Owners have filed 345 complaints
about the 1996 Chevrolet Astro with NHTSA between 1996 and 2015.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 71
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Astro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Chevrolet Astro
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
412.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
722.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
722.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
929.0%
150,000+ miles
412.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1996peak 18Dec 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02006Opened 31 May 2002Closed 23 Jul 2003VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Recalls on the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
03V159000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
01V123000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
99V009000
CHILD SEAT
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 CLUTCH SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND COULD NOT BE USED. IF THE PAWL SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT WOULD CONTINUALLY PLAY OUT AND WOULD NOT LOCK.
Risk: THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE OCCUPANT'S RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
97V057000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003064323,584 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112 000 km from date vehicle was originally placed into service or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until March 31 2004.
Recall 200109773,459 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 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. Correction: Dealers will install a new alarm module.
Recall 199804089,752 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Vehicles may been built with the ignition coil wire too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube (M/L van only). If the coil wire is too close to these metal objects, arcing may occur and cause failure of the wires which can in turn lead to a stalling/no start condition and/or catalytic converter failures. Correction: coil wire will be repositioned to assure adequate clearance from metal brackets and/or transmission fluid fill tubes.
Recall 19970772,013 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH SEVEN PASSENGER SEATING. DYNAMIC TESTING INDICATES THAT THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING COULD SEPARATE DURING AN IMPACT. IN THE EVENT OF SEPARATION, THE OCCUPANT OF THIS SEAT COULD BE MORE SEVERELY INJURED. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Calgary, 00Crash
SUSPENSION
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT WHAT I FEEL IS/WAS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT WITH MY 1996 CHEVROLET ALL WHEEL DRIVE ASTRO VAN [XXX]. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BAR SNAPPED, COLLAPSING THE SUSPENSION, DROPPING THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE PULLING DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT, AND I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED -ABOUT 40 KM/HR IN A POSTED 50KM ZONE AS I HAD JUST ENTERED THE 4-LANE ROADWAY. I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND STEER IT TO THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY. THE LICENSED JOURNEYMAN MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE VAN INDICATED THIS WAS QUITE COMMON ON 90-96 ALL WHEEL DRIVE VANS STATING THAT THE TORSION BAR ACTUALLY RUSTS OR CORRODES AT ALMOST THE EXACT SAME SPOT (NEAR THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY) AND EVENTUALLY SNAPS COMPLETELY BREAKING THE TORSION BAR INTO 2 PIECES! WHILE HE MENTIONED IT WAS USUALLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE (MINE WAS PASSENGER SIDE) HE INDICATED GM HAD RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND ACTUALLY COMPLETELY CHANGED THE DESIGN OF BOTH THE TORSION BAR AND THE ADJUSTER MECHANISM! HOWEVER AFTER CONTACTING A COUPLE OF LOCAL GM DEALERS, THEY ALL TOLD ME WAS THAT THIS WAS NOT A PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETIN RELATED ITEM OR AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL! YET THEY ALL HAD HEARD OF IT AND JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE ALL OF THE PARTS IN STOCK TO THE TUNE OF $1000 (YOU HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES WITH THE REDESIGNED ITEMS). I FOUND IT SURPRISING THAT THEY JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE 6 TORSION BARS AND 6 ADJUSTERS IN-STOCK; WHEN I RECENTLY HAD TO SPECIAL ORDER THE REAR DOOR HANDLE THAT HAD BROKEN. I WAS TOLD THEY ONLY STOCK COMMONLY REPLACED ITEMS AT THAT TIME. THE FACT THAT IT WAS REDESIGNED TELLS ME SOMETHING. A COMPONENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO WEAR SHOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF PUBLISHED INSPECTION PROCESS, WEAR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE OR EVEN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT INTERVAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
NHTSA complaint #10071346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesKennesaw, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AT 50 MPH . UPON IMPACT, VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD, AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10046222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesClaymont, DECrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN 3 ACCIDENTS ALL WITH THE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN ANY OF THE ACCIDENTS. 2 OF THE ACCIDENTS WERE DEAD CENTER HITS. 1 ACCIDENT INVOLVED THE BUMPER. PH *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**769300
NHTSA complaint #10007520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesAllentown, PACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN MARK III CONVERSION - ACCIDENT, ABS FAILED TO CORRECT FISH TAILING, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN ON FRONTAL IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #10010669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesAllentown, PACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN MARK III CONVERSION - ACCIDENT, ABS FAILED TO CORRECT FISH TAILING, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN ON FRONTAL IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #10010669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menomonee Falls, WI1 injured
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE DROPPED, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOUNCED ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, CHILD HIT HIS HEAD ON SIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER DETERMINED THE TIE ROD BROKE ON PASSENGER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #8017977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,227 milesDover, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
PIN HOLES IN STEEL BRAKE LINES CAUSING COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. FORTUNATELY VEHICLE WAS SITTING WHEN BRAKE PETAL WAS APPLIED FOR STARTING. WHEN PRESSING BRAKE TO START VEHICLE, PETAL WENT COMPLETELY TO FLOOR. WHEN CHECKING UNDER VEHICLE TO ANALYZE PROBLEM, PIN HOLES LEAKS WERE OBSERVED IN VARIOUS PLACES FROM FRONT TO REAR IN STEEL LINES. I FEAR WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN IN MOTION, AROUND PEDESTRIANS, AND/OR, ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10816261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,059 milesVinton, VA
STEERING
I JUST GOT HOME & WAS BACKING AROUND TO WHERE I PARK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL STARTED VIBRATING. I DID MANAGE TO PARK. THE NEXT DAY THE VIBRATING STOPPED WHEN A GRATING NOISE WAS MADE. SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME WAY UP. IT DOES HAVE SOME BRAKES BUT THEY ARE HARD TO DEPRESS. SUDDENLY MY POWER STEERING IS GONE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS WITH EITHER BEFOREHAND. THIS VAN JUST PASSED INSPECTION IN MID-AUGUST, AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #10538376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,059 milesVinton, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
I JUST GOT HOME & WAS BACKING AROUND TO WHERE I PARK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL STARTED VIBRATING. I DID MANAGE TO PARK. THE NEXT DAY THE VIBRATING STOPPED WHEN A GRATING NOISE WAS MADE. SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME WAY UP. IT DOES HAVE SOME BRAKES BUT THEY ARE HARD TO DEPRESS. SUDDENLY MY POWER STEERING IS GONE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS WITH EITHER BEFOREHAND. THIS VAN JUST PASSED INSPECTION IN MID-AUGUST, AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #10538376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centerville, UT
SUSPENSION:FRONT
1996 CHEVY ASTRO LF TORSION BAR BROKE. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AFTER MY WIFE WENT ON AN 800 MILE TRIP. DEALER REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED SHORTER BAR. FRONT NOW A LOT LOWER THAN ORIGINAL. DEALER DID NOT REQUIRE OR INSIST THE OTHER ONE BE FIXED AT THIS TIME. THEY ADJUSTED THE CAMBER OF THE WHEEL TO OFFSET THE LOWER LF OF THE CAR. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS BOARD IT WAS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE REMEDIED BY GM. THEY KNEW--OR AT LEAST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT--OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE REDESIGNED THE PART. THEY SHOULD PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS ON BOTH SIDES. WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
NHTSA complaint #10329317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, DC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE PART THAT FAILED WAS THE SUNSHELL. HE HEARD THAT IF THIS PART FAILS, THE REVERSE AND SOME FORWARD GEARS WILL BE LOST.
NHTSA complaint #10219525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSuitland, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL NOTICE INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED. THE RECALL LETTER PERTAINS TO THE IGNITION COIL WIRE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10194152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesEagle River, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL FAILURE. REPEATED IN A 1996 CHEVY ASTRO. LEADING TO STARTER ENGAGE WHILE ENGINE RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10179261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRockport, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DT: 1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE ON AUGUST 11, 2005. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SWITCH OR THE PLUG FOR THE REAR AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER MELTED. ALSO, MELTED THE FIRST SIX INCHES OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE IS STILL DRIVABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND TURN IT OFF. HE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO FLAMES. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10133390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesGirard, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
THE TORSION BAR SNAPPED IN HALF. THIS BAR WAS INADEQUATE TO THE VEHICLE, AND GM HAS A MODIFIED VERSION FOR THIS. THE BAR BROKE WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS GOING 10 MPH, WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND THIS CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT TO DROP DOWN ABOUT 8 TO 10 INCHES AND WAS A VIOLENT DROP. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS. THERE WERE NO WRECKS INVOLVED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE IN TO THE MIDAS DEALER AND HAVE THE TORSION BARS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT REPLACED WITH THE NEW MODIFIED VERSION. THE FRONT SHOCK ALSO BROKE, AS A RESULT OF THE BAR BREAKING. THE TOTAL OF FIXING THIS WAS $1,000.00 AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *TT *SC
NHTSA complaint #10122345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPanama City, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MILES PER HR. AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VAN, IT LOOKED LIKE THE VAN WAS ON FIRE, I LOST ALL POWER TO THE VAN, AND HAD NO PICK-UP OR SPEED. I HAD TO DIVERT THE VAN TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE HAD COME UNATTACHED, AND I HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID ALL OVER THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS WHATSOEVER. TRANSMISSION FLUID SPRAYED ALL THE WAY TO MY BACK WINDSHIELD OF THE VAN.
NHTSA complaint #10112236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,903 milesHermitage, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR CAME OFF DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC.
NHTSA complaint #10087453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,222 milesOdessa, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
PART#15990701 FAILED,BROKE.CAUSING LEFT CORNER OF VECHICLETO DROOP ALMOST TO INTERFERING WITH LEFT FRONT WHEEL.THIS PART IS COMMINLY KNOWN AS A TORSION BAR AND SHOULD NOT BE FAILING/.THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT.THIS VECH.IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED.REPARING THIS IS GOING TO BE COSTLY;OVER 1000.00 DOLLARS.BECAUSE THEIR ARE NO ORIGINAL PARTS.THE PARTS HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND ALL NEW PARTS FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE VECH. MUST BE USED.THIS TELLS ME THEIR WAS BAD ENGINEERING IN THE ORIGINAL DESIGN. NOW THAT THEY'VE FIXED THE PROBLEM THEY WANT THE CUSTOMER TO PAY THE BILL. THANK YOU. RESPECTFULLY RICHARD WAGNER.
NHTSA complaint #10086319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLawrenceburg, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
1)AC COMPRESSOR STOPPED WORKING 2)COMPRESSOR SEIZED UP, ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND VEHICLE STOPPED ON HIGH TRAFFIC HIGHWAY 3)SORT BELTED SERPENTINE BELT .
NHTSA complaint #10078330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLawrenceburg, KY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1)AC COMPRESSOR STOPPED WORKING 2)COMPRESSOR SEIZED UP, ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND VEHICLE STOPPED ON HIGH TRAFFIC HIGHWAY 3)SORT BELTED SERPENTINE BELT .
NHTSA complaint #10078330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clifton, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT WORK. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED FULL, HALF FULL OR EMPTY. CONSUMER'S SISTER RECEIVED A RECALL CONCERNING FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, BUT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. ALSO, CONSUMER'S WIFE RAN OUT OF FUEL BECAUSE OF FUEL GAUGE INACCURATE READING OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. IT WOULD COST OVER $500.00 TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE IF IT WAS NOT ON RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10071608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesHasbrouck HTS, NJ
SUSPENSION
TORSION BAR BROKE, DEALER CLAIMS THAT IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE TORSION BAR, THE BAR WAS TO LONG. NOW THEY HAVE A SHORTER BAR. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES WITH THE NEW DESIGN BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DISCONTINUED.
NHTSA complaint #10069243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calgary, 00Crash
SUSPENSION
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT WHAT I FEEL IS/WAS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT WITH MY 1996 CHEVROLET ALL WHEEL DRIVE ASTRO VAN [XXX]. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BAR SNAPPED, COLLAPSING THE SUSPENSION, DROPPING THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE PULLING DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT, AND I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED -ABOUT 40 KM/HR IN A POSTED 50KM ZONE AS I HAD JUST ENTERED THE 4-LANE ROADWAY. I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND STEER IT TO THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY. THE LICENSED JOURNEYMAN MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE VAN INDICATED THIS WAS QUITE COMMON ON 90-96 ALL WHEEL DRIVE VANS STATING THAT THE TORSION BAR ACTUALLY RUSTS OR CORRODES AT ALMOST THE EXACT SAME SPOT (NEAR THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY) AND EVENTUALLY SNAPS COMPLETELY BREAKING THE TORSION BAR INTO 2 PIECES! WHILE HE MENTIONED IT WAS USUALLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE (MINE WAS PASSENGER SIDE) HE INDICATED GM HAD RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND ACTUALLY COMPLETELY CHANGED THE DESIGN OF BOTH THE TORSION BAR AND THE ADJUSTER MECHANISM! HOWEVER AFTER CONTACTING A COUPLE OF LOCAL GM DEALERS, THEY ALL TOLD ME WAS THAT THIS WAS NOT A PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETIN RELATED ITEM OR AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL! YET THEY ALL HAD HEARD OF IT AND JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE ALL OF THE PARTS IN STOCK TO THE TUNE OF $1000 (YOU HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES WITH THE REDESIGNED ITEMS). I FOUND IT SURPRISING THAT THEY JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE 6 TORSION BARS AND 6 ADJUSTERS IN-STOCK; WHEN I RECENTLY HAD TO SPECIAL ORDER THE REAR DOOR HANDLE THAT HAD BROKEN. I WAS TOLD THEY ONLY STOCK COMMONLY REPLACED ITEMS AT THAT TIME. THE FACT THAT IT WAS REDESIGNED TELLS ME SOMETHING. A COMPONENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO WEAR SHOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF PUBLISHED INSPECTION PROCESS, WEAR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE OR EVEN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT INTERVAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
NHTSA complaint #10071346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesClawson, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE OIL COOLER LINES LEAKED OIL ONTO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO SMOKE. THE OIL COOLER LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 30,000 MILES. *NM THERE WAS NOISE IN THE FRONT END DUE TO A WORN RIGHT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD AND WHEN DAMP OR COLD OUT, A HARD SHIFT WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN MAKING TURNS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10055242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesClawson, MI
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
THE OIL COOLER LINES LEAKED OIL ONTO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO SMOKE. THE OIL COOLER LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 30,000 MILES. *NM THERE WAS NOISE IN THE FRONT END DUE TO A WORN RIGHT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD AND WHEN DAMP OR COLD OUT, A HARD SHIFT WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN MAKING TURNS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10055242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesClawson, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
THE OIL COOLER LINES LEAKED OIL ONTO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO SMOKE. THE OIL COOLER LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 30,000 MILES. *NM THERE WAS NOISE IN THE FRONT END DUE TO A WORN RIGHT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD AND WHEN DAMP OR COLD OUT, A HARD SHIFT WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN MAKING TURNS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10055242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesCastana, IA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
MY WIFE WENT TO MOVE OUR 1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN AND WHEN SHE BACKED UP THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE WHEEL WELL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE TORSION BARS BROKE. *AK WHEN I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER I FOUND THE PARTS WERE READILY AVAILABLE BUT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN "UPDATED". THE PARTS ALONE WERE OVER $500.00. WHEN I REMOVED THE OLD TORSION BARS I FOUND OUT WHAT HAD CAUSED IT TO BREAK, THE RECEIVER TUBE THAT THE END OF THE BAR WENT INTO HAD FILLED WITH DIRT AND ROAD CRUDE CAUSING THE BAR TO RUST AND EVENTULLY BREAK. THIS OCCURED FOUR DAYS BEFORE WE WERE LEAVING ON A 2500 MILE TRIP. IF THIS HAD OCCURED WHEN WE WERE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH OR IN THE MOUNTAINS WHILE ON VACATION IT COULD HAVE BEEN DIASATEROUS. MY LAST COMPLAINT IS THAT I WAS REQUIRED TO REPLACE BOTH TORSION BARS BECAUSE THE NEW ONE WOULD NOT MATCH THE OLD. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE SOMETHING THAT IS NOT BROKEN AND IF THEY DO REQUIRE YOU TO DO SO THE MANUFACTURER IS ADMITTING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLD DESIGN. I CHECKED IN YOUR RECORDS AND FOUND THAT THE ASTRO AND SAFARI VANS BUILT FROM 1992-1996 HAD ALMOST 200 CASES OF THESE TORSION BARS BREAKING AND A COMPLAINT BEING FILED. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OTHER ONES HAVE BROKEN AND GONE UNREPORTED.THE 1997 MODELS DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CAME OUT WITH THE UPDATED PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10046024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesKennesaw, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AT 50 MPH . UPON IMPACT, VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD, AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10046222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coquille, OR
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD. *MR FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD CRACKED AND CAUSED THEM TO FAIL. RECALL#03V159000 *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10038359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,261 milesBoston, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
FRACTURE OF RIGHT SIDE TORSION BAR CAUSED BODY TO DROP ONTO WHEEL, IMMOBILIZING VEHICLE. REPAIRS COST $797.12 PLUS $40 TOWING AND LOSS OF USE FOR THREE DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10033453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kahuku, HI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSE OR DRIVE. THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THEN ACCELERATED. THE PEDAL STICKING WAS CONSISTENT AND RELEASED AFTER PRESSING HARDER ON PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES FOR STICKING. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. VEHICLE NOT ON RECALL. IT WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW. CURRENTLY, DEALERSHIP INDICATED WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND WOULD NOT DO REPAIRS. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10032282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.