Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that he began to drive in reverse and the speedometer failed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic where they stated that fuel leaked from the wiring harness and into the engine computer. In addition, the engine computer and the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Engine & cooling
1998 Chevrolet Astro Engine problems
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Astro's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on January 28, 2014. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine complaints
Diagnostic system was defective and didn't provide warning that the engine was overheating. The book states the service engine soon light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction. None of this worked on the van. *Kb
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro van. The contact was driving 40 mph when heat emitted inside the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that during the failure, there were no visible flames or smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 92,349. Updated 04/27/12*lj updated 04/27/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that the built- in diagnostic system was defective and did not provide warning that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the head gasket failed and caused engine coolant to leak into the motor abnormally. The engine motor and the intake gaskets would both need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact that the built-in diagnostic system was not operating due to the vehicle's age. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 92,000. Updated 08-07-12 *bf
While driving 40 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the rear. The brakes failed, and power steering malfunctioned. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer inspected the vehicle, and noticed that the belt tensioner fell off. *Ak
Request another vehicle (van/suv) and reimbursement for rental cars due to their defective vehicle. *Ph the same day the consumer purchased the vehicle he drove two blocks and the van stopped, the engine light had illuminated. The consumer walked back to car lot and the was told everything was fine that the mechanic had checked over everything completely and to just fill the vehicle up with gas. When the consumer had the vehicle inspected, it was discovered that the water pump was leaking and there was a crack in the cylinder head, also the front shocks and idler arms were replaced. *Jb
"Check engine light on the automobile never went off, when I purchased automobile from used dealer,light was on,took it to meinke, paid 2,000.00 To get serviced light still stayed on. Was told not to worry, no problem with engine, 6 months after I bought auto , blew head, with no, no , no indication that the car was even running hot.*Ak
Cannot get air throught vents in dash, all controls work properly vacuum actuator moves, there is vacuum at the swithc, no one knows the answer paint on gas door bubbling and looks like it is going to fall off transmission shifted hard into 2nd gear since we bought it ( 54000kms) finally started to slip , bought used trans and had it installed, quoted 3000.00 To rebuild, dealer was past even belief. Abs comes on when coming to a stop every time . Lf front sensor reads o mph when other sensors read movement...
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causing it to assume a skid situation, replaced sensor at 205.00 No better, does not set code in computer according to mechanic. Pulled fuse. Has had vibration in driveline since purchased no one can find anything sugeestion range from replace all u joints, did some of them no better to replace rear end. It is not possible in nova scotia to obtain a blasting permit to blow up your car even if you take precautions and hire a professional. I have never in 40 years of driving some bad stuff from old english cars to transport trucks with more miles than there are numbers, ever had this kind of problem, most things can be fixed. You have never lived until you have taken the whole dash apart on one of these, the vehicle was designed by madmen.
Lower intake manifold gasket was leaking. Dexcool antifreeze was leaking into the 3.4L engine. Replaced intake gasket.
Van shifts from 1st to 2nd realy hard. When I tried to get it repaired nothing was done except for a fluid change. The van still had the same problems. I only attemped two times because I cant aford to pay that much money and the problem to not get fixed. The air and heat only blowes out on the passenger side.
Mass airflow sensor has a short service light. This sensor began to malfunction around 52000 miles, sending a code to the obd ll system resulting in a check engine light. This is way too soon for this type of component to fail, and the component is only available through general motors dealers at a lofty price. *La
The vehicle stalled without warning, while traveling 80 mph. *Jb
Belt tensioner casing cracked/broken around mount bolt, causing loss of belt tension, power assisted steering, and power assisted braking. Throttle control pedal "sticks" and excessive pressure must be applied to overcome resistance. Brake pedal could not be depressed until excessive force was applied with both feet, occurred twice at very slow speeds while cresting a short steep incline and turning to the right to park, cause yet unknown. Dt
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Transmission has to be rebuilt due to bad shifting. Also, engine rod bearing was making a kocking sound that forced replacement. *Ak crack in cooling system had to replace seal.*Jb
Coolant leaking from radiator and vehicle overheats. Also, when applying brakes pedal gets hard, and goes all the way to the floor. Dealership is aware of problem. *Ak the hold down spring for rear brake rusted due to wet weather. *Yh
Tensioner arm housing broke off of engine block rendering vehicle undriveable. Transmission slipped between 2 & 3 & 4 gears. Replaced transmission with new gm trans. No monetary relief from gm was received.
Security light kept coming on. Then car would not start, then took to dealer ,and the fuel pump had to be changed. One week later, vehicle would not start again , changed the sensor . Two weeks later, vehicle would not start once again. Towed truck to dealer, and they took out the dash and replaced a switch. *Ak
Roblems that I have listed are only the icing on the cake. I have several other problems and such as : oil coller inlet, rear main seal, extention housing leaking.My front end alignment wanders, problems with keyless remote and factory alarm.Roof rack was improperly installed, cigarettte lighter falls out, glove box light switch defective,raido speakers not propertly installled. When tensioner failed, there was a loud noise from the front end,so I decided to get off the busy road to find out where the noise came...
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from. My steering also went out;i had my children with me on a busy road speed limit 45.I went to make a left had turn and had extreme difficulty in turning my wheel. I had to unbuckle my seatbelt; to pull on the steering wheel with all my body weight, and still couldn't make the turn, I had to back up and try to turn again.I continue to have frontend,window,fuel injection, doors not wanting to lock and unlock properly and I still continue to have these problems. I feel that this chevrolet, astro is a very unsafe vehicle to be driving. Any info you can give me on this vehicle would be greatly appericated. Thank you laurie hoekzema. *Ak
While driving at high speeds between 40-70 mph vehicle will suddenly lose all power and shut down without warning. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak
Spring loaded belt tensioner fell off of vehicle causing loss of power. Mjs
Plastic pulley on belt tensioner desentegraded causing arm to bust off engine block while traveling on interstate in middle lane. Surprised by loss of brake pedal while pulling over to emergency lane in heavy traffic! Glad my wife was not driving the van at this time. My opinion is that not only is this a cheap part , but possibly dangerous in certain conditions. Not to mention stranded 40 miles from home.
FAN BELT FAILED TWICE. *YC
TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED. *YC
OIL PAN GASKET FAILED, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. *YC
Chevrolet Astro engine complaints by year
Astro engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data