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1990 Chevrolet Astro

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Astro do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 69.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 2 of 68 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports6 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

68 reports
182,083 miles · Apr 2, 2008
Exterior LightingSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT QUICKLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN IN THE DIRECTION OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN SHE DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE WHEEL BEARINGS FREEZE AND THE VEHICLE STEERS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT QUICKLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN IN THE DIRECTION OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN SHE DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE WHEEL BEARINGS FREEZE AND THE VEHICLE STEERS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SWAY BAR FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NO INTERNAL LIGHTS, BUT THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED OCCASIONALLY, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE PLACES FOUR QUARTS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE EVERY DAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS AND SWAY BAR FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 184,583 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,083. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/15/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10223109

50,000 miles · Apr 19, 2004
Seats

THE DRIVER'S SEAT UNDERSIDE FRAME TRACK RUNNERS THAT ATTACH TO THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT MOTORIZED SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN ITS PROPER FUNCTION. THE RIGHT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM AN ALLUMINUM ALLOY AND THE LEFT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM A STEEL ALLOY. THE STEEL ALLOY HAS HELD UP AND MAINTAINED ITS POSITION THROUGHOUT …

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THE DRIVER'S SEAT UNDERSIDE FRAME TRACK RUNNERS THAT ATTACH TO THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT MOTORIZED SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN ITS PROPER FUNCTION. THE RIGHT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM AN ALLUMINUM ALLOY AND THE LEFT SIDE RUNNER WAS MADE FROM A STEEL ALLOY. THE STEEL ALLOY HAS HELD UP AND MAINTAINED ITS POSITION THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. HOWEVER, THE ALLUMINUM ALLOY RUNNER ON THE LEFT UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND LOST ALL FUNCTIONALITY. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO SEVERLY LEAN TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND BACK. ALONG WITH THE CURRENT SAFTEY RECALLS ABOUT THE INTERAL FRAME OF THE SEAT DESIGN. OTHER 1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS THAT HAVE THE CURRENT PROBLEM COULD HAVE A VERY SERIOUS INJURY, IF NOT A FATALITY UPON EVEN A MODERATELY LOWSPEED COLLISION FROM ANY DIRECTION. IN 1993, WE BROUGHT THE VAN BACK TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAS ACCURED ONCE AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY, THE MANUFACTURERS PART DESIGN HAS A CLEAR DEFECT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10066507

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2002
SeatsInjury

VEHICLE WAS MODIFIED INTO A CONVERSION VAN. DRIVER'S SEAT BUSTED AND FELL BACKWARDS. *AK THE PART WHICH SUPPORTS THE BACK OF THE SEAT FAILED. *JG

NHTSA ODI #8007396

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2002
Seat Belts

HAD PLACED CHILD SEAT IN VEHICLE, THREADED SEAT BELT THROUGH AND LOCKED IT. SEAT BELT FAILED TO BE CINCHED TIGHT ENOUGH TO KEEP CHILD SEAT FROM TIPPING OVER WHEN ROUNDING CORNERS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8004112

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE QUICKLY ENOUGH WHEN APPLIED. CAN HEAR ABS MOTOR CATCHING AND THEN RELEASING. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MANUFACTURER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #898221

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2001
Tires

TIRE BUBLED TO ABOUT TWICE NORMAL SIZE ON ABOUT HALF OF TIRE. (TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )

NHTSA ODI #741432

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THEY CAUSED A THUMPING SOUND, AND BRAKES WOULD MOMENTARILY LOCK UP AT A STOP POSITION. ALSO, SUDDEN STOP WOULD CAUSE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AS WELL. ALL CONDITIONS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON 3-4 OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #869096

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2000
Unknown Or Other

IN DRIVING AROUND TOWN I'VE NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM ON ALMOST EVERY OLDER VAN. I HAVE AN "84" PICK-UP AND I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #723843

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2000
Power Train

MY HUSBAND WAS GOING TO BACK THE VAN UP OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT WAS IN "PARK". HE STARTED THE IGNITION AND AS SOON AS THE VAN STARTED, IT BACKED UP EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN PARK. IT WENT SEVERAL FEET BEFORE MY HUSBAND HAS TO STOP IT BY SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. IF A CHILD HAD BEEN BEHIND THE VAN OR ANOTHER VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE …

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MY HUSBAND WAS GOING TO BACK THE VAN UP OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT WAS IN "PARK". HE STARTED THE IGNITION AND AS SOON AS THE VAN STARTED, IT BACKED UP EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN PARK. IT WENT SEVERAL FEET BEFORE MY HUSBAND HAS TO STOP IT BY SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. IF A CHILD HAD BEEN BEHIND THE VAN OR ANOTHER VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE "TORQUE - CONVERTER". I WILL NEVER DRIVE THE VAN AGAIN. I REALIZE THE VAN HAS HIGH MILEAGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT ANYTHING CAN GO WRONG WITH A VEHICLE THAT OLD, BUT I CAR POOL SMALL CHILDREN. IT THAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME AT SCHOOL, I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE'S CHILD. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT OUR MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT HE HAS HAD IT HAPPEN TO HIM ONE TIME. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #721509

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2000
Seat BeltsCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, HIT BLACK PIECE OF ICE, SWERVED AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT FAILED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #859762

Official recalls

4

93V187000 · Seats

Nov 16, 1993

THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF BOLT FAILURE OCCURS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT WOULDALLOW THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE, AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.

91V164000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 20, 1991

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.

Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.

91V102000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Jun 14, 1991

THE SEAT BELTS FOR THE FRONT AND MID-SHIP SEATS DID NOT REST ON PELVIS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN SEAT OCCUPANT, AND COULDINJURE THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy: RELOCATE SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS TO ADJUST BELTS FOR SEAT LOCATIONS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

6

PE97025 · Instrument Panel/dash Electrical Fire

Opened Jun 12, 1997 · Closed Nov 26, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ALLEGED ELECTRICAL FIRES MAY OCCUR IN THE DASH AREA WHILE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BEING OPERATED OR WHILE PARKED.

EA92022 · Seat Back Bolt Breakage

Opened Jun 24, 1992 · Closed Nov 19, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

There is no summary currently available

DP92012 · Apv Fires

Opened Jun 9, 1992 · Closed Jun 25, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

APV FIRES

EA91028 · Brake Failure

Opened Jun 10, 1991 · Closed Jun 30, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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PE91052 · Brake Failure

Opened Feb 22, 1991 · Closed Jun 10, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE91038 · Sliding Door Hinge Failure

Opened Jan 23, 1991 · Closed May 31, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available