Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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. …
Vehicle developed a random pull while braking, particularly in rain or snow & slush. In the beginning it was only the first time you applied the brakes after you drove 2 or 3 miles then it happened on dry pavement. It happens only occasionally, but can be very severe, it nearly pulled me into the guide rail on one occasion. This started around 12000 miles and it now has 46000 miles on it. The dealer has replaced pads, turned rotors, aligned the front end twice, and ground the clearance on the calipers twice. At GM denied having more complaints about this but I have heard of other paople with the problem. I was called by the dealer the other day to bring it in again to lower the front end and another alignment. I recently took it on a trip in which my brother inlaw drove it and asked me "have you noticed this thing pulling?" my wife also drives it and has complained to me. …
Power steering failed while driving 5 MPH and then the power brakes did not work. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer reported power steering pump went and offered 50% assistance program to pay for the repair. Dealer also advised that the alignment was severely out and would also need to replace all four tires. When dealer went to do alignment, he now informs us that the steering components are bad: pitman arm, 2 inner tie rods, and 2 idler arms. Dealer claims this is due to lack of maintenance, I.e. Greasing. This is the second alignment we have had to have done on this van (4/98 first alignment and replaced four tires at that time also. Had the van for 11 months??) we feel that steering components have been defective from the beginning thus requiring two alignments and two new sets of tires in 40 months. …
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.
My Mini van always starts shaking when brakes are applied I went through six time fixing problem , I put new discs drums shoe pads shocks alignment rebalance everything we could do I'am very disaapointed at Chevrolet for their vehicle performance I even put a new gear box, the fuel gage does'nt work they told at croppers Chevrolet in nogales az.I need to replace the fuel pump they could not fix the gage I am so dissapointed I bought a Toyota and as soon as I can I'll trade this vehicle . One thing I learned is go with an import vehicle.
The transmission was replaced due to it missing 1st and going right into 2nd gear.front end of vehicle shakes at 40 MPH. Had tires replaced and alignment done. Interior light stay s on unless manual override is turned off.brakes make noises when you come to a stop or you are stopping slowly. Engine light comes on all the time brought to mechanic every time to get analyzed.
Vehicle would wander across road while driving at 45 or more MPH. Left side suspension was replaced with lower control arm by dealer, and problem still reoccurring. Side sliding door rattles, consumer states this is annoying.
They're having trouble keeping the truck under control. When stepping on the brake pedal the truck tends to swerve. Also if taking hands off of the steering wheel for a second the truck will swerve from side to side.
While driving 70 MPH rear end failed, and the consumer was unable to shift gears. Consumer was able to drive home with no problem. Dealership was notified but the problem was not resolved.
While driving at 68mph and with no warning vehicle started to vibrate, causing it to rollover. Dealer notified.
Suspension complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 7% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is front (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Astro suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.