1996 Chevrolet Van Suspension Problems

“1996 Chevrolet astro VAN. We were driving down a busy interstate 65 miles an hour when the front passenger side collapsed. Luckily my husband got the vehicle under control and off of the road, my entire family could have been killed. We learned that it was a torsion bar and that this is a common design problem and that the design was changed in 1997. Therefore we had to replace both sides at a cost of over 1,000 dollars. It is still making a noise and I don't feel it is reliable.”

“Heard a noise, felt the front of the vehicle fall down on the front passenger tire, heard tire rubbing, stopped vehicle, got out to inspect. Fender parts rubbed on tire, could not turn wheel or drive , had to have vehicle towed to repair shop. Replace torsion bar and related parts.”

“Prior to complete brake failure on july 29, 2001, there is minimum of nine documented service reports with the dealer for brake problems beginning in may of 1997. To date, this problem still exists. There is severe pulling to the right and wheel vibration upon quick or heavy appliance of brakes. The rear brakes do not work and have not worked properly from the beginning; thus, the front brakes must handle the load. The front brake lining must be replace every six months. The back brake lining has been replaced only once. …”