Most common 2002 Chevrolet Astro problems
Share of the 70 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 →
2002 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 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Astro owners say
Brakes all 23 →
On March 26, 2008, I took my 2002 Chevy Astro van to be serviced. Mileage 93,829,I had no brakes. The master cylinder was determined to be the cause of the failure and was replaced. On April 12, 2008, once again I had no brakes, this time it resulted in me getting into and accident. I took the van back to the same repair shop. When they put it on the lift they said the whole braking system was melted until the point of the hose bursting. He said he never saw anything like this in his 20 years of service. They did not want to touch it stating it was now a liability to them and directed me to Chevy. Chevy concurred, four different people said they have never seen or have a clue at what caused this. They called in GM, who also never had seen this, but bounced the blame on a questionably installed master cylinder. …
While driving at 5 MPH consumer attempted to park in the driveway and without warning lost steering ability. Also, brakes were inoperable, and would not stop the vehicle. The vehicle collided with the outside wall of the garage. There was considerable damage to the garage and the vehicle. Consumer sustained no bodily injuries. Sliding door doesn't unlock to open. Dealer replaced ps pump because pump drive shaft was broken, and reinstalled side door.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Astro van. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into park she noticed there was smoke and fire behind the steering wheel. There was also a minor explosion. The fire department was notified and stated that an electrical wire started the fire. A report was filed and the failure was not diagnosed nor towed from the contacts residence. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and the current mileage was 170,000. Updated 8/23/12
When raining widshield wipers dont work as directed, they do what they want. They stay on after shutting them off. And door locks lock and unlock repeatedly. Wipers also shut off in the middle of line of sifht intermittently. Never works correctly
Seat belts
The brakes made a squealing noise, and was replaced. After they were replaced, the brakes locked up which resulted in an accident. When the brakes locked, the vehicle ran into a snowbank. On the second occasion, the brakes locked and slid into the person in front. The vehicle was rear ended and the air bags did not deploy and the seat belts were inoperative. The consumer requested money back.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Astro. The contact stated that the front seat belts do not work at all. He stated that the seat belts extend around his body, but fall to fasten. During sudden stops, the seat belt would extend until it ran out of slack, but failed to provide adequate restraint. General motors acknowledged the failure and stated that the cost for the repair would be $200. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 95,300. Updated 01/07/08. Updated 12/12/07
2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Astro a good car?
Based on 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Astro rates better than average: 61% 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 2002 Chevrolet Astro?
The brakes — 23 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (13) and seat belts (8).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Astro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 42% 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.