2004 Chevrolet Astro Problems & Complaints

Better than average92% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Astro at the same age

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Astro with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 92% fewer than a typical Astro model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better Astro years. The most reported problem area is the brakes (7 complaints, typically around 121,000 miles).

14complaints
0recalls
1crashes
1fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Chevrolet Astro problems

  • Brakes~121,000 miles
    750%
  • Speed control & acceleration~70,000 miles
    214%
  • Electrical system~133,000 miles
    214%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~3,000 miles
    17%
  • Locks & latches~11,000 miles
    17%
  • Air bags~68,000 miles
    17%
  • Suspension~256,000 miles
    17%
  • Engine & cooling~133,000 miles
    17%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~133,000 miles
    17%

Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year

19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005446263360241133175917062149
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Astro. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Astro years: 2005, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →

What 2004 Chevrolet Astro owners say

Brakes

Antilock braking system warning lights and brake light came on when I was entering the freeway. The lights continue to come on whenever I am driving. I had it checked at corning Chevrolet and was told the part alone was $900 plus labor to replace it. The brakes work, but not the antilock system installed by the manufacturer.

51,000 miles · May 2006

When my wife returned to our 2004 Chevrolet Astro van, the vehicle seemed to have a dead battery. The car would not turn over or fire the ignition. After having the battery and starter checked, we were told the battery was drained and they were able to charge the battery. The starter checked good. The car seemed to have a "dead short" when trying to start and/or boost. After replacing all components, the van started, however, when I put my foot on the brakes, there was no brake pressure on the pedal. It appeared that we were losing brake fluid under the vehicle from a ruptured line. We towed the car home to inspect and replace the brake line. Upon inspection, we found electrical arcing where the brake line had grounded on the vehicle frame causing a hole to rupture in the brake line just rear of the electrical unit. …

126,000 miles · Oct 2009 · fire

2004 Chevrolet Astro engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD14 / 19 / 16
4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic4WD/AWD14 / 18 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Van.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Astro a good car?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Astro rates better than average: 92% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Astro at the same age. It is one of the best Astro years by this measure. 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 2004 Chevrolet Astro?

The brakes — 7 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and electrical system (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Astro have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Astro. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2004 Chevrolet Astro problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 31% 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.