1997 Chevrolet Astro
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 29 |
| 1988 | 56 |
| 1989 | 58 |
| 1990 | 70 |
| 1991 | 96 |
| 1992 | 132 |
| 1993 | 135 |
| 1994 | 338 |
| 1995 | 446 |
| 1996 | 263 |
| 1997 | 360 |
| 1998 | 241 |
| 1999 | 133 |
| 2000 | 175 |
| 2001 | 91 |
| 2002 | 70 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: visibility — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: service brakes — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
JUST BEFORE STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION THE BRAKE PEDAL LIFTED SLIGHTLY. THERE WAS A MOANING SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE VAN DRIFTED INTO THE CROSSWALK ( LOST BRAKING ). I THREW IT INTO REVERSE TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120808
16% of complaints: power train — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
12% of complaints: steering — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and pump.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
*OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT* CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE. THE ENGINE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND ENGINE. *JG *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030213
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME.
Campaign 97V057000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CLU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS ON THE CHILD SEATS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CHILD SEAT.
Campaign 99V009000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 R
Campaign 01V123000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
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.
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 D
Campaign 03V159000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
Remedy: 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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Astro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V057000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V009000 (child seat) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V123000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V159000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Astro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Astro is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Astro have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.