Skip to content
BrakesPart report

1998 Chevrolet Astro Brakes Problems

Complaints
38about this part
Share
16%of 241 total for the year
Median mileage
87,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 16% of the 241 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 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.

“While slowing to a stop at about 2 MPH on dry pavement, the vehicle's anti-lock braking system started rapidly cycling, no brakes were grabbing because of the rapid cycling, the engine started to race slightly, and the vehicle was headed for either two pedestrians or a building. To stop the vehicle, I placed the transmission in reverse and the vehicle came to a stop. After another brake attempt the brakes responded. I went to an isolated street with some ice and dry pavement, and this anti-lock braking failure occurred in 1 out of 5 braking attempts. …”

NHTSA complaint #10150622, filed 2006-02, 53,756 miles

“Comments: I read where NHTSA has started an investigation into this problem. I have a 1998 Astro awd pasasenger van with the same symptoms (started at 50,000 miles, currently has 67,000 miles. I pulled the fuse so I at least have brakes at slow speeds. I nearly ran into my garage and am concerned becauase we live near railroad tracks. Have rolled into intersections beacause of this safety problem. Abs engages at slow speed which allows vehicle to keep going (renders to brajes useless) there is a TSB by GM on this shown below. My concern is that this vehicle is not listed in your investigation. …”

NHTSA complaint #10125960, filed 2005-06, 50,000 miles

“Cannot get air throught vents in dash, all controls work properly vacuum actuator moves, there is vacuum at the swithc, no one knows the answer paint on gas door bubbling and looks like it is going to fall off transmission shifted hard into 2nd gear since we bought it ( 54000kms) finally started to slip , bought used trans and had it installed, quoted 3000.00 to rebuild, dealer was past even belief. Abs comes on when coming to a stop every time . …”

NHTSA complaint #10071372, filed 2004-01, 150,000 miles

“While braking at low speed the ABS would cause extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Front wheel speed sensor replaced. Left front window hangs when going up. Window tracke lubed. Pads and rotors replaced. Rer brake adjusted. Brake pedal kicked up when almost to a stop. Replaced brake calipers/rotors/ backing plates and removed sensors and cleaned rust build up on sensor and hub assemblies. Both idler amrs and front and rear shocks were replaced due to front end play.”

NHTSA complaint #10110976, filed 2005-03, 87,000 miles

“After driving for about 7/10 miles and then parking it smells like burning brakes. When we took it in to have the brakes checked the repair shop said the pads were loose and glazed. We have replaced the brakes pads 2 twice since we purchased the vehicle and the time frame from the 1st time to the last time was about 4 months ago and we are taking it back to have the brakes check again for the same reason.”

NHTSA complaint #754838, filed 2001-11

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005111%
2004750%
20032540%
20022333%
20013437%
20006537%
19992317%
19983816%
19976719%
19963614%
199510924%
19949730%
19934231%
19925743%
19914446%
19902841%
198959%
198812%
1986417%
1985120%

Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
46 complaints
Fuel system
28 complaints
Engine cooling
27 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
26 complaints
Electrical system
25 complaints
Suspension
21 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Steering
15 complaints
Tires
13 complaints
Seat belts
12 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 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