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1997 Chevrolet Astro transmission complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1997 Chevrolet Astro transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 27, 2001 · Transmission · NY

Transmission slammed into gear after accelerating and shifted into next gear. After, slamming into next gear , vehicle shook violently. Dealer stated vehicle was built with a inadequate transmission to hamdle weight of vehicle. Manufacturer dd not plan to solve problem.

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Transmission · NY

After driving for an extended period of time transmission would shift violently through lower gears. Dealership continued to inform consumer that a tsb (technical service bulletin) would be released for this problem. However, transmission failed, and needed to be replaced. *ak

Filed May 29, 2001 · Fuel system, Steering · IL

Fuel gauge stopped working. Air conditioner and transmission broke.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Transmission · MN

After driving on interstate for awhile, the transmission shifted very harshly when pulling away from a toll booth sending my wife's and children's heads back sharply against their seats. The dealer says it will need to be rebuilt. Independent transmission shops state that this is a common problem with gmc transmissions and that it will eventually cease to function, possibly stranding the people in the van. After acknowledging this in several service bulletins, the gm garage still says that gm is not responsible for the repair cost of approx $2000.

Filed May 15, 2001 · Transmission · OH

My feeling on this vehicle is as follows: this is a relitively new astro van, being only 4 years old, I wouldn't have expected to have to absorb the cost of a rebuilt trasmission already. After speaking with our trasmissions specialist, he advised we contact someone regarding this van. The problem with the trasmission was caused by 2 torque bearings that exploded within the transmission, thus causing the damage. He let me know that this is not a normal occurance in this vehicle, there had to be a flaw. Torque bearings just do not "explode." the cost to remedy, what I feel is a manufacture defect, has caused a hardship for my family. I would appreciate any help with this matter.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission shifts very rough,feels like being hit from behind. Is now leaking fluid.

Filed Apr 16, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Automatic transmission failure. Transmission has been replaced approximately four times because of failure to operate. After last replacement, dealership overfilled the transmission fluid, causing excessive leaking. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Feb 6, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

Driver's side rear window will not stay open, clips that should hold it up are blocked by material, window slams shut when going over a bump. Transmission went out at 45000 miles. *ak oil leak, dealer ordered axle output shaft seal and crankshaft sensor. Electric fuel pump replaced due to vehicle cutting and would crank, but would not star. Oil pressure gauge erratic, dealer replaced oil pressure sender. Front brakes and pads were replaced, rotors were resurfaced. Consumer states there is play in the steering, dealer replaced both idler arms and reset toe in. Power door locks inoperable, dealer replaced power door lock switch. Power window inoperable, dealer replaced power window switch. Shifter was hard to move, dealer replaced shift cable. Gas pedal binds at times, dealer ordered throttle cable and replaced accelerator cable. Driver seta seems loose when braking, dealer ordered driver seat track assembly and replaced driver seat adjuster. Pcm fuse kept blowing out, dealer removed engine cover and traced wire harness, repaired shorted harness at the rear of the transmission.

Filed Oct 31, 2000 · Transmission · MD

While traveling and without any indication vehicle lost first gear then fourth gear was lost. *ak finally the reverse gear failed.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Acceleration, Body · IL

Consumer went to check why the engine light came on, mechanics reported that the wiring underneath the drivers side was entangled.

Filed Sep 23, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Automatic transmission roughly shifts between 1st and 2nd gear. Dealer replaced transmission at cost of $1823.99.

Filed Sep 22, 2000 · Transmission · KS

Transmission replaced 3 times. Transmission would keep vehicle from going into reverse or start slipping into different gears. Dealer has rebuild the transmission each time. The parts could be defective.

Filed Sep 13, 2000 · Body, Fuel system · CA

Chevrolet doesn't care about using cheap parts- after warranty they say trade it in .numerous things wrong with van and have talked to chevrolet many times. Can't use back door of van, run out of gas, knobs fall of interior devices, asked chevy to help since 37,000 and problems still happening as I go, can't afford to fix and can't afford to trade. Another nice shove it job by chevrolet they don't stand by their prduct and their product is not safe please respond.

Filed Sep 12, 2000 · Transmission · MD

1st problem: when transmission gets hot- particularly after if driven in low gear .engine check light comes on and transmission slams from 1st gear into 2nd gear, then from 2nd gear into 3rd gear. Feels like vehicle has been hit from the rear. Problem stops when vehicle cools down. Dealer says only fix is to replace transmission. Has seen many other astros with same problem. 2nd problem: since filing orginal complaint # 516354 have gone to binding arbitration with chevrolet. Chevrolet admitted to defective fuel tank that causes it to move. Arbitrator order chevrolet to fix. Chevrolet refused because it will require redesign of fuel tank. Arbitrator has no power to order redesign.

Filed Sep 5, 2000 · Transmission · OH

I am told by the local dealer that the transmissions in the astros are being replaced almost on a daily basis. I was told by the dealer that it is "poor engineering" that is why they have changed the transmission in the 2000 models. I would like to know how many complaints you have had on the transmissions and at what point in time do they make a recall. Please feel free to contact me. The chevy customer service line could not help me at all!!!!!

Filed Aug 14, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · SC

As you can see, I have had numerous problems with this van. The dealer nor chevrolet have offered any assistance saying that after 36,000 miles they are not responsible. Obviously, there is something wrong with this car. I am a single mom and I cannot pay my car payment plus repairs every month. I cannot trade it in because I owe too much on it. If I turn it in, I do not have credit to buy another car. Can you assist me in any way? No safety defect listed.

Filed Jul 15, 2000 · Transmission · GA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Jul 7, 2000 · Transmission · FL

Transmission failed.

Filed Jun 12, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · FL

In oct. 1997 when starting to drive transmission slips, feels like van has been hit from behind. Dealer replaced valve body,due to a known product problem.van once again had same troble in may 2000, dealer changed valve body, also statede becaused of a known product concern. But tjis time I had to pay $672.06. Their customer service was of no help. Even though their mechanic stated that gm had said to reploace the valve body the second time with a new design, since the first replacement was defective.

Filed May 19, 2000 · Transmission · OH

After driving at highway speed and coming to a stop there is a loud bang and the vehicle jerks at the upshift from first to second gear. It feels as if the vehicle has been hit from behind. Check out by transmission shop indicates no problem.

Filed May 18, 2000 · Transmission · NC

After coming to a complete stop then accelerating, transmission shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear. Tsb's posted by gm on the transmission model 4l60-e. This transmission is used in several model trucks/vans/SUV's. Your site and other web sites post complaints on this unit from various truck owners, with the same problem. Gm refuses to participate in repairing these transmissions. Owners must pay for repairs/transmission replacements. If transmission were to suddenly go out while acclerating, vehicle would lose all power and could not avoid being struck by another vehicle, potentially causing injury and/or death of van occupants.

Filed May 15, 2000 · Transmission · FL

When van has been driven more than 15 miles, autoshifting from 'second' to 'third' gear is so rough it feels like the van has been hit from the back by another vehicle. When shifting from 'third' to 'fourth' gear there is also a rough shifting but not as violent as the prior shifting.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · TX

Vehicle has a "stop bump" or "drive line clunk" which is "corrected" by lubricating driveline slip yok and driveshaft every 2000 miles. This occurs when stopping and feels as if the car has been bumped from behind, causing it to lurch slightly forward. I've been told that it is not normal operation but can not be fixed. Also the alignment needs to be corrected every two months as it continually pulls to the right (an independent shop said the idler arms are bad). There are many squeaks, bumps and clunks coming from under the vehicle.

Filed Mar 28, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Consumer took vehicle in for front brake repairs & found out that the rear axle seals failed. Rear brakes had to be replaced due to this problem. Service advisor told consumer this was not common for this vehicle. *ak

Filed Mar 27, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · IN

Gas pedal stuck, causing vehicle to surge forward. Dealer has been contacted. Transmission also went out.

Filed Mar 17, 2000 · Transmission · GA

Mechanic made comment that gm chas had problems with their electronic transmissions.

Filed Mar 13, 2000 · Transmission · NJ

Usaully after a long drive, and coming to a stop, when van shifts form ist to secondgear, there is a banging nose,feels like a have been hit form the back. Also, feels like I am being pushed forward..will happen on all additional 1-2 shift changes ,untill shut down.

Filed Jan 16, 2000 · Transmission · AL

Have continually had trouble with this vehicle. Also know others with exact same van who have the same problems. No safetty defect (s) listed within summary.

Filed Dec 28, 1999 · Transmission, Visibility · ME

Windshield wipers ice up with just a tiny bit of snow or sleet.

Filed Dec 28, 1999 · Transmission · ME

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

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