Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt: the contact stated while traveling between 50 - 55 MPH during normal driving condition the front two wheels began turning and the vehicle would not respond to steering input. The brakes were depressed however there was difficulting in stopping the vehicle due to the antilock brakes. The vehicle ending up in a six foot ditch which stopped the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer where after inspection, the dealer determined there was nothing wrong with the steering. Both aaa and the manufacturer will be sending out inspectors to view the vehicle. The contact incurred multiple injuries and a police report was processed at the scene of the accident.
Tl* - the contact has a 2003 Chevrolet Astro van which has been in the dealer service shop since December 19, 2006. When driving and turning the vehicle lost power in both the steering system and the brakes. The dealer ran the vehicle trough diagnostic tests, and could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact found recall information for vehicles with similar failures. On December 29 2006 they received a call from the dealer stating that they were checking to see if the problem was covered under the vehicle's warranty if not the cost of the repair will be $552.10.
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.
While driving on a raining day at 30 MPH, the consumer lost control which resulted facing opposite on the highway. The vehicle was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Previous to the accident, the consumer heard a noise coming through the front end of the vehicle. The dealerships inspected several times and could not duplicated or correct the problem.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Astro van. While traveling 5 MPH, the contact noticed that the brakes would no longer engage and that the steering wheel had become difficult to turn. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 160,000.
While driving at any speed and without warning there is a constant noise coming from gear box. Dealer has been notified, and mechanic stated there was a chatter in the gear box, problem has been inspected by dealer, however was unable to correct the problem.*akthe dealer replaced the pressure line in the steering, power steering fluid was leaking,the turn signal was not cancelling when making right turns, left rear cargo door would not stay open.
Hi, I was driving this van when all of a sudden it stops. I had a very hard problem of trying to get off the road with no brakes or steering. I had it towed into service. They replaced everything fuel pump, sending unit, fuel filter, plugs, plug wires, distributor and reset the timing. It never did show up a check engine light or showed a code that something was wrong. I drove it two days later and it did the same thing. They checked it out and drove it again for a week and it happen again. I spent $1200 trying to get this safe to drive. It is as if the key was shut off. Finally with some of my knowledge about what can cause this to happen I checked the battery. It was only one year old. It showed up as bad under a load. When I took the van back to the repair shop they said battery showed good. Finally I took the battery back to auto zone they showed it as bad also and replaced it. …
Dt: 2000 Chevrolet Astro van. While the consumer was leaving the driveway the steering wheel would not turn and the brakes did not work. The consumer contacted GMC. They did not have a recall for this problem. This was the second time that this happened. The first time this happened the dealership put on a new pump. The new pump failed also. The new pump was put on as a new vehicle guarantee. There were no accidents or injuries. . Updated 11/16/05.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Astro years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (40), 1995 (26), 1996 (16), 1998 (15) and 1999 (15) model years. Steering complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Astro steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Chevrolet Astro model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Astro steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (32 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist › pump (30).
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.