Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Astro. The contact was made aware by an independent mechanic that his vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V328000 (suspension) while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty steering knuckle and lower ball joints. Myrtle beach Chevrolet (1785 us-501, myrtle beach, sc 29577) and the manufacturer were made aware of the issues. The contact was informed that the parts were no longer made and there were no after market parts available. The failure mileage was 392,000.
Front suspension issues, electrical gauges, replacement of fuel tank pump, door latches failing to open on sliding side door making exiting of vehicle impossible, recall of 02V328000 unable to be confirmed as handled by any dealers.
I have had a miss when vehicle is warm. Dealer says it is fuel, but I am using the recommended fuel according to dealer. The check engine light comes on and then goes off. Dealer cannot locate problem. This is an ongoing issue since I have purchased it. Also had to replace front brake pads and shocks at 26000 miles. After approximately one year use.
Vehicle vibrates when acclerating at low or higher speeds. Dealer checked engine/ front end, and computer. Rotated tires, and nothing could remedy problem. Vehicle had been at the dealer 2 weeks. Consumer was having vehicle towed because of being scarred to drive it.
Tl*- the contact stated that 2000 Chevrolet Astro van had upper ball joint problems . The upper ball joints have been replaced twice. The contact stated that he felt this was a safety issue because the upper ball joints could separate, and the driver could lose control of the vehicle, causing a crash. The vehiclewas now at dealership for replacement ball joints at 130,000 miles. The first time this happen the ball joint was saved, and the contact was told that the ball joint was completely dry. The contact does has access to the last ball joints that were replaced. There were no crashes involving the ball joints, but felt this could cause a crash.
Left front torsion bar failed. Wife was driving 40mph on snow covered winding road when torsion bar failed. This caused tempoary loss of control. Control was regained and no one was hurt. This is 2000 Chevy Astro AWD. This should not happen. This happened 1-4-2003
Comments: why did everyone miss the 1999 Chevy Astro van with AWD? I already had the front wheel bearings replaced (at my cost) earlier this year for the same problem!!! Parts are no longer available, but local Firestone garage performed the maintenance, and has the records of the service. Near-miss too many times at low speed stopping problems. Some one needs to include the Chevy & GMC Mini-vans!!!
Brakes have been severly worn out consumer stated the seatbelts, arm rests, console the trim on the seat cushion has torn, there is wind noise from high top roof, window is loose, radio is inoperative, power steering fluid leaking, steering coolumn is making a noise, weatherstrip coming off of back door, tires shake, there is a hard thump whe going over bumps, cigarette lighter is inoperative,transmission shifts hard, pressure guage gets stuck, window gets stuck, there are no low beam lights, windshield wipers are inoperative, door lock do not come all the way up, the front end of vehicle dips, and the shocks feel weak, the lifgate does not stay open, interior lights stay on to long, vehicle remote is inoperative, sliding door is hard to open at times, oil pressure guage reads high, refrigerator not operating from rear socket, heating system is inoperative, battery goes dead.
Related recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on April 8, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
These vehicles were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm-to-frame rear nut not tightened to the specified torque.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm-to- frame rear nut to the proper torque specification.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Astro years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (75), 1996 (60), 1997 (24), 1998 (21) and 2003 (8) model years. Suspension complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Astro suspension problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 03V-328 (lower ball joint, Sep 12, 2003); 95V-175 (lower arm, Sep 13, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Astro suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles; 13% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › springs › torsion bar (99 mentions), followed by the front (48).
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.