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 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. …
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.
The Chevrolet Astro shifts gears violently. The problem was first noticed as I left an intersection and the van violently shifted gears throwing my family's and my head back with extreme force. Thinking that I had been rear-ended and knowing that other cars were in front and alongside my vehicle, I quickly stepped on the brake, almost causing a true rear-end collision. The vehicle was not in warranty so I took it in for inspection by my local mechanic, who had previously worked as a service tech for a Chevy dealership. He was unable to find the problem. He contacted one of his friends who still worked at the Chevy dealership where he was formerly employed. My mechanic told me that his friend stated that the defect was known by Chevrolet but there wasn't any recall and there was nothing they would do about it. …
Repeated attempts to fix transmission beginning with a complete rebuild at a certified facility; transmission May function properly for as long as 2 months. Repeated visits to the transmission shop are met with apologies, and stories of the same design transmission with the same problems from other individuals. I at first suspected the mechanics, but research has shown there are many other Astro van owners experiencing the same problem; believe it to be a manufacturing defect.
This rear differential unit has been replaced 3 time as a whole unit and three times it was tried to be repaired and the problem still persists.it has started when the vehicle was new(12000) miles,and it is still ongoing.the dealer and the factory has been contacted and are unwilling to help.please let me know if im the only one with rear end problems on my Astro van,because thats what the dealer and factory tells me!! Thank you in advance for your help!!
Between 50-65mph the rear end has a loud humming sound low sound - talked to another customer who frank parra has tried to solve their problem. Brown funeral home buys a number of astros. Problems with their 97 and 98 - same thing. Frank parra tried to cure by balancing drive shaft and putting a weight on the exhaust to no avail. Can you help. Really annoying.
While vehicle was in park, child was able to move lever shifter and change gear from park to drive. *akwhenever the vehicle ignition is between the lock and off position the shift lever can be moved with out appying the brake pedal.
First, the driver side power window works only sometimes. Second, the windshield wipers work only part of the time. It May take 5-10 minutes to come on and then might only swipe 2-3 times. Lastly, rough shifting in transmission.
Pawl within the transmission malfunctioned after 300 mile trips in hot weather causing the gears to change very hardly. Fuel would leak and the transmission would lock, which could have resulted in a fire.
Tensioner arm housing broke off of engine block rendering vehicle undriveable. Transmission slipped between 2 & 3 & 4 gears. Replaced transmission with new GM trans. No monetary relief from GM was received.
Transmission complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 11% of the model year's 241 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Astro transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 150,000 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.