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 1998 Chevrolet Astro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Cannot get air throught vents in dash, all controls work properly vacuum actuator moves, there is vacuum at the swithc, no one knows the answer paint on gas door bubbling and looks like it is going to fall off transmission shifted hard into 2nd gear since we bought it ( 54000kms) finally started to slip , bought used trans and had it installed, quoted 3000.00 to rebuild, dealer was past even belief. ABS comes on when coming to a stop every time . Lf front sensor reads o MPH when other sensors read movement causing it to assume a skid situation, replaced sensor at 205.00 no better, does not set code in computer according to mechanic. Pulled fuse. Has had vibration in driveline since purchased no one can find anything sugeestion range from replace all u joints, did some of them no better to replace rear end. …
While slowing to a stop at about 2 MPH on dry pavement, the vehicle's anti-lock braking system started rapidly cycling, no brakes were grabbing because of the rapid cycling, the engine started to race slightly, and the vehicle was headed for either two pedestrians or a building. To stop the vehicle, I placed the transmission in reverse and the vehicle came to a stop. After another brake attempt the brakes responded. I went to an isolated street with some ice and dry pavement, and this anti-lock braking failure occurred in 1 out of 5 braking attempts. I never received an anti-lock warning light and the system completed its self tests properly on each engine start up. I removed the 60 amp fuse to disable the system and I am not sure I can ever trust this system again.
While braking at low speed the ABS would cause extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Front wheel speed sensor replaced. Left front window hangs when going up. Window tracke lubed. Pads and rotors replaced. Rer brake adjusted. Brake pedal kicked up when almost to a stop. Replaced brake calipers/rotors/ backing plates and removed sensors and cleaned rust build up on sensor and hub assemblies. Both idler amrs and front and rear shocks were replaced due to front end play.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that there was not enough space between the brake pedal and the motor cover for him to maneuver his feet. He was concerned that he could possibly get his foot caught between the brake pedal and motor cover in the event that he needed to apply the brakes quickly. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 114,000. Updated 04-20-09 updated 04/24/09.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. While driving 10 MPH the antilock brake system activated and the contact had to swerve to avoid striking another vehicle. The failure occurred without warning when braking at low speeds. The manufacturer stated that this vehicle was not included in the recall and will not pay for the repair. The current mileage is 88,000, and failure mileage was 85,000
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH he depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake line was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Design and position of brake pedal, which in length is higher than the gas pedal, caused the occupant's foot to get stuck underneath the brake pedal and depress it, causing vehicle to go into reverse at high speed, and crashing into a wall. Please provide further information.
Comments: I read where NHTSA has started an investigation into this problem. I have a 1998 Astro AWD pasasenger van with the same symptoms (started at 50,000 miles, currently has 67,000 miles. I pulled the fuse so I at least have brakes at slow speeds. I nearly ran into my garage and am concerned becauase we live near railroad tracks. Have rolled into intersections beacause of this safety problem. ABS engages at slow speed which allows vehicle to keep going (renders to brajes useless) there is a TSB by GM on this shown below. My concern is that this vehicle is not listed in your investigation. This is a serious safety issue. …
Power steering pump failed suddenly causing loss of steering and brakes. I was told by service mgr. @ damascus Chevrolet that he has seen this problem in this braking system before. There was no warning or previous problem with either the steering or the brakes. The failure was sudden and complete. I have located one additional owner of the same model van who experienced a simular failure. In both cases it was fortunate that the failure was at a low speed. Chevrolet informed me that since the vehilce was out of warranty they would make no efforts to assist me with the repair ($800). I feel that a braking system that suffers from this type of failure from time to time ( as stated by the Chevy service mgr.) is a threat to anyone who May operate or be in proximity of the operation of these vehicles.
Belt tensioner casing cracked/broken around mount bolt, causing loss of belt tension, power assisted steering, and power assisted braking. Throttle control pedal "sticks" and excessive pressure must be applied to overcome resistance. Brake pedal could not be depressed until excessive force was applied with both feet, occurred twice at very slow speeds while cresting a short steep incline and turning to the right to park, cause yet unknown. Dt
Brake complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 16% of the model year's 241 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Astro brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, though it has 3 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 1998 Chevrolet Astro brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 7 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.