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 1998 Chevrolet Astro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that there was a short circuit in the electric switch for the outside side view mirror. The failure caused heat damage that ignited a fire in the driver side door. The entire van was engulfed in flames. The fire occurred in the driveway of the contact's residence. A police report was filed and no one was injured. The fire department extinguished the fire. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.
Dt: the consumer stated that her windshield wipers fail intermittently. They came on when the consumer didn't need them, but when she needed them they wouldn't come on. This has happened in two astros that the consumer has owned. The first one was a 1995 Chevy Astro van and the second one is a 1998 Astro van. The windshield wipers and motor to the wipers had to be replaced. The owner was told by a service technician that GM replaced the motor on the wipers on the models before the owners van. There is no recall on the 1998 vans. This has been a problem since 2003. The owner has not had this looked at by a technician. The owner stated that she usually she pulls over to the side of the road, pops the hood and taps on the windshield wiper motor to get the wiper to work, and most times this works. The consumer has not talked to the dealer but has talked with GM. …
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 driver stated that the windshield wiper circuit board causes the wipers not to function properly. If visibility is reduced while driving the risk for vehicle crash and serious injury are increased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the windshield wiper motor was repaired. He contacted the manufacture and was informed by a representative that there were no existing recalls for his year make and model.. The failure mileage was 129,877. The current mileage was unknown.
Windshield wipers failed to operate at times when switched on. When they did operate, the wiper high speed function would not work. This is the identical problem that existed with my 1996 Chevrolet blazer. The blazer was subject to a recall for a faulty wiper control module, which fixed the problem. Both vehicles use the same type of wiper control module, which appears to lose a connection on the module.
While driving at any speed windshield wipers only worked intermittently. When the windshield wipers were turned off, the blades stopped in the middle of the windshield. Also, washer fluid did not eject like intended. There was a problem with the electric windows moving up or down on demand. There were times when the windows got stuck in the up position or in the down positions.
Windshield wipers failed in the rain, making it difficult to see the road. Vehicle was taken for check up, and found that there was a recall 03V159000 for the 1997 year, make, and model. Circuit board on windshield wiper failed-same part and probably w/recalled vehicles. New one cost $54.00. Why was recall not extended to all vehicles with this defective circuit board.
Front windshield wipers failed to work intermittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem....wipers failed to work because of defective wiper motor pulse board. Visibility is impaired during a rain storm. This part was recalled on previous Astro van models, but did not include 1998 modelwith same part.
The vehicle's windshield wipers experienced the same defect as stated in recall 03 v 159 000. The vehicle was not included in the recall because the vehicle identification number and model year were outside the remedy scope.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that the windshield wipers stop working without warning. The failure occurs intermittently. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 75,000.
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, 19% of the model year's 241 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-093 (exterior, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.