1986 Chevrolet Astro problems
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.
The Astro and Safari used a rear-wheel drive chassis; all-wheel drive became an option in 1990. For its entire production, the Astro and Safari were produced by Baltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland; the vans would be the final model line produced by the facility. In total, approximately 3.2 million Astros and Safaris were produced from 1985 through 2005.
Background
The Astro and Safari were introduced for the 1985 model year as the first minivan from General Motors. While marketed as a response to the first-generation Chrysler minivans, GM selected a rear-wheel drive layout, sizing the Astro and Safari closely to the short-wheelbase Chevrolet G10 van. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, to reduce production costs, GM adapted light-truck powertrain components; engines and transmissions were sourced from the Chevrolet S-10, allowing for a towing capacity of up to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg).
Prior to its use on a minivan, the Astro nameplate was used twice by General Motors; in 1967 (for the Chevrolet Astro 1 concept car) and from 1969 until 1987 (on the GMC Astro COE semitractor). GMC sourced the Safari nameplate from Pontiac (used by the latter to denote station wagons). As GMC was half of the Pontiac/GMC Division (later including Buick), from 1985 through 1989, both GMC and Pontiac Safaris were simultaneously offered through the same dealership network.
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Common 1986 Chevrolet Astro problems
Based on the information gathered from the search results, here is a list of common problems with the 1986 Chevrolet Astro based on complaints from owners:
- Starting Problems:
- Owners reported issues with starting the vehicle even after changing the alternator, with the battery continuing to go dead. Starting problems can be caused by various factors such as a faulty starter, battery issues, or electrical system malfunctions.
- Lighting Issues:
- Lighting problems were a common complaint, with 38 recalls related to this aspect. Faulty lighting can compromise visibility, especially at night, posing safety risks for the driver and other road users.
- Fuel System Concerns:
- The fuel system was another area of concern, with 27 recalls associated with fuel system issues. Problems with the fuel system can lead to poor fuel efficiency, engine stalling, and potential safety hazards.
- Seats Problems:
- Complaints included issues with the seats, with 27 recalls related to seat problems. Malfunctioning seats can impact comfort, safety, and the overall driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
- Visibility Challenges:
- Visibility problems were reported, with 3 recalls linked to visibility issues. Poor visibility due to issues like windshield cracks or wiper malfunctions can significantly affect driving safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Braking System Defects:
- Brakes were also a concern, with 3 recalls related to braking system problems. Brake issues can compromise the vehicle's ability to stop efficiently, posing a significant safety risk to the driver and others on the road.
- Suspension Troubles:
- Suspension problems were mentioned, with 2 recalls associated with suspension issues. Issues with the suspension system can lead to a rough ride, poor handling, and reduced stability while driving.
- Exterior Complaints:
- There was one recall related to exterior problems. Exterior issues can range from cosmetic concerns to structural defects that may impact the vehicle's overall integrity and appearance.
- Steering Difficulties:
- Steering problems were reported, with 1 recall linked to steering issues. Steering issues can affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle safely, posing a serious risk on the road.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1986 Chevrolet Astro highlight various areas of concern that can impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
How long does a Chevy Astro engine last?
These engines are extremely reliable and long lasting as long as they receive basic maintenance. I have seen many 4.3 L V6 is with well over 300,000 miles on them. Ultimately a Chevy Astro can make it that far and although still running it will start falling apart around the engine.
What is the best year for the Chevy Astro van?
However, if you are after the best version possible without tipping into the conversion vans, it is best to look for a 2003 to 2005 Chevrolet Astro. These specific years of Astro vans will give you the best chassis, safety, and interior upgrades possible.
How many miles to the gallon does a Chevy Astro get?
Based on data from 25 vehicles, 1,644 fuel-ups and 465,621 miles of driving, the 2000 Chevrolet Astro gets a combined Avg MPG of 15.10 with a 0.18 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 120 outliers (6.80%) removed.
What engine did the Chevy Astro have?
Many of the same components. Directly from the Caprice station wagon while the rear had composite leaf springs like the s10. Engine.
Is Chevy Astro reliable?
Are Chevy Astro vans reliable? Chevy Astro vans tend to be very reliable. These vans were built primarily for commercial use and they have the same reliability and longevity that you would expect from other commercial trucks and vans. If you take care of them they should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles.
How long does a Chevy Astro engine last?
These engines are extremely reliable and long lasting as long as they receive basic maintenance. I have seen many 4.3 L V6 is with well over 300,000 miles on them. Ultimately a Chevy Astro can make it that far and although still running it will start falling apart around the engine.
What kind of engine does a Chevy Astro have?
The Astro uses a 4.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 190 horsepower.
What happened to the Chevy Astro?
The Astro was discontinued in 2005 because General Motors thought that they were not selling as well as they used to. The Astro was replaced by the Chevrolet Uplander, Chevrolet Traverse and the Chevrolet City Express.
1986 Chevrolet Astro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Astro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Astro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Chevrolet Astro complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Astro.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z0GB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z068
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE LOW SPEED IDLE WILL RANDOMLY BE VERY HIGH (USUALLY IN COLD WEATHER) THUS MAKING THE VAN DIFFICULT TO STOP WHICH RESULTED IN 2 MINOR REAR END COLLISIONS. NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-10
- VIN: 1G8CM15ZGB2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE DUE TO A FAULTY BOLT IN THE HINGE.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z8GB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8CM15Z1GB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COMPUTER CURCUIT BURNED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-08-29
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z1GB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE REAR BRAKES WILL NOT WORK. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND WANTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES AT LEAST 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE THEY WORK. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER ALSO HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-13
- VIN: 1GBDM15DXGB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND HIT OTHER VEHICLES WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-19
- Fire: 1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL OF TRAILER OVERHEATED, CAUSING FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM. OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT HE MUST CRAWL THROUGH WINDOW AT TIMES. ALL DOOR HANDLES ARE VERY WEAK AND FLIMSY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-09
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z5GB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-20
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z3GB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE REAR BRAKES WILL NOT SELF ADJUST AND ALL THE BRAKING IS ALL ON THE FRONT BRAKES, CAUSING THE VAN TO FISHTAIL, NOT STOP AT ALL ON SOME ROAD SURFACES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z7GB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE/REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES JAMMED, REQUIRED BELTS TO BE CUT TO EXTRICATE OCCUPANTS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z7GB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS STUCK AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO GET OUT ALONG WITH OTHERS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-26
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT. THE MIDDLE AND REAR BENCH SEATS. THE LATCHES DISCONNECTED AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO FOLD.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-17
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL JUST FALLS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSES MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VAN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-25
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z7G8
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE RECALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-05-29
- VIN: 1GCDM15Z9GB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED IN ABOVE ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-05-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCDM15Z9GB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT AND INJURY. *DSH
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-21
- VIN: 1G8CM15Z5GB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: RECALL RELATED, 93V187000, DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS VERY LOOSE AT REPAIR. TT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-18
- VIN: 1GCCM1522GB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVERS DOOR OPENS WHEN TURNING OR BRAKING DUE TO LATCH STICKING. *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8DM15Z5GB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK SENDING UNIT HAS BROKEN, GAS DOES NOT TRAVEL PROPERLY. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-17
- VIN: 1G8DM1521GB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE 2ND TRANSMISSION IS BEING REBUILT IN THE TRUCK. IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8DM15ZXGB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UPON SHIFTING GEARS FROM PARK TO DRIVE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CRASHING INTO TWO TREES AND TWO FENCES. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-14
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z8JB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET BROKE, CAUSING BOLTS TO BREAK OFF/SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE. *SD
1986 Chevrolet Astro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Astro.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.
- Consequence: IF BOLT FAILURE OCCURS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT WOULDALLOW THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE, AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
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