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 1998 Chevrolet Astro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I own a 1990 Chevrolet Astro (van) and a 1998 Astro. The 1998 van is 18 inches longer then the 1990 . The extra 18 inches were added to the same suspension as the 1990 Astro. The 1998 Astro has a bad sway to the rear suspenison weather you have slowed to turn into to a drive way or making a curve on the highway this van would still be rocking after you had completed this task. I have never been car sick in my life but sitting in the third seat would make you feel ill. On the 18th of feb. My worst nightmare come true while travling over a mt.pass(oregon hwy #20) I hit a patch of black ice I did all the right thing but the rear of that van had it own agenda. Witness state that they were shocked on how the rear of the van rocked or swayed the way it did and that were lucky that it did not roll . …
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.
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.
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. …
3 main complaints: 1. Wipers work sometimes- will cut on and not off, will not work at all, or will work only at high wiper speed- dealer said that this was covered by a recall but when I picked up the van after the dealer fixed it (replaced circuit board) I was told that recall did not include 98 Astro. 2. Paint on hood of van suddenly started to crack- has only occurred on hood 3. Front end problems- causing tires to wear out sooner than expected, loud popping/clunking noise from front end, dealer says that problem is with idler arms and ball joints.
The tires on this vehicle wears out. (outside edge) the vehicle alignment has been corrected three times, and yet the tires still wear badly. G.m. Will not do anything about it please help, I'am totatly disabled and can not afford to put tires on this vehicle every fifteen thousand miles.( dot number: tire size: lt 235 65 )
The tires on this vehicle wears out. (outside edge) the vehicle alignment has been corrected three times and yet the tires still wear badly. G.m. Will not do anything about it please help, I'am totatly disabled, and cannot afford to put tires on this vehicle every fifteen thousand miles.( dot number: tire size: lt 235 65 )
I have had problems with my vehicle staying in alignment. I have taken back, they say it is many things. But I have had afront put on rotors,brakes,caliburs,shims,alignments,tirebalance,I still have pulling. And a mechanic said it is the calibur bolt and washer. But they said no. He is certified and he has found the problem
When putting heavy objects or items in rear of vehicle that weigh more than 200lbs, the suspension leaf spring would bottom out. Had talked to dealer & nothing done. Had put helper leaf spring, but not enough. Needs to have rear of vehicle redesigned. Front end is very light.
When driving vehicle, it will intermittently swerve to left or right. Vehicle taken to dealer 15 times, 10 wheel alignments done, did not remedy problem. Dealer could not remedy, said there was no problem with vehicle.
Suspension complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 9% of the model year's 241 complaints. The component named most often is front (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Astro suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 7 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.