Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driveline vibration - 40 - 60 MPH can be felt in seat and floor - dealer has replaced tail shaft bushings on first visit (2 days) returned vehicle with same problem - dealer installed dampeners on rear differential housing and rear leaf springs. (5 days) problem still persist. Dealer has ordered a dampener for exhaust pipe,has not been installed yet will call when part arrives. Dealer personel have been very polite and courteous .I feel they are trying to cover the symptoms rather than find the cause of the vibration?
When brakes are applied and vehicle body shifts back to rest a second bump can be felt underneath the vehicle like something is loose or the transmission shifts down late -or- when the transmission has shifted down from 3rd gear, like from 45 MPH or so to 0 MPH, and stopped for more than say 5 seconds, when the brake pedel is released a bump can be felt like the transmission is shifting into 1st very late. It feels like a vehicle tapped you from behind.
When the vehicle was started in the morning, the brakes made a grinding noise when depressed. The vehicle was serviced by the dealership twice and they replaced the brake disc, rotors and shoes. While driving down a hill with the brake pedal depressed, the brake system overheated, and a burning odor filled the cabin of the vehicle. The brakes started to pulsate again while going down a mountain, a noise was heard coming from the driveline between shifts and was unable to be duplicated, the transmission slipped and shifted erratically, the engine would break up on a slight acceleration due to the distributor cap and the rotor being corroded.
4l60e transmission sun gear on 2002 Chevy Astro failed without warning, shred everything in transmission. Transmission shop says GM knew part was faulty but did not issue any recalls. There were no noticeable symptoms prior to failing. Fluid was flushed and changed less that a year before.
The July 2002 failure (first of two) of the 2001 Astro AWD transmission was fully covered by the warranty. I bought the vehicle used with 8000 miles in February 2001. It had been purchased new in August 2000. I drove it for 16000 miles in 16 months (24000 odo), and the transmission would not go into reverse or 3rd gear. The dealer repaired the transmission and gave a one year/12000 mile warranty on their work. Unfortunately the repaired transmission is now slipping in 3rd and I am afraid to drive it. It is over one year since the July 2002 fix, but I have just driven it over 11000 miles (35000 odo). I have not yet contacted the dealer, but I fear that the response will be isn't that just too bad
Vehicle has been serviced by dealer several times for all wheel drive light constantly illuminated. Vehicle has been checked by dealer, who has to constantly replace transfer case control module. Consumer lives in mountainous area, and is very concerned about all wheel drive performance when needed.*akthis problem started soon after the vehicle was purchased. The problem still exists.
While traveling at highway speeds the accelerator pedal became stuck. Vehicle continued to accelerate in a run-away mode. Vehicle was eventually stopped through combination of brakes and traveling into mud. Upon stopping it was noticed that the front brakes were flaming - most likely due to excessive heat.
My ac failed to blow cold after I noted some oil (not motor oil) under the front passenger side of the vehicle. The dealership recharged the system which was apparently empty including dye for which I bore the cost ($200+). Less than 12 hrs later the system no longer blew cold and no fluid was noted under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership for inspection of the dye. The mechanic removed then interior engine hood and found that the ac line had rubbed against the transmission filler tube (now metal on metal). A hole the size of a dime to nickel was in the filler tube and the ac line also had a hole in it. I also have another 2K Chevy Astro that was diag'd several years ago for the same hole in the ac line but it had not worn a hole in the transmission filler tube. The mechanic had indicated that the ac line was "run that way from the factory". …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Astro years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (53), 1998 (26), 1995 (21), 1999 (21) and 1996 (19) model years. Transmission complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Astro transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (110 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (16).
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.