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 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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that the built- in diagnostic system was defective and did not provide warning that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the head gasket failed and caused engine coolant to leak into the motor abnormally. The engine motor and the intake gaskets would both need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact that the built-in diagnostic system was not operating due to the vehicle's age. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 92,000. Updated 08-07-12
Request another vehicle (van/SUV) and reimbursement for rental cars due to their defective vehicle. The same day the consumer purchased the vehicle he drove two blocks and the van stopped, the engine light had illuminated. The consumer walked back to car lot and the was told everything was fine that the mechanic had checked over everything completely and to just fill the vehicle up with gas. When the consumer had the vehicle inspected, it was discovered that the water pump was leaking and there was a crack in the cylinder head, also the front shocks and idler arms were replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro van. The contact was driving 40 MPH when heat emitted inside the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that during the failure, there were no visible flames or smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 92,349. Updated 04/27/12 updated 04/27/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that he began to drive in reverse and the speedometer failed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic where they stated that fuel leaked from the wiring harness and into the engine computer. In addition, the engine computer and the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Diagnostic system was defective and didn't provide warning that the engine was overheating. The book states the service engine soon light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction. None of this worked on the van.
"check engine light on the automobile never went off, when I purchased automobile from used dealer,light was on,took it to meinke, paid 2,000.00 to get serviced light still stayed on. Was told not to worry, no problem with engine, 6 months after I bought auto , blew head, with no, no , no indication that the car was even running hot.
Mass airflow sensor has a short service light. This sensor began to malfunction around 52000 miles, sending a code to the OBD ll system resulting in a check engine light. This is way too soon for this type of component to fail, and the component is only available through general motors dealers at a lofty price.
Van shifts from 1st to 2nd realy hard. When I tried to get it repaired nothing was done except for a fluid change. The van still had the same problems. I only attemped two times because I cant aford to pay that much money and the problem to not get fixed. The air and heat only blowes out on the passenger side.
Roblems that I have listed are only the icing on the cake. I have several other problems and such as : oil coller inlet, rear main seal, extention housing leaking.my front end alignment wanders, problems with keyless remote and factory alarm.roof rack was improperly installed, cigarettte lighter falls out, glove box light switch defective,raido speakers not propertly installled. When tensioner failed, there was a loud noise from the front end,so I decided to get off the busy road to find out where the noise came from. My steering also went out;I had my children with me on a busy road speed limit 45.I went to make a left had turn and had extreme difficulty in turning my wheel. …
Engine complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 12% of the model year's 241 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Astro engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 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.