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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Chevrolet Astro recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 1,864 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Astro, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 1995 model year drew the most complaints (446), and Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Chevrolet Astro VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,864 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 1995 (446 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (385 complaints)
  • latest recall 05V099000 (reported Mar 14, 2005)
  • 178 complaints reporting a crash (9.5%)
  • 34 complaints reporting a fire (1.8%)
  • 99 complaints reporting an injury (5.3%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1995 model year has the most complaints: 446 of 1,864, or 23.9%. Next come 1997 (360) and 1996 (263). The fewest are for 2005, with 9 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Chevrolet Astro owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 1,864 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 1995 with 446. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 446 complaints44619951996: 263 complaints26319961997: 360 complaints36019971998: 241 complaints24119981999: 133 complaints13319992000: 175 complaints17520002001: 91 complaints9120012002: 70 complaints7020022003: 62 complaints6220032004: 14 complaints1420042005: 9 complaints92005
Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995446536263
199626317170
1997360237170
1998241207140
1999133182150
2000175263110
2001919120
2002707331
2003623330
2004141110
200591000
All model years1,86417834994

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Chevrolet Astro components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often, in 385 complaints (20.7% of all 1,864), followed by Visibility (301) and Suspension (208).

Components named most often in Chevrolet Astro complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Chevrolet Astro complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic38520.7%
Visibility30116.1%
Suspension20811.2%
Power Train1779.5%
Electrical System1658.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling1467.8%
Steering1427.6%
Fuel System, Gasoline1246.7%
Structure1105.9%
Vehicle Speed Control1055.6%
Air Bags1015.4%
Seat Belts784.2%
Tires663.5%
Equipment553.0%
Unknown or Other432.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Chevrolet Astro recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Astro, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. The 1996 and 1997 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 9 recall campaigns
Chevrolet Astro recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 3 campaigns1996: 4 campaigns1997: 4 campaigns1998: 3 campaigns1999: 1 campaign
2000: no campaigns2001: 1 campaign2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 05V099000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2001–2002

    On certain minivans, the multifunction switch may develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative.

    Consequence:
    The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could lead to a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge. The repair would be used in vehicles in which the hazard slider button is still movable. If a vehicle has a hazard slider button that is not movable (frozen), the entire multifunction switch will be replaced. The recall began on April 13, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 03V328000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

    Model year 2003

    Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint. If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road (salt, dirt, water, etc.) Could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint causing the joint to wear out too quickly.

    Consequence:
    The steering knuckle could separate from the lower control arm, dropping down the affected corner of the vehicle. The coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, creating a drag that would slow the vehicle. The driver could have difficulty in maintaining the directional control of the vehicle. In addition, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle if forces resulting from the wheel's dragging action were sufficient to fracture the tie rod end and upper ball joint connections. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose, resulting in lost braking performance from the front brake system. Vehicle stopping distance would increase, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on April 8, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 03V159000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model years 1995–1997

    On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 03V093000

    Reported

    Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior

    Model year 1998

    Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.

    Consequence:
    If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V123000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices

    Model years 1996–1999

    Vehicle description: mini vans. Some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "occupant crash protection." The "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally may not come on or may terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new alarm module. Owner notification began June 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V009000

    Reported

    Child Seat

    Model years 1996–1998

    Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with integrated dual child seats. Some of these vehicles may be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. If the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. If the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint would continually play out and would not lock.

    Consequence:
    These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 97V057000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other

    Model years 1996–1997

    The outboard safety belt webbing on the right-hand rear bucket seat can separate during a vehicle crash.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant would not be properly restrained and personal injury could result.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a protector on the rear seat cushion frame.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 95V175000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model year 1995

    These vehicles were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm-to-frame rear nut not tightened to the specified torque.

    Consequence:
    Low torque can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequently fatigue and break. This can result in separation of the left-hand control arm from the frame increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm-to- frame rear nut to the proper torque specification.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 94V188000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting

    Model year 1995

    The fuel lines attached to the fuel tank were not properly tightened.

    Consequence:
    These fuel lines can loosen to the point of allowing fuel to leak from the lines resulting in a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will lower the fuel tank and tighten the fuel tank lines to the proper torque value.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Chevrolet Astro questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Astro have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Astro, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 05V099000, was reported on March 14, 2005 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 1996 and 1997 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which Chevrolet Astro model year has the most complaints?

The 1995 model year, with 446 of the 1,864 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.9%). The next are 1997 (360) and 1996 (263). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Chevrolet Astro complaint?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often: 385 complaints, or 20.7% of all 1,864. Visibility (301) and Suspension (208) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Chevrolet Astro?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Chevrolet dealer.

How many Chevrolet Astro complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,864 complaints, 178 report a crash, 34 a fire, 99 at least one injury and 4 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Chevrolet models

8 models · most complaints first

The Chevrolet models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Chevrolet VIN decoder with every Chevrolet model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Chevrolet models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.