1990 Chevrolet Astro
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Astro › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Chevrolet Astro. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1990 Chevrolet Astro. Newest first.
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 not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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).
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
Remedy
Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
The seat belts for the front and mid-ship seats did not rest on pelvis as required by fmvss 209.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Fuel return hoses may break at either crimped coupling, causing a leakage of fuel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a fuel return line separation, a fuelleak occurring in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire.
Remedy
Install a properly crimped fuel return hose.
Owner complaints
68 complaints7 involved a crash6 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
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…
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
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
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…
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
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
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
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Tires
Tire bubled to about twice normal size on about half of tire. (Tiresize: p205/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p205/75r15 )
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- 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
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
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…
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
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft pitman
Shoulder strap failed as result hit face on steering wheel. Twenty stitches. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
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
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Structure › Body
Structural failure of the transfer case, causing fluid expulsion/ driveshaft separation and loss of control. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving heard clicking noise, vehicle stopped and caught on fire. By the time fire department arrived car was totaled. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission vibration required the transmission to be overhauled . nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS failure resulted in accident. yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When applying the brakes the vehicle would not stop. After this incident the ABS warning light came on, and has stayed on since then. Dealer has to replace the ABS. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Can I request that my vehicle should be included in the current recall of chevrolet astro vans for ABS brake failure. *ak
- Seats
While driving at 35 mph, seat broke from the bottom and fell back, causing vehicle to run off the road. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
The battery & the alternator just went dead, and I had to be towed to britts tire service in bethlehem pa. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal · Vehicle speed control › Cables
Transmission failed.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Installed a 15A fuse into fuse holder for factory fog lamps and turned on factory switch and smoke came from under dash by wiring harness. When seen smoke, turned off the fog lights. No burn marks seen. Tried standard headlights, they don't work. Tried to start vehicle, no start. Battery went dead.…
Installed a 15A fuse into fuse holder for factory fog lamps and turned on factory switch and smoke came from under dash by wiring harness. When seen smoke, turned off the fog lights. No burn marks seen. Tried standard headlights, they don't work. Tried to start vehicle, no start. Battery went dead. Checked switch for headlamps. Contact points burned. Fuse did not blow when smoke happened. 15A factory spec. 15A installed. No other fuse's blew either. Took to auto electric shop. Investigating. Bryans automotive olympia, wa (360)459-7235. All other power items still appear to function. Cl model astro. 2 dr AWD. Gm needs to investigate problem! *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The owner of vehicle's wife was driving the vehicle about 30 mph in a stop and go traffic. at one point the person in front of consumer stopped, but consumer said: she had enough space in front of her to stop vehicle. when she stepped on the brake pedal to stop, vehicle kept rolling without stopping,and crashed into the front vehicle on incline hill. *ak
- Structure › Body
The paint began to "bubble" approximately one year after purchase.
- Unknown or other
The paint started to bubble about a yr after we had bought the van. Then after the paint bubbled it just peeled off. We finally sanded the hood & put primer on it, the rest of the body IS doing the same. We can't wash it without the paint coming off! Please help!!!!!
- Steering › Column
Steering wheel tilt was loose, consumer tightened it. vibration causes the bolts to come out when driving 60-65 mph. Dealer contacted and IS aware of the problem. Incident occurred three times. Then a lock washer was applied. also steering column was replaced, problem still exists. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Instrument panel/dash electrical fire
Alleged electrical fires may occur in the dash area while the subject vehicles are being operated or while parked.
- Seat back bolt breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Apv fires
Apv fires
- Brake failure
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- Brake failure
There is no summary currently available
- Sliding door hinge failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10028790General motors: on all 1988-2009 full size chevrolet/gmc pickups, utilities and vans, the brake pedal will move down or self apply during full lock turns or near full lock turns. Chevrolet astro and GMC safari vans; hummer 2 are included. Updated 5/24/11.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007244Window regulator motor does not fit.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 39304Cold engine knock.
- 37942Transmission extention seal leaks.
Every Chevrolet Astro model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.