Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I have a 1997 Astro, in the past 8 months the driver side window motor, windshield wiper motor and transmission have all been replaced. The transmission was replaced with 54,202 miles on it, which started giving us problems at about 53,000 miles. The dealership replaced both idler arms at 25,680 miles. Had seat belt chime fixed (recall), driver seat feels loose when stopping dealership claims to have tightened it, still feels loose. The van has always idled rough took it in 3 times for that and can't seem to fix that. Sliding door rattle they tried to fix that also still rattles. The gas pedal sticks when I take off or when I go in reverse which makes it impossible to take off smoothly. I had an Astro and a safari in the past and never had as many problems as I had with this one.
My van is a 1997 Astro and it has some serious transmission problems after going 30-40 miles and stoping at a light it jerks real hard and feels like I was hit in the back I have took it 3 times to get fixed and it still does it the service ingine light comes on when it starts doing it no one seems to know wheat wrong they just keep takeing my money and telling me its fixed when its no if some one could tell me what the problem is I would be very happy the fuel pump went out 900.00$ the driver window motor went out the idler arms have had to be replaced brakes keep wearing down ...please some one contact me.
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).
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..
Engine check light coming on coincidently with very rough shifting. Dealer states transmission needs replacement, even though an independent transmission shop could find no problem with the transmission. The independent mechanic maintains the problem is in the computer, which is shutting down and causing a full line pressure in the transmission, causing the rough shift. The independent shop dropped the transmission pan, inspected the fluid and visually inspected the transmission. Also kept and drove the vehicle for 2 days. Dealership insists the computer code they are receiving (p1870) indicates a transmission slip, to be remedied by a complete transmission replacement or at least an overhaul. No visual inspection of the transmission was conducted by the dealer -- only relying on a computer code to diagnose the problem. …
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. …
After leaving a 4-lane interstate section of highway 19 in west virginia, and arriving onto a section with stoplights, the driver noticed a clunking noise while the transmission was shifting from 1st to 2nd. This occurred at multiple lights. During the occurence, the van would also lurch during the shift. We stopped at a rest area, and after allowing the van to sit for about 20 minutes, we restarted. The problem was not apparent when we left the rest area, but about 2 miles down the road, the "service engine" light came on. We drove to the nearest major city to find a dealer to look at the problem. Once we found an open dealer who could download the diagnostics, he informed us that the code indicated transmission slippage. He reset the code, and the van shifted fine. We continued to our destination without problems, and took the van to a dealer the following day. …
1st problem: when transmission gets hot- particularly after if driven in low gear .engine check light comes on and transmission slams from 1st gear into 2nd gear, then from 2nd gear into 3rd gear. Feels like vehicle has been hit from the rear. Problem stops when vehicle cools down. Dealer says only fix is to replace transmission. Has seen many other astros with same problem. 2nd problem: since filing orginal complaint # 516354 have gone to binding arbitration with Chevrolet. Chevrolet admitted to defective fuel tank that causes it to move. Arbitrator order Chevrolet to fix. Chevrolet refused because it will require redesign of fuel tank. Arbitrator has no power to order redesign.
My feeling on this vehicle is as follows: this is a relitively new Astro van, being only 4 years old, I wouldn't have expected to have to absorb the cost of a rebuilt trasmission already. After speaking with our trasmissions specialist, he advised we contact someone regarding this van. The problem with the trasmission was caused by 2 torque bearings that exploded within the transmission, thus causing the damage. He let me know that this is not a normal occurance in this vehicle, there had to be a flaw. Torque bearings just do not "explode." the cost to remedy, what I feel is a manufacture defect, has caused a hardship for my family. I would appreciate any help with this matter.
After driving for 20-40 minutes, the transmission will shift very hard from first to second gear. We have reported this to the dealer and am told that it would cost $1800.00 + to replace the transmission. We have had 3 transmission shops look at this problem and run diagnostics and tune up on the transmission. The problem still exists. We have been dealing with this aggravating situation the last two years, spoken with many people in the repair business and no one seems to be able to pinpoint the exact problem. They only want to "look" at the problem and collect more money, which we have done on 3 seperate occasions. All to no avail. Problem still exists.
Transmission complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 15% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Astro transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
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.