1996 Chevrolet Astro Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 14%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,227miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro, 14% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,227 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2013-09, 235,059 miles“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, filed 2015-12, 120,227 miles“The failure of anti-lock brakes to work properly (wheels lock up), has caused me to slide into an intersection and almost get broadsided, and it has caused me to nearly slide into a truck in a parking lot. The front rotors have had to be turned 7 times - 6 in the last 13 months. The brakes will pulsate because the rotors warp about every 2 months.”
NHTSA complaint #708943, filed 1999-07“We bought this van as a conversion van. We have been very unhappy with the perofrmance of the van. We have had the airconditing repaired twice. The battery failed many times. One time the alternator was replaced. There has always been a clonking noise when braking that the dealer can identify. The tires wore out just after they were a year old. The van has also been taken to the dealer for numerous other repairs.( DOT number: )”
NHTSA complaint #711609, filed 1999-09“On aug 26 2000 I had front disc brake pads replaced and in checking the master cylinder it was discovered that the brake fluid was contaminated I brought the vehicle to the dealer mentioned and his service dept stated that this was done by someone who changed the oil dipped his finger inside with a little grease and contaminated the fluid it was also stated that the brake fluid contained algy also the brake fluid in the master cylinder was very low it seems that the service dept.finds ways and excuses when the vehicle is under warranty not to fix the problem but instead offers excuses for…”
NHTSA complaint #729793, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10028790Nov 1, 2010General 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 50% |
| 2003 | 25 | 40% |
| 2002 | 23 | 33% |
| 2001 | 34 | 37% |
| 2000 | 65 | 37% |
| 1999 | 23 | 17% |
| 1998 | 38 | 16% |
| 1997 | 67 | 19% |
| 1996 | 36 | 14% |
| 1995 | 109 | 24% |
| 1994 | 97 | 30% |
| 1993 | 42 | 31% |
| 1992 | 57 | 43% |
| 1991 | 44 | 46% |
| 1990 | 28 | 41% |
| 1989 | 5 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 4 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology