Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Electric window controls on my 1997 Chevrolet Astro van have started working intermittently. Started happening right after I had a dealership repair the windshield wiper controls pursuant to GM recall. Mostly occurs after window is down, and switch will not operate to roll window up. If I wait a minute, the switch will work, but will only roll window up an inch or two at a time before it stops working again.
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.
The windshield wipers on my Chevy Astro van does not work every so often. I will be driving down the road and want to use them, and they just don't work. To get them to work, I have to pull off the side of the road, shut off my vehicle and turn it back on. I complained to the dealership about this a couple of years ago and they told me that unless it stops altogether, they would not be able to locate the problem. Well, now I have 90,000 miles on this van and it's a 5 1/2 year old vehicle (1997). Last week 3/7/03, I received a notice of this problem from Chevy. Chevy will fix this problem if the vehicle has less than 70,000 miles on it. That leave me out of the picture. I don't think that is right, considering that I tried to do something about it years ago.
Chevrolet doesn't care about using cheap parts- after warranty they say trade it in .numerous things wrong with van and have talked to Chevrolet many times. Can't use back door of van, run out of gas, knobs fall of interior devices, asked Chevy to help since 37,000 and problems still happening as I go, can't afford to fix and can't afford to trade. Another nice shove it job by Chevrolet they don't stand by their prduct and their product is not safe please respond.
When driving and a big truck passes the Astro and the rear side quarter window shut all by itself, when the window is opened the lock on the window is adjusted so that the window could stay open. But for some reason when something heavy winded comes by like a big truck, the window would shut without any notice. The owner states that there are children that sit back in the rear of the Astro, and that this is dangerous for the window to shut like this.
I have owned this vehicle for a year and have had problems with throttle since then. Transmission was overhauled due to faulty coolant hos a month after purchase and now trns. Fliud pump is shot. Window motors are not working properly and niether are power locks. Friend owns 97' safari and has same exact problems. Is costing me more than van is worth
Windshield wipers work intermittently or stop during operation. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Consumer was afraid of running into the back of the vehicle or crashing into the gaurd rail. It was raining heavily when the windshield wipers just stopped. Consumer could only see the tail lights of the other vehicle.
I contacted Chevrolet and they said that they had recalled 1995 and 1996 models for this problem. I know of two other vans that are the same model as mine, and they are having problems with their wipers also. I believe this is a manufacturing defect. This is a safety problem because you don't know when these wipers will stop!
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor May fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, 16% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.