Chevrolet Astro engine failure problems

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Engine · 110,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that the pass lock module that turned off the gas to the engine failed. The vehicle would start up briefly but then shut off. The dealer stated that it was a common problem but it was not related to any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000 and the current mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2007 · Brakes · 123,000 miles · TN · fire

Operated the van for 30 minutes. Parked it in a garage and shutoff engine. Ten minutes later the garage smoke alarm sounded. The van had filled the garage full of smoke. Opened the door and attempted to restart the engine to remove from garage. Display reported an assortment of warnings and engine starter failed to activate. Opened hood to discover flames coming from the underside on the engine. Called for fire department and made first attempt to use a fire extinguisher to stop flames from the engine compartment, was unsuccessful. Went under the van's driver-side and could now see the source of fire. Extinguished the fire, then it shortly erupted again. Extinguished again. Placed the key into the steering column to move transmission to neutral, so that I could push the vehicle out of the garage. Sparks immediately flew from the driver-side underside and re-ignited the fire. The transmission lever was no longer engaged to the transmission (control was limp) and the key seized in the column. Went underneath the vehicle to extinguish the fire a third time. After this I removed the positive power lead from the battery to stop any further electrical shorts. Fire subsided. Fire department arrived and ordered a wrecker to drag the vehicle from the garage for safety of the house. At this time it was discovered that the fire had also destroyed the emergency brake system. The parking brake was seized in the off position. Chevrolet dealership repair order states as follows: "appears ebcm shorted and caught fire burning a hole through the brake line. Parking brake cable. Shifter cable and wiring harness." the ebcm fire not only caused the loss of normal braking operation, the poor location of unit and subsequent fire it started destroyed the emergency braking system and severed the controls to the transmission. This leaves a driver with a complete loss of braking functions and no means to slow the vehicle through down shifting the transmission. $6000 of damage.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · TN

I attempted to make a left hand turn across two lanes of on coming traffic (speed limit 55 MPH). I push down on the accelerator, the van moved into the on coming traffic lanes and the engine died. Cars had to quickly apply breaks to avoid hitting my van. It took about 20 seconds to get the van started and out of the intersection. The van was towed into courtesy chevrolet and the distributor cap and rotator were replace. I was told everything was corrected. This was not the case as the same problem happened two additional times (october 24, 2004 and december 16, 2004) with the same terrifying consequences with on coming traffic. I was fortunate not to be killed or kill someone else with this vehicle stalling in on coming traffic.

Filed Jul 2, 2004 · Fuel system · CA

No warning. Fuel pump failed in busy traffic. Engine died due to lack of fuel. Danager to driver and children while trying to manuever vehicle to side of the road. Filter changed per dealer instructions and still failed. Dangerous condition with imperils driver and passengers if vehicle dies while driving in heavy traffic.

Filed Jun 16, 2004 · Engine · 120,000 miles · KY

1)AC compressor stopped working 2)compressor seized up, engine stopped running, and vehicle stopped on high traffic highway 3)sort belted serpentine belt .

Filed Jun 5, 2003 · Engine · 63,005 miles · CA

My problem is that I have a 1997 chevrolet astro van with 63,005 miles on it and the main bearings failed. I took it my local dealer for a oil pressure drop, and they informed me that the bearings were bad. After some investigating on the internet I have found that chevrolet may have been aware of a problem with the bearings, having issued a tsb[87-61-22]. Now that a new engine has been installed at my cost of $4600, I am looking for some help or information on how to recoup some or all of the cost. I have had all possible maintenance done and all recall work done since 1997. Chevrolet has informed me that some recall work was not done, but my dealer records show it has been done.

Filed Jan 12, 2002 · Fuel system · NY

When my vehicle was new I complained about the engine, northstar chevrolet put in new fuel injectors at that time, but stated that all astro ran the same as mine, no power and hesitation. Now I find out the fuel injectors leak, breaking down the oil, causing damage to the engine. Chevy will not admit to this problem. I have spoken to one dealer who keeps the v6 vortec in stock because he sells so many of them. Chevy wants heart chevrolet to tear my engine apart before they will do anything and then it will problably only about 20% of a new engine. I take care of my cars and don't mistreat them. I work for a garage. Please help.

Filed Jun 27, 2001 · Fuel system · PA

Fuel pump seized, shorted out and melted wires connected to it inside fuel tank, blew fuse. Could have been fatal.

Filed Feb 5, 2000 · Visibility · AL

The windshield wiper motor has not completely failed but on a number of occasions has seized while in operation nearly causing accidents. Dealer refused to replace wiper motor while under warranty because it had not completely failed and worked when inspected by the technician.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Engine · CA

Check engine light comes on, possible engine failure.