1989 Chevrolet Astro Problems
- Complaints
- 57filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 44,594miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Chevrolet Astro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
The most common complaints describe the power steering bracket, its mounting bolts, or the accessory belt failing, which can leave the car without power steering or charging. Seat belts that loosen, fail to retract, or do not hold the occupant properly also come up repeatedly, and rust that weakens the frame, suspension, or brake lines appears in some complaints. Most complaints do not list mileage, and the figure given in this sample is about 44,594 miles.
- Steering
Power steering bracket and belt failures
- 25 complaints (44%)
- typically at 9.5 yrs old
- filed 1995–2004
Owners describe the power steering bracket, mounting bolts, or pump base cracking or breaking, after which the accessory belt slips off or the power steering stops working. Some complaints say that when the belt comes off, the alternator, cooling, and air conditioning also stop, and that steering becomes extremely difficult. Mechanics at the dealership are reported to have said the failure occurs often with this vehicle type, and some owners say the bracket has been replaced repeatedly. Mileage is not listed in these complaints, and some describe the failure happening while pulling into a parking space or while driving.
What to check: Ask whether the power steering bracket, mounting bolts, and accessory belt have been inspected for cracks or looseness, and whether any bracket replacement has been done. On a test drive, confirm the power steering responds normally at low speed and that the accessory belt sits correctly on all pulleys.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is the third time the same bolts have broken causing the belt to come off. Everything on the vehicle goes out, including the power steering, making it extremely difficult to steer. My wife has had it happen while she was driving two times prior to this one, carrying our three small children with her. Since we bought the vehicle used, from a couple, we need to know if there may have been a recall on this vehicle for this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #707184, filed 1999-06“This van in now currently sitting in my yard as I can not afford to fix it at this time due to the mechanics at the local chevy dealership stated if would be over $600.00 to repair. I know this has to be a design defect for it to have happened to us on 5 occasions, necessitating a wrecker service call each time. I paid $35.00 for the wrecker this time and $48.50 to get it out of the shop unrepaired to bring it home to sit in the yard. …”
NHTSA complaint #540229, filed 1998-08 - Seat belts
Seat belts that loosen or fail to retract
- 7 complaints (12%)
- typically at 7.4 yrs old
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe seat belts that do not retract properly, stay loose, or do not hold the occupant at the pelvis, and some describe a buckle that will not fasten. Complaints say the lap belts loosen easily when children move, so owners pull over to retighten them. A complaint describes a broken guide loop that prevents the buckle from fastening properly. Mileage is not listed in these complaints, and the most detailed description is of belts loosening while children move during everyday driving.
What to check: Test each seat belt by pulling it out fully and confirming it retracts smoothly and locks, and check that the buckle latches firmly. Ask whether the seat belt recall listed for this model year, 91V102000, has been completed on this vehicle.
- Body and structure
Rust weakens frame, suspension, and brake lines
Mentioned in 4 of 31 sampled complaints
Owners describe rust that weakens the front frame and suspension, including a lower control arm that rusted until a spring broke and a frame area that rusted through near the idler arm. Brake lines are also reported to rust through and leak fluid, and a complaint describes rusted exhaust baffles touching parts that led to a brake fluid fire. A complaint says a rusted-through frame area led to a complete loss of steering, and that a serious accident was narrowly avoided. Mileage is listed only for the brake line complaint, at about 44,594 miles, and most of the others do not give mileage.
What to check: Inspect the frame, front suspension mounts, control arms, and brake lines for rust, leaks, or soft spots, paying attention to areas near the fuel tank and rear axle. Ask whether any brake line or frame repair has been done, and check the chassis for brake fluid staining.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rusted metal brake line from the oe brake line splice forward of the fuel tank to the line splitter at the rear axel allowed brake fluid to leak. As the line was removed to replace, seepage on the rusted line to the left brake from the splitter was observed. As a precaution, the right rear line was removed which disintegrated.”
NHTSA complaint #10433940, filed 2011-11, 44,594 miles“Brakes went out and started on fire. Baffles on engine exhaust rusted out and layed on frame touching starter motor electrical contacts which started brake fluid on fire from other side of vehicle. Brake line had rusted through approximately same time as baffle rusted out. Master cylinder was bubbling from the heat as brake fluid was on fire. Fire was very difficult to put out. Buckets of water would not extinguish flames. Only a hose could reach that area of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #764159, filed 2002-07
Buying note. Anyone considering this model year should ask whether the power steering bracket and accessory belt system have been inspected, and whether the seat belts retract and lock correctly, before buying. Power steering and seat belt complaints are the most common themes in the sampled reports, so checking those on a test drive, along with the frame and brake lines for rust, is worthwhile.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 57 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Astro. 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 44,594 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 5 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering13 23%
- Seat belts9 16%
- Brakes5 8.8%
- Electrical system5 8.8%
- Engine cooling5 8.8%
- Body and structure5 8.8%
- Suspension4 7.0%
- Fuel system3 5.3%
- Seats3 5.3%
Also reported: Equipment (2), Other or unknown (2), Tires (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Since the time of purchase the steering column has become very loose and needed to be tightened about once a year. Currently it has become loose for the second time and will need to have this repaired again.”
NHTSA complaint #715552, filed 1999-12Electrical system: “While driving the vehicle lost power and began to smoke, once the hood was opened they found that the alternator had caught fire in an attempt to extinguish the fire consumer received burns to the face. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #553870, filed 2000-08Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,594 and 44,594 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Chevrolet Astro version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V187000Nov 16, 1993SeatsCovers: Chevrolet Astro 1985–1991, GMC Safari 1985–1991, Chevrolet Suburban 1989–1990 +1 more
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.
- 91V164000Sep 20, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Astro 1989–1991, Ford Aerostar 1989–1991, GMC Safari 1989–1991 +1 more
Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
- 91V102000Jun 14, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Astro 1987–1991
The seat belts for the front and mid-ship seats did not rest on pelvis as required by fmvss 209.
Recall details for the 1989 Chevrolet Astro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92022Seat back bolt breakageClosed · Jun 24, 1992
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10028790Nov 1, 2010Brakes. General 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…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Astro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9 | 24,500 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 14 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 62 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 70 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 91 | 62,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 175 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 133 | 74,900 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 241 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 360 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 263 | 101,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 446 | 113,250 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 328 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 135 | 145,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 132 | 111,370 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 95 | 258,900 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 68 | 116,042 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 57 | 44,594 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 56 | — | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 29 | 95,451 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Astro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Astro?
The most common complaints describe the power steering bracket, its mounting bolts, or the accessory belt failing, which can leave the car without power steering or charging. The issues reported most often: Power steering bracket and belt failures; Seat belts that loosen or fail to retract; Rust weakens frame, suspension, and brake lines.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Chevrolet Astro have?
NHTSA recorded 57 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Astro as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Chevrolet Astro is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 13 complaints (23% of the total), followed by seat belts with 9.
Has the 1989 Chevrolet Astro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Chevrolet Astro get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Chevrolet Astro (Astro 2WD (cargo), 4.3L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Astro reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 44,594 miles and the middle half falls between 44,594 and 44,594 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.