Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Astro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that the ABS works intermittently while driving approximately 10 MPH. When approaching a stop, the brakes would not apply and she almost rear ended another vehicle. This has been a persistent failure ever since she purchased the vehicle. The dealer repaired the brakes at the cost of $125, but the failure persists. The dealer stated that there was no brake failure. The contact stated that in order for the brakes to work, she has to slam her foot on the brake pedal, but this solution is not always guaranteed. The current mileage was 50,800 and the failure mileage was unknown. Updated 01-10-08. The consumer stated grossman Chevrolet repaired the Chevy van again on nov. 30, 2007 at the cost of $979. The consumer further stated in 2005 she rear ended a vehicle at 5mph because vehicle would not stop while applying the brakes. …
The pedal positions and drivers foot room on my 1997 Chevrolet Astro contributed to an accident. I was turning left into a driveway which I could see was iced over. I was driving less than 5 MPH and braking when I entered the driveway and felt the anti-lock brakes begin to function. The brake pedal immediately dropped down and the van no longer decelerated. In fact the van accelerated the harder I stood on the brake pedal at which point I realized my right foot was pressing the accelerator as well as the brake. As I tried to move my right foot further left my size 12 right shoe got tangled with my size 12 left shoe in the drivers foot well. By the time I correctly positioned my feet and was able to press exclusively on the very small brake pedal the van crashed into the garage, penetrating the door and coming to a stop as it met the resistance of the vehicle parked in the garage. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Astro minivan. The contact was driving at very low speeds when the anti brake system failed, causing increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number id: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock) but the contact was advised by the dealer that his vehicle as not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileage was approximately 346,000.
Just before stopping at an intersection the brake pedal lifted slightly. There was a moaning sound from under the hood on the driver's side and the van drifted into the crosswalk ( lost braking ). I threw it into reverse to stop. After replacing the brake master cylinder, hydro booster, power steering pump and gear and hoses, the problem persisted. I finally found someone with the same problem on an on-line forum who suggested disabling the ABS by pulling the fuse. Problem immediately went away when anti -lock brake was disabled.
Highway traffic suddenly slowed due to an accident ahead. The steel brake line to the rear brakes failed due to excessive rust during an emergency stop on highway. The front brakes were able to safely stop the vehicle with no contact with any other vehicles. Steering was also very difficult during the stop possibly due to ABS action, but no wheel lock ever occurred.
While driving on local road , traveling 40-45mph, two vehicles up and ahead were crossing the intersection. Consumer realizing that there were cameras and light turned yellow, slammed on the brakes, and a pickup truck behind rearended her. Consumer applied brakes, and they failed. Also, upon impact, neither airbag deployed.
Brake problems on 1997 Chevrolet Astro van. The consumer stated that more brake work was needed. The brakes had rusted and needed to be turned, the A/C was not blowing cold and there was a heating concern. The rear axle seals and differential gaskets were leaking..
Was traveling 40mph when another vehicle cut in front & had no tail lights. Applied brakes to avoid hitting vehicle. Had pumped brakes, but vehicle had slid & rearended the other vehicle due to lack of brakes. Upon impact with other vehicle, air bags failed to deploy.
Anti-lock brake failure as described in recent articles for GM model year 2000 and later. Near collisions with vehicles and property at low speeds. Problem is still not corrected, anti-lock brake system temporarily disabled to make vehicle safe to drive.
Brakes and steering failed simultaneously, resulting in a crash. GMC knows about the problem and will not fix it until enough people die. My family was almost killed. Anyone who has had a family member hurt or killed in a GM van should sue GMC.
Brake complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 19% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Astro brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Astro brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 131,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.