VIN: [XXX]. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO WORK, OFF AND ON. MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Tires
Filed May 27, 2003189,100 milesCA

THE TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 7, 2003NJ

THE CONSUMER VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS OF A RECALL. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLES VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 6, 2003UT

RECENT RECALL OF SOME 1994-1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO, SUV AND PICKUPS TO FIX FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE RECALL EXCLUDED 1994 CHEVROLET ASTRO, WHICH I OWN. MY WIPERS FAIL PERIODICALLY. WHEN I TURN THEM ON I HEAR THE MOTOR HUMMING BUT THE WIPERS DO NOT MOVE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME YEAR ASTRO AND THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE MAKE CHEVROLET CORP. INCLUDE 1994 ASTRO IN THE RECALL. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed May 6, 2003UT

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY 1994 ASTRO VAN WORK INTERMITTENTLY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 1995 - 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A 1994 MODEL. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, AT LEAST. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 7, 200370,000 milesWI

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION ALL OF THE TIME. MAY GO OFF WHILE WORKING AT ANYTIME. SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT COME ON AT ALL. WHEN YOU POUND ON THE WIPER MOTOR THEY MAY START BUT WILL QUIT AT ANYTIME. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE IDENTICAL MOTOR AND CIRCUIT BOARD AS OTHER VEHICLES WHICH WERE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 14, 200360,000 milesTN

I HAVE A COMPLAINT ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER HARNESS. I OWN A 1994 CHEVY ASTRO VAN, THE WIPER MOTOR SEEMS TO WORK ON AND OFF. I HEARD ABOUT A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON THE SAME YEAR AS MY VAN BUT IT ONLY COVERS TRUCKS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN EXTENCION TO COVER MY VEHICLE AS WELL. THE RECALL IS 98V150001

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 5, 2002TX

CARGO SIDE DOOR STICKS CLOSED. DT

Complaints 1-50 of 328, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20059200Routine
200414210Routine
200362330Routine
200270334Fatalities reported
200191310Routine
2000175230Routine
1999133420Routine
1998241670Above average
1997360770Above average
1996263710Above average
1995446764Fatalities reported
1994 — this page328631Fatalities reported
1993135540Routine
1992132562Fatalities reported
199195640Routine
199068760Routine

Compare every Astro year →

1994 Chevrolet Astro: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Chevrolet Astro a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Astro years to avoid: owners filed 328 complaints, 2.4 times as many as a typical Astro year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (28%).

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Chevrolet Astro?

The brakes: 91 of the 328 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (23%), vibrates or shakes (5%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (4%). The typical report comes at 140,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Chevrolet Astro have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 24, 2006. The largest, 06E043000, covered 88,303 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet Astro problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 120,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 140,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Chevrolet Astro?

Yes, once. RQ99003 ("WINDSHIELD WIPER") was opened Mar 8, 1999 and closed May 31, 2002.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Chevrolet Astro?

The manufacturer filed 24 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (4), the electrical system (4) and the transmission (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.