Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
Consumer was driving at 35 MPH when he smelled smoke, and pulled over to exit. The doors and windows would not open. Consumer hit the glass with his shoulder and hand to get out, but then he had to break the glass to exit. Notice light coming from the tires on the driver's side, and then saw that the vehicle was on fire. Fire department came out to put out the fire. Contacted the dealer to fix the vehicle.
While driving 70 MPH vehicle commenced to lose speed. Vehicle would not accelerate more then 20-25 MPH. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, who informed consumer that the oxygen sensor/ EGR valve, and the catalytic converter malfunctioned. The consumer stated that the oxygen sensor/ EGR valve, and the catalytic converter melted down. The engine light was on.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact also mentioned that the failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.
The consumer's 1987 and 1997 Chevrolet Astro vans had faulty engine's.** answer required***. The power windows failed, the driver's seat came loose, the rear door hatch broke and the transmission failed due to the torque converter slipping and valve body wear (90000 miles).
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. 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. …
I have had a number of problems with this vehicle: both the left and right power windor motors; replace the key remote, both idler arms,front brake pad at 37,000 miles, serpentime belt, power steering pump - replaced twice, had to fix oil cooler lines twice, replaced distributor/rotor; replaced lower gasket due to intake manifold leak, and fuel pump modual. All of this was done before my car had 57,000 miles. The dealer has been very fair and repaired at low or now cost. I have had two trips shortened due to breakdowns and have spent over $1,500 on repairs not covered under warrenty or by the dealer. This is in addition to normal maintenance (oil and filter,four new tires,and transmission fluid and filter). I am concerned as to "what is next" and when the dealer when no longer be able to fix these problems at low cost to me.
Occurance 1) engine stopped without warning while approcahing an intersection. The resulting loss of power caused a severe control problem with the van. The reason for the failure was the fuel guage read 3/4 and the van ran out of fuel. Occurance 2) the fuel guage has totally stopped functioning, after topping off and proceeding onto highway I drove for 1/2 hour at 65, a sudden slam occured 2 or three times, appeared to be the engine cutting in and out, slowed to 55 and continued for 150 miles without further incident. Occurance 3) vehicle has no fuel guage, I am told it's out of warranty, even if full the vehicle seem to loose control momentarally, as if to loose power.
Fast engine idle, intermittant, high ambient temp. No "chk eng" or "stored codes" van will intermittantly accellerate to 45 to 62 MPH with no pedal. Several near accidents. Frequently must use brakes or low gear to hold 45-55 MPH dealers make excuse over warranty while admiting it is a safety problem, but no real interest from several levels of mgmt. 3 yr problem, dealer serv has only seen malfunction once with computer tool pluged in but said "no problem indicated" while seeing the fast idle. Can I get an incident number to take to the dealer?
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.
Engine complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 11% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Astro engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.