What is the real is hard to turn in my alternator went out
The worst 1998 Chevrolet Astro problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility46
- Brakes38
- Engine28
- Fuel system28
- Transmission26
- Electrical25
- Suspension21
- Acceleration18
- Steering15
- Seat belts12
- Tires12
- Airbags10
- Body8
- Locks5
- Seats2
- Lights1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro
Wipers 39ABS 7No deployment 7Stalling 7Brake failure 6Fire or smoke 6Power steering loss 6Pulling 6Loss of power 5
Recalls 3
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- Risk
- If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.
Recall number 03V093000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans. Some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally may not come on or may terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard.
- Risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new alarm module. Owner notification began june 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.
Recall number 01V123000 · Recall details
Child seat
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with integrated dual child seats. Some of these vehicles may be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. If the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. If the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint would continually play out and would not lock.
- Risk
- These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat.
Recall number 99V009000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro 61
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the hydro-boost is not serviceable...
- Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
1998 Chevrolet Astro fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18-20 | 16 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18-19 | 16 |
What 1998 Chevrolet Astro owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that he began to drive in reverse and the speedometer failed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic where they stated that fuel leaked from the wiring harness and into the engine computer. In addition, the engine computer and the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH he depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake line was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Diagnostic system was defective and didn't provide warning that the engine was overheating. The book states the service engine soon light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction. None of this worked on the van.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro van. The contact was driving 40 MPH when heat emitted inside the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that during the failure, there were no visible flames or smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 92,349. Updated 04/27/12*lj updated 04/27/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that the built- in diagnostic system was defective and did not provide warning that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the head gasket failed and caused engine coolant to leak into the motor abnormally. The engine motor and the intake gaskets would both need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact that the built-in diagnostic system was not operating due to the vehicle's age. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 92,000. Updated 08-07-12
1998 chevrolet astro van, unit 1 was traveling west on ir 80 in the right lane. Unit 1 went off the right side of the roadway, over corrected, and went spinning 270 degrees and went off the left side of the roadway and struck the median barrier. The driver changed his story and said his tire blew out and lost control of the vehicle. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0293-90)*jb updated 08/11/11*lj updated 08/12/11*jb updated 08/16/11
I have a 1998 chevy astro van that qualifies for a expired warranty for gm that is related to a defect in their fuel injection system that causes them to stick open or closed. I was never notified by chevy about this problem and was not properly diagnosed by a mechanic until this year. The bulletin/warranty number is: 99066e and it states that all repairs relating to this problem would be covered no charge to the vehicle owner as long as it's within 10 years or 200,000 miles. So, I'm 3 years out of warranty and I have 217,000 miles. It doesn't seem right that chevy never contacted me about this and I've had to pay for numerous repairs related to the fuel system in this vehicle over the years without that could have been avoided if I had my fuel injection system fixed. These vans are known to run up to 450,000 miles. The operation of my vehicle is vital in this economy. I really would appreciate this warranty extended to me. I have contacted chevy/gm and they just read the warranty back and deny me repair or tell me to get it fixed at the dealership. Why should I have to pay for a repair that there is a warranty that states that they are at fault and it's related to fuel deposits in california fuel?
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The driver stated that the windshield wiper circuit board causes the wipers not to function properly. If visibility is reduced while driving the risk for vehicle crash and serious injury are increased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the windshield wiper motor was repaired. He contacted the manufacture and was informed by a representative that there were no existing recalls for his year make and model.. The failure mileage was 129,877. The current mileage was unknown.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that there was not enough space between the brake pedal and the motor cover for him to maneuver his feet. He was concerned that he could possibly get his foot caught between the brake pedal and motor cover in the event that he needed to apply the brakes quickly. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 114,000. Updated 04-20-09 *bf updated 04/24/09.
Compare the 1998 Chevrolet Astro
Other model years
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Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Astro
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Astro reliable?
Owners have filed 240 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 3.9 times a typical Astro model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 46 complaints, typically around 86,500 miles. Next is brakes (38).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Astro have?
3 recalls, covering visibility, seat belts and child seat.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 03V093000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Astro have the most visibility problems?
The Chevrolet Astro model years with the most visibility complaints are 1995 (104 complaints), 1994 (88 complaints) and 1997 (62 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Astro get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 18-20 highway.
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