1996 Chevrolet Astro Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 5%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro, 5% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2005-08, 140,000 miles“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“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, filed 2007-06, 180,000 miles“Abs light is on, and when brakes are applied stopping distance is not normal. Dealer has been contacted. Consumer has had numerous repairs on vehicle, differential was overhauled, windshield wipers work intermittenly, fule injection system was repaired, ignition switch cylinder was replaced, as well as alternator, the entire ABS system has been rebuilt, consumer states rattle sound from front of engine drivebelt was replaced as well as tensioner, also fule/air filter was replaced. Automatic transmission was replaced. Front and rear shocks were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #884562, filed 2001-03“Without any warning the instrument gauges on the dashboard stopped working for a couple of seconds. Currently, they don't work for 5 days straight. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #830238, filed 1998-11Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 14% |
| 2003 | 10 | 16% |
| 2002 | 13 | 19% |
| 2001 | 7 | 8% |
| 2000 | 23 | 13% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 25 | 10% |
| 1997 | 28 | 8% |
| 1996 | 13 | 5% |
| 1995 | 24 | 5% |
| 1994 | 13 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 8% |
| 1992 | 15 | 11% |
| 1991 | 8 | 8% |
| 1990 | 6 | 9% |
| 1989 | 5 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 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 29, 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