Most common 2001 Chevrolet Astro problems
Share of the 91 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year
Best Astro years: 2005, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
2001 Chevrolet Astro recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain minivans, the multifunction switch May develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Chevrolet Astro:
Loss of brake lamp illumination
In its letter dated March 9, 2005, GM stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a faulty multifunction switch in certain model year (my) 2001 and 2002 Chevrolet astro and GMC safari vehicles; specifically, all my 2001 vehicles and early my 2002 vehicles built between March and August 2001.see NHTSA recall no.
What 2001 Chevrolet Astro owners say
Brakes all 34 →
Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Astro van. On several occasions when the driver applied the brakes the vehicle was unable to stop. The current mileage and the failure mileage was 27,000 miles. The first failure resulted in a crash into a fence. The second incident was a of couple months later, the driver drove through the garage door after applying the brakes and failing to stop the vehicle. The contact was unable to get out of the van at that time. The contact attempted to drive the van in reverse ,and noticed that the pedal's placement was in an awkward position, it seemed higher than usual. The contact was driving in a storm and experienced a similar incident with the brakes. The most recent incident occurred December 28, 2006 when the contact attempted to place the vehicle in reverse and the engine accelerated. The contact applied the brakes and the van didn't stop. …
1) noticed that my brakes would "pressurize" when coming to a stop as if the anti-lock brakes were activating. I've experienced normal activation before on ice, snow, and loose gravel so I knew what it was doing. It began happening a lot so I took it to the dealer (basil Chevrolet, wellsville, ny) on 9/24/07. They replaced the rotors, pads and told me "road test OK...on road test did experience antilock problem. Only once felt - unable to verify". 2) took my van home and was seeing the problem as much if not more so than before. Was quite upset that after spending over $400 dollars on the auto, I still didn't have the problem fixed that I took the van in for. Complained about it to the dealer and they said they could bring it in to "clean the sensors" for me but couldn't get me in until "next week". The very next day the problem arose while parking my vehicle at work. …
Lights
1) noticed that my brakes would "pressurize" when coming to a stop as if the anti-lock brakes were activating. I've experienced normal activation before on ice, snow, and loose gravel so I knew what it was doing. It began happening a lot so I took it to the dealer (basil Chevrolet, wellsville, ny) on 9/24/07. They replaced the rotors, pads and told me "road test OK...on road test did experience antilock problem. Only once felt - unable to verify". 2) took my van home and was seeing the problem as much if not more so than before. Was quite upset that after spending over $400 dollars on the auto, I still didn't have the problem fixed that I took the van in for. Complained about it to the dealer and they said they could bring it in to "clean the sensors" for me but couldn't get me in until "next week". The very next day the problem arose while parking my vehicle at work. …
2001 Astro van Chevy panic stop brakes no response to floor 1st. Time had looked at pass. Side wear 1 side brake pad wear repair. 2nd time need to stop fast hit brakes to floor no response both 35 MPH to 45 MPH called GM acted like don't care . Turn signal switch replace 710.00 will not reimburse engine light on and off replace sensors $275.00 catalytic converter $1000.00 then motor failure dealer could not pin point problem new motor 6538.00 bought van from dealer said o.k. For 150000 to 200000 had 47000 now 130000 will not buy g.m.
Electrical system
After approx. One week of oper. Of my 2001 Chevy Astro a fire occurred that would have resulted in a total loss of the vehicle and contents if I had not been close by. After driving my vehicle for approx. 20 miles and parking it my van caught fire after being shut off for 15 minutes. The vehicles positive and negative battery cables were run from the battery to the engine dangerously close to the steering linkage where it passes the engine support structure. If the vehicle is jacked up to the point where the tire is still touching the ground and the steering wheel is turned half way to the left the passenger side inner tie rod end is rubbing into the positive and negative battery cables which are in a common harness.if the suspension is moving up and down on a bumpy road while the wheel is turned to the left direct contact between the steering linkage and the battery cables will cause …
I own a 2001 Chevy Astro van. Today I had to pay another $300 to have the window motor fixed. This is the third time on this vehicle! We have friends with the same problem, but can't afford to fix it. There seems to be a trend with Astro vans and window motors. Although mostly a convenience issue, I suppose one could make the argument that not being able to roll a window up and down might be a safety issue. (by the way, the window goes down, but not up!).
2001 Chevrolet Astro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Astro a good car?
Based on 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Astro rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Astro at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Astro?
The brakes — 34 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the lights (19) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Astro have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro, the most recent from March 14, 2005 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Astro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997, 1996, 1998 and 2000. See the full Chevrolet Astro years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Astro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.