The 2002 Chevrolet Astro has 3 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (23 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints70filed by owners
Crashes · fires7 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths4 · 4reported in complaints
2002 Chevrolet Astro in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA recall 06E043000 · May 19, 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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).
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
NHTSA recall 05V099000 · Mar 14, 2005 · 77,055 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2002 Chevrolet Astro
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Astro 2WD (cargo)
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
Astro 2WD (passenger)
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Astro AWD (cargo)
15mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Astro AWD (passenger)
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
23
4
1
3
37,300 mi
Electrical system Alternator/generator/regulator; Ignition
13
0
1
0
94,572 mi
Seat belts Front › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly
8
2
0
3
—
Steering Hydraulic power assist › Pump; Linkages › Tie rod assembly
7
2
1
0
31,500 mi
Tires Temporary/emergency spare tire
6
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Throttle
6
0
0
0
172,777 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
6
0
0
0
54,595 mi
Structure Body › Door; Body
5
1
0
0
46,500 mi
Visibility Windshield; Power window devices and controls
4
0
0
0
—
Air bags Frontal
4
3
0
3
60,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine
3
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting Brake lights › Switch
3
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 22, 2022 · 258,300 milesVehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the accelerator throttle cable fractured in the stuck open position, causing the vehicle to accelerate to approximately 100 MPH independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 258,300.
Sep 27, 2020Tires GOODYEAR VIVA 3 TIRES SUFFERED STONE PUNCTURES. TIRE SIZE 215/75R15. BOUGHT TWO NEW ONES 10/5/16 AND TWO MORE NEW ONES 3/7/17. THIS VEHICLE IS INFREQUENTLY DRIVEN AND ONLY OCCASIONALLY ON COUNTY MAINTAINED GRAVEL ROADS. ONLY DROVE 18300 MILES BEFORE FIRST STONE PUNCTURE 9/27/20. SECOND STONE PUNCTURE OCCURRED WITH ONLY 12/17/20 WITH 15800 MILES ON THAT TIRE. THIRD STONE PUNCTURE OCCURRED 1/17/20 WITH 16200 MILES. DOT NUMBER MD36JK1R4116 FOR TIRES BOUGHT 13/7/17. DOT NUMBER MD36JK1R1216 FOR TIRES BOUGHT 10/5/16.
Sep 7, 2020 · 170,000 milesAir bags WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN.THE ALERT WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAGS ILLUMINATED. I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TOO THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MIGHT RUPTURE OR UNDERINFLATE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. AN UNDERINFLATED AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. THIS SCENARIO INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Aug 3, 2017 · 89,000 milesElectrical system WHEN RAINING WIDSHIELD WIPERS DONT WORK AS DIRECTED, THEY DO WHAT THEY WANT. THEY STAY ON AFTER SHUTTING THEM OFF. AND DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK REPEATEDLY. WIPERS ALSO SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF LINE OF SIFHT INTERMITTENTLY. NEVER WORKS CORRECTLY
May 30, 2016Exterior lighting TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WAS MOVED AROUND THE LIGHTS WOULD FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V099000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ONLY WORKED, IF THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WAS FORCED TO ONE SIDE AND HELD IN PLACE. UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB
Apr 19, 2015 · 113,000 milesService brakes I GOT IN MY VAN TO DRIVE TO A STORE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM NEAR THE REAR TIRE. THE STEEL HARD BRAKE LINE RUNNING FROM THE ABS UNIT TO THE REAR AXLE IS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS LEAKING. THIS WAS A SUDDEN EVENT. ALSO THE FUEL LINES LOOK TO BE JUST AS BAD. I'M SURE STAINLESS STEEL LINES WOULD NOT HAVE ADDED MUCH TO THE VEHICLES COST AND WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS HAZARD AND EXPENSE. *TR
Jan 23, 2015Seat belts TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED TO LOCK AND WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED FROM THE HOUSING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 325,000.
Jul 9, 2014 · 100,145 milesElectrical system I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE CAR DIED. I LOST POWER STEERING, AND I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. COME TO FIND OUT THE FUSE BOX WAS HOT AND THERE WAS A FEW FUSES THAT WERE BLOWN. I REPLACE THE BLOWN FUSES AND DROVE HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VAN, I COULDN'T GET IT START I LOOKED AT THE SAME FUSE AND THEY WERE BLOWN AGAIN. THE VAN NOW SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY TILL I FIGURE THIS OUT. BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE04072 · opened Oct 19, 2004 · closed Mar 21, 2005 · led to recall 05V099000LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION IN ITS LETTER DATED MARCH 9, 2005, GM STATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REMEDY A FAULTY MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VEHICLES; SPECIFICALLY, ALL MY 2001 VEHICLES AND EARLY MY 2002 VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH AND AUGUST 2001.SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-099 FOR DETAILS.THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS.THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF THE MATERIAL AND LUBRICATION FOR THE HAZARD SWITCH CONTACTOR THAT RESULT IN INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE HAZARD SWITCH AND STUCK HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON IN OPEN (NO CONTACT) CONDITION.DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE TO THE HAZARD SWITCH CONTACTOR.IF A VEHICLE HAS A STUCK HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON, DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE…
