1997 Chevrolet Astro Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 19%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 19% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 miles. 7 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.
“Just before stopping at an intersection the brake pedal lifted slightly. There was a moaning sound from under the hood on the driver's side and the van drifted into the crosswalk ( lost braking ). I threw it into reverse to stop. After replacing the brake master cylinder, hydro booster, power steering pump and gear and hoses, the problem persisted. I finally found someone with the same problem on an on-line forum who suggested disabling the ABS by pulling the fuse. Problem immediately went away when anti -lock brake was disabled.”
NHTSA complaint #10469913, filed 2012-08, 229,760 miles“The pedal positions and drivers foot room on my 1997 Chevrolet Astro contributed to an accident. I was turning left into a driveway which I could see was iced over. I was driving less than 5 MPH and braking when I entered the driveway and felt the anti-lock brakes begin to function. The brake pedal immediately dropped down and the van no longer decelerated. In fact the van accelerated the harder I stood on the brake pedal at which point I realized my right foot was pressing the accelerator as well as the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010398, filed 2003-03, 177,821 miles“Highway traffic suddenly slowed due to an accident ahead. The steel brake line to the rear brakes failed due to excessive rust during an emergency stop on highway. The front brakes were able to safely stop the vehicle with no contact with any other vehicles. Steering was also very difficult during the stop possibly due to ABS action, but no wheel lock ever occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10227898, filed 2008-05, 131,000 miles“Anti-lock brake failure as described in recent articles for GM model year 2000 and later. Near collisions with vehicles and property at low speeds. Problem is still not corrected, anti-lock brake system temporarily disabled to make vehicle safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10120947, filed 2005-05, 111,900 miles“Brake problems on 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The consumer stated that more brake work was needed. The brakes had rusted and needed to be turned, the A/C was not blowing cold and there was a heating concern. The rear axle seals and differential gaskets were leaking..”
NHTSA complaint #10092588, filed 2004-09, 18,796 milesRelated 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 1997 Chevrolet Astro
62 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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