Owners have filed 115 complaints
about the 2001 Chevrolet Astro with NHTSA between 2001 and 2015.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 24
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Astro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 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.
Under 1,000 miles
45.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
45.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1925.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1722.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
810.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1216.0%
150,000+ miles
1013.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2001 Chevrolet Astro
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—
—
—
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 2001peak 7Nov 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.
PE04072Opened 19 Oct 2004Closed 21 Mar 2005EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
LOSS 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 RES...
Recalls on the 2001 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
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.
05V099000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200506110,468 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, 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 becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and the turn signal lamp functions are not affected. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or stopped and could lead to a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the hazard-warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contactors. This 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, the corrective action would be to replace the entire multifunction switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 198,000 milesChappaqua, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT LOWSPEED I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL BRAKING POWER WAS LOST. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE ONE INFRONT OF ME. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS LOW SPEED LOSS OF BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10485956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesHayes, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER APPROX. ONE WEEK OF OPER. OF MY 2001 CHEVY ASTRO A FIRE OCCURRED THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTENTS IF I HAD NOT BEEN CLOSE BY. AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 20 MILES AND PARKING IT MY VAN CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING SHUT OFF FOR 15 MINUTES. THE VEHICLES POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES WERE RUN FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ENGINE DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE STEERING LINKAGE WHERE IT PASSES THE ENGINE SUPPORT STRUCTURE. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP TO THE POINT WHERE THE TIRE IS STILL TOUCHING THE GROUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED HALF WAY TO THE LEFT THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER TIE ROD END IS RUBBING INTO THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES WHICH ARE IN A COMMON HARNESS.IF THE SUSPENSION IS MOVING UP AND DOWN ON A BUMPY ROAD WHILE THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE STEERING LINKAGE AND THE BATTERY CABLES WILL CAUSE REPEATED DAMAGE OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN EVENTUAL FIRE.IF THIS FIRE OCCURRED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED LAST NIGHT WHILE MY VAN WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE THE 7 PEOPLE INCLUDING TWO SMALL CHILDREN LIVING HERE COULD HAVE DIED FROM FIRE CAUSED BY VERY POOR ENGINEERING. IF YOU CAN JACK UP A VEHICLE AND CAUSE A MOVABLE PART OF THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION OR STEERING TO COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE THE VEHICLES ENGINEERS WERE NEGLIGENT. ALSO HAVING BOTH BATTERY CABLES IN THE SAME HARNESS IS NOT A VERY GOOD IDEA EITHER MY VEHICLE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY MAJOR REPAIR WORK DONE. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A REPORTED DEATH FROM THIS ISSUE YET IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. MY FIRST VEHICLE WAS A GM AND I SUSPECT MY LAST WILL BE, BUT GM HAS TO ANSWER FOR THIS ACT OF STUPIDITY. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN EMAIL THAT SHOW JUST HOW OBVIOUS THIS FLAW IS.
NHTSA complaint #10460092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesBlack Creek, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1) NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD "PRESSURIZE" WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING. I'VE EXPERIENCED NORMAL ACTIVATION BEFORE ON ICE, SNOW, AND LOOSE GRAVEL SO I KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOING. IT BEGAN HAPPENING A LOT SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (BASIL CHEVROLET, WELLSVILLE, NY) ON 9/24/07. THEY REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND TOLD ME "ROAD TEST OK...ON ROAD TEST DID EXPERIENCE ANTILOCK PROBLEM. ONLY ONCE FELT - UNABLE TO VERIFY". 2) TOOK MY VAN HOME AND WAS SEEING THE PROBLEM AS MUCH IF NOT MORE SO THAN BEFORE. WAS QUITE UPSET THAT AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 DOLLARS ON THE AUTO, I STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED THAT I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR. COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD BRING IT IN TO "CLEAN THE SENSORS" FOR ME BUT COULDN'T GET ME IN UNTIL "NEXT WEEK". THE VERY NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM AROSE WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AT WORK. I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY AND SMASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A TRUCK. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AT ALL BUT EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. SMASHED GRILL, BUMPER, HOOD, HEADLIGHT, AND POSSIBLY MORE THAT I HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED YET. GOT STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE. 3) NOTHING DONE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I LEFT THE VAN AT THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALER FOR REPAIR WORK ON THE BRAKES AND THE HEADLIGHT. HOPING TO PICK IT UP TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10205184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesBlack Creek, NYCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1) NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD "PRESSURIZE" WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING. I'VE EXPERIENCED NORMAL ACTIVATION BEFORE ON ICE, SNOW, AND LOOSE GRAVEL SO I KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOING. IT BEGAN HAPPENING A LOT SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (BASIL CHEVROLET, WELLSVILLE, NY) ON 9/24/07. THEY REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND TOLD ME "ROAD TEST OK...ON ROAD TEST DID EXPERIENCE ANTILOCK PROBLEM. ONLY ONCE FELT - UNABLE TO VERIFY". 2) TOOK MY VAN HOME AND WAS SEEING THE PROBLEM AS MUCH IF NOT MORE SO THAN BEFORE. WAS QUITE UPSET THAT AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 DOLLARS ON THE AUTO, I STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED THAT I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR. COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD BRING IT IN TO "CLEAN THE SENSORS" FOR ME BUT COULDN'T GET ME IN UNTIL "NEXT WEEK". THE VERY NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM AROSE WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AT WORK. I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY AND SMASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A TRUCK. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AT ALL BUT EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. SMASHED GRILL, BUMPER, HOOD, HEADLIGHT, AND POSSIBLY MORE THAT I HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED YET. GOT STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE. 3) NOTHING DONE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I LEFT THE VAN AT THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALER FOR REPAIR WORK ON THE BRAKES AND THE HEADLIGHT. HOPING TO PICK IT UP TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10205184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBriarwood, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000 MILES. THE FIRST FAILURE RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO A FENCE. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS A OF COUPLE MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVER DROVE THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES AND FAILING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VAN IN REVERSE ,AND NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL'S PLACEMENT WAS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION, IT SEEMED HIGHER THAN USUAL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN A STORM AND EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR INCIDENT WITH THE BRAKES. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED DECEMBER 28, 2006 WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VAN DIDN'T STOP. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED HE SCHEMATICS AND NOTED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM COULD BE AFFECTED BY A FUNCTION IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND IT COULD LOCK. THE CONTACT USED A HYDRAULIC JACK, AND WHEN HE STARTED THE CAR THE WHEELS SPUN; HOWEVER WHEN HE PUT THE VAN BACK ON THE GROUND AND APPLIED THE BRAKES THERE WAS NO INCIDENT OR FAILURE IN THE BRAKES AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THE GENERAL MOTORS MANUAL , VOLUME 1 OF 2 GM-401 FOR THE ASTRO AND MINI VAN, PAGE 5-4 UNDER HYDRAULICS LIST DETAILED INFORMATION THAT COULD BE RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #10177230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,334 milesShreveport, LACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
WHEN AUTO SHIFTED INTO DRIVE-AUTO ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY- WITH BRAKE PEDDLE FULLY PUSHED AUTO OVER-POWERED BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO MY GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10169692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 166,200 milesRancho Cordova, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VAN WILL NOT PASS SMOG. THE VERY LAST TIME I DROVE IT, I WAS DRIVING IT ON A CITY STREET AND IT JUST DIED OUT. I'VE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED AND ITSTILL ISN'T FIXED TO PASS SMOG. A SHOP SAID MY FUEL INJECTION SPIDER SYSTEM IS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10806234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOshkosh, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM A LICENSED CAR DEALER. I AM VERY CONCERNED AT WHAT I AM SEEING WITH MY CUSTOMERS, WITH CARS I SEE AT THE AUCTIONS, AND WITH BLOG SITES ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING CHEVY'S EBCM COMPUTER MODULE. AT THE AUCTIONS I AM SEEING AT LEAST 25% OF CHEVROLETS AND ABOUT 10% OF FORDS COMING THROUGH WITH BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ON. MY MAIN CONCERN IS WITH THE CHEVY'S EBCM. THESE VERY EXPENSIVE UNITS FAIL AT THE RELAY POINT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS DUE TO BAD SOLDER JOINTS FROM THE FACTORY. WHEN THEY FAIL, THE DRIVER GETS A BRAKE LIGHT AND AN ABS INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH. THE BRAKES STILL WORK ON THE CAR, BUT THEY DON'T WORK AS DESIGNED. IN FACT THE DRIVER GETS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY BECAUSE HIS CAR IS STOPPING, BUT IN A SLIPPERY SITUATION IT WILL NOT STOP AS DESIGNED. WHEN I WENT TO THE INTERNET FOR IDEAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM FINDING A LOT OF POSTINGS SAYING JUST TAKE THE BULB OUT OF THE DASH! I AM ALSO SEEING ADS ON E BAY WHERE YOU CAN SEND YOUR EBCM TO A REPAIR STATION, THEY TAKE IT APART, AND RE SOLDER THE JOINTS FOR $49. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY WANT OVER $1000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM! I HAVE HEARD OF PEOPLE SELLING THEIR VEHICLE AS IS AND TELLING THE BUYER THAT IT'S OK. THE BRAKES WORK. I CAN'T GET THE LIGHT TO SHUT OFF! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT WILL BECOME MORE DANGEROUS AS MORE AND MORE CARS ARE DRIVING WITH INOPERATIVE EBCM COMPUTERS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE DEFECT COMES FROM HAVING THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAMES NEAR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY ARE TAKING ALL THE SHOCK AND VIBRATION IN THAT AREA. I AM ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE FOR DEFECTIVE EBCM COMPUTERS. I ALSO FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS FAR WORSE THAN THE DODGE CLOCK SPRING RECALL, AND THAT EFFECTED ALL DODGE VEHICLES. THIS BRAKING PROBLEM WE ARE SEEING IS BAD ENOUGH THAT IT MAY CAUSE A LARGE LOSS OF LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #10637686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOshkosh, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
I AM A LICENSED CAR DEALER. I AM VERY CONCERNED AT WHAT I AM SEEING WITH MY CUSTOMERS, WITH CARS I SEE AT THE AUCTIONS, AND WITH BLOG SITES ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING CHEVY'S EBCM COMPUTER MODULE. AT THE AUCTIONS I AM SEEING AT LEAST 25% OF CHEVROLETS AND ABOUT 10% OF FORDS COMING THROUGH WITH BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ON. MY MAIN CONCERN IS WITH THE CHEVY'S EBCM. THESE VERY EXPENSIVE UNITS FAIL AT THE RELAY POINT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS DUE TO BAD SOLDER JOINTS FROM THE FACTORY. WHEN THEY FAIL, THE DRIVER GETS A BRAKE LIGHT AND AN ABS INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH. THE BRAKES STILL WORK ON THE CAR, BUT THEY DON'T WORK AS DESIGNED. IN FACT THE DRIVER GETS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY BECAUSE HIS CAR IS STOPPING, BUT IN A SLIPPERY SITUATION IT WILL NOT STOP AS DESIGNED. WHEN I WENT TO THE INTERNET FOR IDEAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM FINDING A LOT OF POSTINGS SAYING JUST TAKE THE BULB OUT OF THE DASH! I AM ALSO SEEING ADS ON E BAY WHERE YOU CAN SEND YOUR EBCM TO A REPAIR STATION, THEY TAKE IT APART, AND RE SOLDER THE JOINTS FOR $49. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY WANT OVER $1000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM! I HAVE HEARD OF PEOPLE SELLING THEIR VEHICLE AS IS AND TELLING THE BUYER THAT IT'S OK. THE BRAKES WORK. I CAN'T GET THE LIGHT TO SHUT OFF! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT WILL BECOME MORE DANGEROUS AS MORE AND MORE CARS ARE DRIVING WITH INOPERATIVE EBCM COMPUTERS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE DEFECT COMES FROM HAVING THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAMES NEAR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY ARE TAKING ALL THE SHOCK AND VIBRATION IN THAT AREA. I AM ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE FOR DEFECTIVE EBCM COMPUTERS. I ALSO FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS FAR WORSE THAN THE DODGE CLOCK SPRING RECALL, AND THAT EFFECTED ALL DODGE VEHICLES. THIS BRAKING PROBLEM WE ARE SEEING IS BAD ENOUGH THAT IT MAY CAUSE A LARGE LOSS OF LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #10637686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,732 milesVisalia, CA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SAFETY BELTS WOULD UNLATCH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,732.
NHTSA complaint #10628551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSeminole, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, I HAD THE CODE PULLED AT THE AUTO PARTS STORE, IT IS THE ELECTRONIC ABS CONTROL MODULE AND UPON GOOGLING "CHEVROLET BRAKE ABS LIGHTS" IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THEIR APPEARS TO BE THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES WITH FAULTY ABS ELECTRONIC MODULES WHICH PREVENTS THE ABS FUNCTION FROM WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10536053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
GOING TO STOP AT A SLOW SPEED ENGAGES ABS , CAUSING VAN TO NOT STOP UNLESS BREAKERS WERE SLAMMED ON HARD AND HOPS OF STOPPING!
NHTSA complaint #10534307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesChappaqua, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT LOWSPEED I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL BRAKING POWER WAS LOST. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE ONE INFRONT OF ME. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS LOW SPEED LOSS OF BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10485956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesHayes, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER APPROX. ONE WEEK OF OPER. OF MY 2001 CHEVY ASTRO A FIRE OCCURRED THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTENTS IF I HAD NOT BEEN CLOSE BY. AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 20 MILES AND PARKING IT MY VAN CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING SHUT OFF FOR 15 MINUTES. THE VEHICLES POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES WERE RUN FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ENGINE DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE STEERING LINKAGE WHERE IT PASSES THE ENGINE SUPPORT STRUCTURE. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP TO THE POINT WHERE THE TIRE IS STILL TOUCHING THE GROUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED HALF WAY TO THE LEFT THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER TIE ROD END IS RUBBING INTO THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES WHICH ARE IN A COMMON HARNESS.IF THE SUSPENSION IS MOVING UP AND DOWN ON A BUMPY ROAD WHILE THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE STEERING LINKAGE AND THE BATTERY CABLES WILL CAUSE REPEATED DAMAGE OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN EVENTUAL FIRE.IF THIS FIRE OCCURRED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED LAST NIGHT WHILE MY VAN WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE THE 7 PEOPLE INCLUDING TWO SMALL CHILDREN LIVING HERE COULD HAVE DIED FROM FIRE CAUSED BY VERY POOR ENGINEERING. IF YOU CAN JACK UP A VEHICLE AND CAUSE A MOVABLE PART OF THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION OR STEERING TO COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE THE VEHICLES ENGINEERS WERE NEGLIGENT. ALSO HAVING BOTH BATTERY CABLES IN THE SAME HARNESS IS NOT A VERY GOOD IDEA EITHER MY VEHICLE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY MAJOR REPAIR WORK DONE. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A REPORTED DEATH FROM THIS ISSUE YET IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. MY FIRST VEHICLE WAS A GM AND I SUSPECT MY LAST WILL BE, BUT GM HAS TO ANSWER FOR THIS ACT OF STUPIDITY. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN EMAIL THAT SHOW JUST HOW OBVIOUS THIS FLAW IS.
NHTSA complaint #10460092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSacremnto, CA
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NO LONGER ENGAGE AND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10361105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSacremnto, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NO LONGER ENGAGE AND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10361105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesDavison, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10328176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesSweden, ME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. DURING BRAKE APPLICATION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 152000.
NHTSA complaint #10296201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSummerfield, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2001 CHEVY ASTRO VAN ABS SYSTEM . I HAVE REPLACED EVERY PART AND STILL HAVE PROBLEMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM OF THIS VAN. I THINK THEY SHOULD RECALL THESE VANS BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10288816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,150 milesGrand Rapids, MI
TIRES
NOTICED MY TIRE LOSING AIR AND HAVE TO FILL IT. UPON FILLING, I SAW A SPLIT IN THE TIRE AND SILVER METAL SHOWING THROUGH. THE TIRE IS SPLITTING ON THE SIDEWALL AND YET I HAVE LOTS OF TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRE. ALL THE OTHER TIRES ARE SHOWING A "RING" OF DETERIORATION AS WELL. YET THEY ALL HAVE SIGNIFICANT TREAD LEFT ON THEM. WE WERE TOLD THE TIRES WERE NEW WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FALL 2005.
NHTSA complaint #10283979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesBaltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION, PUT VAN IN GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT ENGAGE. FINALLY VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD POP AND JUMPS WHILE FOOT ON THE GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10266274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesWind GAP, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR REAR DOOR HANDLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY REPLACED THE REAR DOOR HANDLE AND MECHANISM. THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/06/09. (JB
NHTSA complaint #10253169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesRoebling, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 130 AND THE CAR JUST DIED SO IT WAS TOWED APRIL 2008 AND THE FUEL PUMP WENT IN THE CAR WHICH COST 800.00 ON JULY 6,2008 I WAS ON MY WAS TO EWING TWSP AND THE CAR DIED AGAIN IT WAS TOWED AND THE FUEL PUMP WENT AGAIN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10233794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,281 milesLafayette, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THERE AS A LOSS OF POWER AND AN ENGINE MISS. A FUEL SYSTEM CLEANING IN A SHOP CLEARED THIS UP. THEN AT THE END OF DECEMBER THE VAN WOULD NO START. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL MEINEKE. IT WAS DETERMINED THE SEQUENTIAL CENTRAL PORT INJECTOR HAD FAILED. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM FOR A DEFECTIVE PART. I WROTE A LETTER TO GM TO ASK FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THEY REFUSED BECAUSE I DID NOT GO TO A DEALERSHIP. AND MEINKE USED AN AFTER MARKET PART.
NHTSA complaint #10217768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesHolland, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES AT SLOW SPEEDS CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS ISSUE IS SPORADIC, AND APPEARS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN IN COOL OR HUMID CLIMATE CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10207272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesBlack Creek, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1) NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD "PRESSURIZE" WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING. I'VE EXPERIENCED NORMAL ACTIVATION BEFORE ON ICE, SNOW, AND LOOSE GRAVEL SO I KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOING. IT BEGAN HAPPENING A LOT SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (BASIL CHEVROLET, WELLSVILLE, NY) ON 9/24/07. THEY REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND TOLD ME "ROAD TEST OK...ON ROAD TEST DID EXPERIENCE ANTILOCK PROBLEM. ONLY ONCE FELT - UNABLE TO VERIFY". 2) TOOK MY VAN HOME AND WAS SEEING THE PROBLEM AS MUCH IF NOT MORE SO THAN BEFORE. WAS QUITE UPSET THAT AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 DOLLARS ON THE AUTO, I STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED THAT I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR. COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD BRING IT IN TO "CLEAN THE SENSORS" FOR ME BUT COULDN'T GET ME IN UNTIL "NEXT WEEK". THE VERY NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM AROSE WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AT WORK. I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY AND SMASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A TRUCK. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AT ALL BUT EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. SMASHED GRILL, BUMPER, HOOD, HEADLIGHT, AND POSSIBLY MORE THAT I HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED YET. GOT STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE. 3) NOTHING DONE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I LEFT THE VAN AT THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALER FOR REPAIR WORK ON THE BRAKES AND THE HEADLIGHT. HOPING TO PICK IT UP TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10205184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesBlack Creek, NYCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1) NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD "PRESSURIZE" WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING. I'VE EXPERIENCED NORMAL ACTIVATION BEFORE ON ICE, SNOW, AND LOOSE GRAVEL SO I KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOING. IT BEGAN HAPPENING A LOT SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (BASIL CHEVROLET, WELLSVILLE, NY) ON 9/24/07. THEY REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND TOLD ME "ROAD TEST OK...ON ROAD TEST DID EXPERIENCE ANTILOCK PROBLEM. ONLY ONCE FELT - UNABLE TO VERIFY". 2) TOOK MY VAN HOME AND WAS SEEING THE PROBLEM AS MUCH IF NOT MORE SO THAN BEFORE. WAS QUITE UPSET THAT AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 DOLLARS ON THE AUTO, I STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED THAT I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR. COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD BRING IT IN TO "CLEAN THE SENSORS" FOR ME BUT COULDN'T GET ME IN UNTIL "NEXT WEEK". THE VERY NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM AROSE WHILE PARKING MY VEHICLE AT WORK. I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY AND SMASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A TRUCK. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AT ALL BUT EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. SMASHED GRILL, BUMPER, HOOD, HEADLIGHT, AND POSSIBLY MORE THAT I HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED YET. GOT STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE. 3) NOTHING DONE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I LEFT THE VAN AT THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALER FOR REPAIR WORK ON THE BRAKES AND THE HEADLIGHT. HOPING TO PICK IT UP TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10205184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abingdon, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
2001 CHEVY ASTRO WITH MAINTENANCE WORK DONE ON FUSES. CUSTOMER STATES HE RECEIVED A RECALL AND HAD THE WORK REPAIRED AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. CUSTOMER HAS REPLACED FUSE ABOUT FOUR TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10204889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,306 milesPalm Coast, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
4 COOPER TRENDSETTER WERE PUT ON MY VAN 6/18/07. ON 9/6/07 I WAS DRIVING ON I4, AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A MAJOR FAILURE. I FELT THE VAN START TO WEAVE, AND AT THAT TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIND. THE TIRE THEN JUST WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. I WAS DOING ABOUT 70 MPH., AND MANAGED TO BRING THE VAN TO A STOP. A MAJOR ACCIDENT WAS AVERTED. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE TIRE, LARGE PIECES OF THE TREAD WERE MISSING, THE STEEL BELTS WERE VISIBLE AND BROKEN, AND A HOLE WAS IN THE SIDEWALL. I HAD RUN OVER NOTHING, AND THE TIRES HAD 970 MILES ON THEM. THE DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRE WAS 3DHF C2T 469 F13L. AFTER I GOT HOME, I CHECKED THE WEB, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS STYLE TIRE. RECALL 147. THE DOT NUMBER DIDN'T MATCH. I DID CALL COOPER TIRE, AND THEY HAVE PUT IT IN AS A INSURANCE CLAIM. THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE REAR PANEL WHEN THE TIRE SEPARATED. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS NERVOUS DRIVING ON THESE TIRES, BUT THEY KEPT IT AS A INSURANCE CLAIM. I AM REPLACING ALL THE TIRES FOR PEACE OF MIND.*JB UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10202191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesLynn Haven, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER IN 2005 FOR NHTSA RECALL # 05V099000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE STOPPED OPERATING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10191195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canastota, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
2001 CHEVY ASTRO -- DOES NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. JUST KEEPS "SLIDING". ONLY WAY TO FIX IS TO REMOVE THE FUSE FOR THE ABS BRAKES. IF FUSE IS IN, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND GROWLS AND JUST CONTINUES TO SLIDE AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS COMING TO A STOP OR PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES. ---VERY DANGEROUS--THANK GOD HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND REALIZED THAT TAKING THE FUSE OUT WOULD STOP THIS PROBLEM, BUT CAUSES IT SO THAT THERE IS NO ABS.
NHTSA complaint #10181752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
