1996 Chevrolet Astro Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 7%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro, 7% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10055242, filed 2001-04, 30,000 miles“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, filed 2004-06, 120,000 miles“While driving the belt tensioner flew off the front of the engine, I lost power steering, all brakes,and dash was out. This is a very dangerous situation that will cause loss of life sometime. Something should be done about it's a very poor design I have not seen anything like this before. If the belt brakes or the pully come's off your in big trouble. Not only for your life but life of other's too. Something has to be done about it. I intend on contacting general motors soon. Thank you for your website. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769220, filed 2002-11“On 05/09/1999 acceleator cable broke, towed monty chev in victorville. 05/11/1999 fixed. Cost $154.16 tow $105.00. 05/24/1999 lost power on freeway towed back to same dealer and fuel pump and fuel filter replaced $336.48 tow $12 0.00. Next day car stalled dealer towed back to shop keep it two days and said they couldn't find any thing wrong. Car has not ran that well since they worked on it, just rent a car if I needed to go far. …”
NHTSA complaint #713140, filed 1999-10“While driving 65-70mph down hill serpentine belt tensioner fell off, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Consumer states there were no brakes or power steering and the instrument panel shut down.”
NHTSA complaint #891828, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10012145Jun 1, 2004Boom type noise during engine warm up. This service bulletin replaces 000605001a.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 4 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 9% |
| 1999 | 10 | 8% |
| 1998 | 27 | 11% |
| 1997 | 37 | 10% |
| 1996 | 18 | 7% |
| 1995 | 28 | 6% |
| 1994 | 16 | 5% |
| 1993 | 9 | 7% |
| 1992 | 6 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 5 | 9% |
| 1988 | 14 | 25% |
| 1987 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Astro
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
60 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 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 27, 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