Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Astro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
While pulling into a driveway at lowspeed I applied the brakes. The ABS light came on and all braking power was lost. My vehicle struck the one infront of me. I have been able to duplicate this low speed loss of braking.
I have a 2001 Astro AWD that was taken to meineke brake care center where the brake system was analyzed. The front driver (ABS) wheel sensor needed replaced. Note prior to having this done the (ABS) light came on therefore I knew that something was wrong because at a very slow stop the brake would release itself and would allow the vehicle to continue to move. After meineke analyzed the problem I had the brake sensor replaced, and the (ABS) light went off and the brakes seemed to be working normal again. However just one week ago I was driving and came to a very slow stop, mind you the light (ABS) is off and the vehicle would not stop and the brakes released all the way causing me to run into a fence. However, luckily no on was hurt or property damaged caused but without warning this could have been much more serious traveling behind another vehicle or large truck. …
Dt: the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Astro van. The contact stated that there was unwanted activation of the ABS system. When the contact applied the brakes at low speeds the ABS activated and did not stop the vehicle. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The vehicle was at a dealership, and they could not find the cause of the problem. The dealership could feel the problem, but did not know how to remedy it. The dealership road tested the vehicle and duplicated the problem and the fault would have to be more consistent to offer repairs. The consumer spoke with a mechanic, and he stated that recall 05V379000 was issued for a 2001 Chevrolet suburban regarding the ABS. The contact stated that this vehicle was experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in the recall. The manufacturer confirm ed that this type of vehicle was not included in the recall. Updated 01/04/06.
Dt: the contact stated that the brakes design caused rust to build up on the outside of the rotors. He felt that the front brake pads were not wide enough to cover the rotors. While applying the brakes they were spongy, and there was a slight vibration in the brake pedal and the steering wheel. Heard a grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle. When the brakes were applied they did not work properly. He contact had to panic brake before the brakes actually stopped the vehicle. This did not happen every time the brakes were applied, but it happened too many times to have a record. The dealer stated that the contact was not driving the vehicle enough, and that he was using the brakes too often. The dealer maintained that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced.
No crash or injuries, just a dangerous situation and a bad financial situation. Meals on wheels operates four all-wheel drive Chevrolet Astro vans - years 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. In each vehicle, at least one (and sometimes both) ABS speed wheel sensors have gone bad, causing a very unsafe driving situation - at speeds of 5-7 MPH. This is the same safety hazard that Chevrolet recently issued a recall for its full-size 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Why can't the owners of Astro vans receive the same courtesy as owners of the trucks? We've spent more than $2,000 to fix these problems - truck owners are getting their money back - we want our money as well. There must be other owners who have had accidents, or have spent as much as $800 per wheel to get the problem fixed.
At about 52,000 miles my 2001 Chevrolet Astro began having ABS problems. ABS would activate at very slow speeds. Almost involved in several minor crashes due to car not stopping while entering a parking space or in rush hour traffic are pulling up to intersections. ABS kicks in and instead of vehicle stopping it keeps pulsing the brakes as if I were traveling faster. Have not had problem examined by Chevrolet dealer at this point. I noticed that Chevrolet is planning a recall for some of its trucks and SUV's for the identical problem I am experiencing however my model is not currently being considered for the recall.
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure, at a variety of low speeds, the brake pedal went completely to the floor and there was a complete loss of braking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the speed sensors and the hydro booster. The speed sensors were worn and the booster was leaking fluid. The repair was completed in February and the vehicle has operated normally since that time. Updated 7/3/2006 -
Brake complaints in other Astro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Astro?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chevrolet Astro, 37% of the model year's 91 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Astro brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Astro, though it has 1 recall 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 2001 Chevrolet Astro brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.