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: 32 of 133 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.
Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
18 crash reports2 fire reports15 injury reports
What owners actually said
133 reports
65,000 miles · Jun 8, 2004
Power Train
1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO WITH 65000 MILES. TOWED A LIGHT TRAILER (1500 LBS) FROM COLORADO TO KANSAS, ABOUT 500 MILES. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY STARTED SHIFTING VERY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND; ONCE IT STARTED, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. ODBII CODE P1870 SET. APPARENTLY TH…
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1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO WITH 65000 MILES. TOWED A LIGHT TRAILER (1500 LBS) FROM COLORADO TO KANSAS, ABOUT 500 MILES. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY STARTED SHIFTING VERY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND; ONCE IT STARTED, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. ODBII CODE P1870 SET. APPARENTLY THE COMPUTER MONITORS SLIPPAGE IN THE TRANS AND IF IT THINKS IT'S SLIPPING TOO MUCH IT APPLIES FULL LINE PRESSURE TO THE SHIFT. HARD ON ENTIRE DRIVELINE AND DEVASTATING TO THE TRANS - WE'RE HAVING TO HAVE IT COMPLETELY REBUILT ALTHOUGH IF WE WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE VALVE BODY WHEN IT FIRST STARTED IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN OKAY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10075005
52,575 miles · Mar 15, 2004
Power Train
PURCHASED USED ASTRO VAN AND NOTED ON 2ND DAY WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE THEN TO DRIVE A LOUD CLUNK AND HARD JUMP FORWARD UNLESS YOU DELAY TAKING FOOT OFF BRAKE OR APPLYING GAS UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL THE GEAR ENGAGE (APPROX. 5-10 SECONDS). THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN BACKING UP, AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT TWICE NOW. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED CORR…
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PURCHASED USED ASTRO VAN AND NOTED ON 2ND DAY WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE THEN TO DRIVE A LOUD CLUNK AND HARD JUMP FORWARD UNLESS YOU DELAY TAKING FOOT OFF BRAKE OR APPLYING GAS UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL THE GEAR ENGAGE (APPROX. 5-10 SECONDS). THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN BACKING UP, AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT TWICE NOW. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED CORRECTLY OR REPLACED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10062221
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2004
Latches/locks/linkages
MALFUNCTIONED REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FOR A 1999 CHEVY ASTRO. NO MANUAL OVERIDE/RELEASE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE LIKE A TRUNK RELEASE LEVER ON OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS A CONCERN AS WELL AS A HAZARD IF THE ONLY OPTION TO EXIT WAS THRU THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR. IT WAS ALSO OF GREAT INCOVENIENCE TO GET A DISABLED PERSONS EQUIPME…
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MALFUNCTIONED REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FOR A 1999 CHEVY ASTRO. NO MANUAL OVERIDE/RELEASE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE LIKE A TRUNK RELEASE LEVER ON OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS A CONCERN AS WELL AS A HAZARD IF THE ONLY OPTION TO EXIT WAS THRU THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR. IT WAS ALSO OF GREAT INCOVENIENCE TO GET A DISABLED PERSONS EQUIPMENT OUT WITH THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR INOPERABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10060858
62,000 miles · Jan 22, 2004
Latches/locks/linkages
LEFT SIDE OF REAR HATCH WILL NOT UNLATCH/OPEN
NHTSA ODI #10054671
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH DOES NOT WORK. THE AIR CONDITIONER WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE REAR HEAT BLOWS COOL AIR ONLY. THE HEATER IS STUCK ON HEAT/DEFROST. THIS WAS A PROBLEM EARLIER WITH THE VAN BUT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS NOW ACTED UP AGAIN. IT STARTED AGAIN AT APPROX. THE 70,000 KM RANGE. I COULD NOT CHECK THE…
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HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH DOES NOT WORK. THE AIR CONDITIONER WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE REAR HEAT BLOWS COOL AIR ONLY. THE HEATER IS STUCK ON HEAT/DEFROST. THIS WAS A PROBLEM EARLIER WITH THE VAN BUT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS NOW ACTED UP AGAIN. IT STARTED AGAIN AT APPROX. THE 70,000 KM RANGE. I COULD NOT CHECK THE AIR AT THIS TIME SINCE IT WAS WINTER. ARE THERE ANY FIXES IN PLACE THE GM IS TAKING CARE OF. NOTE: MY ADDRESS IS NOT ALABAMA BUT THE PROVINCE IS SASKATCHEWAN. ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES ARE POOR. REAR ONE WENT AND NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE IS BROKEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10071342
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Unknown Or OtherVisibility
- THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS LOCKED MORE THAN ONCE. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALER SINCE I COULD NOT LEAVE SINCE I COULD NOT LOCK THE SIDE DOORS; A MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WHILE I ACTUALLY LOCK THE DOORS (VERY CONFUSING TO ME). HE SUGGESTED THAT I …
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- THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS LOCKED MORE THAN ONCE. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALER SINCE I COULD NOT LEAVE SINCE I COULD NOT LOCK THE SIDE DOORS; A MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WHILE I ACTUALLY LOCK THE DOORS (VERY CONFUSING TO ME). HE SUGGESTED THAT I USE A SCREWDRIVER TO MANUALLY RELEASE THE LOCKED MECHANISM ON BOTH DOORS. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO DO IT, BUT THIS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE; IN ONE INCIDENT, THE DOOR OPENED AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN (FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS ON MY LEFT). I WONDER IF OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SUCH PROBLEM WHICH I FEEL IS NOT SAFE. I NEVER TOOK THIS IN FOR CHECKING, BUT I MIGHT. - THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW OFTEN LOCKS AND I AM UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOW -- THIS HAS RESULTED IN SNOW, HAIL, STRONG WINDS FORCING ME TO STOP AND KEEP PRESSING THE BUTTON IN ORDER TO CLOSE THE WINDOW AND TO CONTINUE MY TRAVELLING. ANYONE ELSE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS? I NEVER TOOK THE CAR IN, BUT I WILL INQUIRE TO THE DEALER ABOUT IT -- HOPING THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. - THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER IN ACCELLERATION, WHICH OFTEN MADE IT DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELLING, AND MERGING LANES. THE DEALER JUST WORKED ON THE VAN LAST MAY, 2003, AS NOTED ABOVE. FORTUNATELY, THIS WILL BE A GOOD CORRECTION AND I AM JUST SORRY THAT WE HAD TO PAY FOR THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10070418
80,000 miles · Nov 28, 2003
Electrical System
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN IGNITION PROBLEM. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE PARKING. CONSUMER CALLED DEALERSHIP TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM, AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. *AK
VEHICLE BOUGHT AT THE END OF 2000, USED. EVERY SUMMER SINCE I HAVE HAD TO HAVE WIRING REPLACED IN THE ENGINE, FRONT DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AFTER 5 MONTHS, FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED 6 TIMES DO TO THE WIRING AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY DUE TO ALL OF THE EL…
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VEHICLE BOUGHT AT THE END OF 2000, USED. EVERY SUMMER SINCE I HAVE HAD TO HAVE WIRING REPLACED IN THE ENGINE, FRONT DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AFTER 5 MONTHS, FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED 6 TIMES DO TO THE WIRING AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY DUE TO ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER. HYDRAULICS ON REAR DOOR ALSO BROKEN. DISPLAY LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WANT TO AND I HAVE CONTINUALLY REPLACED FUSES. I THOUGHT AT FIRST THAT THESE WERE JUST FLUKES, BUT THEY ARE CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE. I DID TALK TO THE PREVIOUS OWNERS SON ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VAN AND HE INFORMED ME THAT HIS MOTHER RETURNED IT BECAUSE THINGS KEPT FALLING APART ON IT. I WISH I HAD BEEN INFORMED BEFORE HAND HOW MUCH TROUBLE IT WAS GOING TO BE. I LOVE CHEVORLET VEHICLES AND I STILL LIKE MY VAN IT'S JUST COSTING ME TOO MUCH IN REPAIRS. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED BEFORE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS NOW STALLING AND THE GAS GAUGE HASN'T WORKED IN YEAR. I HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH MY MILEAGE TO MAKE SURE I DON'T RUN OUT GAS. I AM GIVING THE DATE OF THE LAST INCIDENT WHEN IT WAS TOWED. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041599
79,000 miles · Sep 25, 2003
Latches/locks/linkages
THE BACK DOORS OF VEHICLE WERE STUCK AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A HANDLE THAT WOULD OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER TRIED BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DOORS OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10040700
43,000 miles · Sep 12, 2003
Tires
THE REAR LEFT TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. *JB TREAD SEPARATED WITHOUT HITTING ANY POTHOLES OR DEBRIS. BF GOODRICH WOULD ONLY COVER THE AMOUNT OF THE TREAD AND NOT THE WORKMANSHIP. *PH *JB
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 & remedy
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.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1999 Chevrolet Astro Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year