1987 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 1987 Chevrolet Astro problems
The Chevrolet Astro, introduced in 1985, has been a popular choice for families and businesses due to its spacious interior and towing capabilities. However, like any vehicle, the Astro has its share of common problems based on complaints from owners.
One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the outside door handles, which may break. This problem is more prevalent in older models, and it affects both manual and automatic door handles. The failure of door handles can be caused by wear and tear, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or low-quality materials. Replacing the broken handle with a new one is the most common solution, but it may also be necessary to inspect the door latch mechanism for damage.
Another issue that affects the Chevrolet Astro is the failure of the brake system control unit, which can cause the ABS light to illuminate. This problem is more common in models equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and can be caused by corrosion, moisture, or a faulty control unit. A diagnostic check is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem, and the repair may involve replacing the control unit or repairing the wiring harness.
The door locks are another component that can fail in the Chevrolet Astro, leaving the vehicle vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access. This problem can be caused by a faulty actuator, a damaged wiring harness, or a broken lock cylinder. A diagnostic check is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem, and the repair may involve replacing the faulty component or rewiring the door lock system.
The rear air conditioning (AC) system is also known to have issues in the Chevrolet Astro, particularly in vans equipped with rear AC. The most common problem is a lack of cooling or a complete failure of the system. This problem can be caused by a faulty compressor, a low refrigerant level, or a damaged condenser. A diagnostic check is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem, and the repair may involve replacing the faulty component or recharging the refrigerant.
In addition to these common problems, the Chevrolet Astro is also known for its poor crash test ratings and safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Astro a one-star crash test rating, and there have been reports of safety issues related to the vehicle's fuel system and brakes. While the Astro is known for its reliability and durability, its safety concerns are a significant drawback, especially for families with young children.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Astro has several common problems based on complaints from owners, including issues with door handles, the brake system control unit, door locks, and the rear AC system. While the Astro is known for its reliability and durability, its safety concerns and poor crash test ratings are significant drawbacks. If you are considering purchasing a Chevrolet Astro, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and to budget for potential repairs and maintenance.
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.
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 many miles per gallon does a Chevy Astro?
Based on data from 25 vehicles, 1,640 fuel-ups and 464,788 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 (6.82%) 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 is the fuel consumption of the Chevy Astro van?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2005 Chevrolet Astro AWD (cargo) | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 6 cyl, 4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 15 combined city/highway MPG 14 city 18 highway 6.7 gals/100 miles |
1987 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:
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Chevrolet Astro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Chevrolet Astro
The NHTSA has received 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Astro. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Chevrolet Astro vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-12
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z6HB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BRACKETS SURROUNDING THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILING IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE WHICH IN TURN CAUSES THE SERPENTINE BELT TO POP WHILE DRIVING LEAVING A POWER FAILURE AND ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I NEARLY CRASHED MY VEHICLE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER TO GET OFF THE ROAD. DOING RESEARCH OVER LAST FEW DATES TALKING TO MECHANICS THIS HAS BEEN SEEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE PART TO FIX THE BRACKET IS HARD TO FIND. *NM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-08
- VIN: 1GNCM15Z9HB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE A GM ASTRO VAN. THE STEERING COLUMN BOLTS CAME LOOSE THEREFORE ALLOWING THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN TO MOVE ABOUT 2 TO 3 INCHES IN ANY DIRECTION. WHILE THE VAN IS PARKED OR WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. TWO PREVIUS TIMES THE STEERING COLUMN BOLTS WERE FIXED BY A GM DEARSHIP. TOOK IT BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME. EACH TIME BEING CHARGED TO TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. THIS LATEST REPAIR TO TIGHTEN THE LOOSE BOLTS WORKED FOR A 12 MONTH PERIOD, AND THEN THEY COME LOOSE AGAIN. DEALER ADMITS THAT THERE IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN BUT THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BY GM. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 8
- Number Of Deaths: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z3HB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RIGHT FRON PASSENGER SHOULDER WEBBING SEPERATED
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-25
- VIN: 1GBCM15ZXKB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE STEERING COLUMN CAME LOOSE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 25 MPH AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNCM15Z9HB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUSTED FRAME WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REPARING BRAKE LINES.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-01-01
- VIN: 1GBDM15Z2HB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP SUPPORT BRACKET FAILED, CAUSING STEERING TO BE REALLY HARD TO TURN.THIS WAS FOURTH TIME IT HAS FAILED SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE.*AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEEL BRACKET FAILURE SHOULD BE DUE TO DESIGN PROBLEM. *YH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: 1GBDM15Z2JB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: IT IS VARY SCARY WHEN YOU HAVE NO STEERING ITS THE 3RD BRACKET PUT ON. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THIS VAN WAS PURCHASED USED IN 1990 AND THE PAINT HAS STEADILY "PEELED" FOR ABOUT THE PAST 4 YEARS. IS THERE A WAY TO HAVE CHEVROLET REPAINT THE VAN? THANKS. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-10
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z0HB
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SPARE TIRE IS SUSPENDED UNDER VEHICLE WITH A STEEL CABLE. THIS CABLE BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND TIRE FELL OFF OF VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT ONLY 10 MPH. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS! NO LESS THAN 2 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE CITY OF SYRACUSE BY SIMILLAR ACCIDENTS OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS! THIS CABLE FAILED BECAUSE IT RUSTED THROUGH. IT IS ALSO IMPOSIBLE TO INSPECT THE CONDITION OF THIS CABLE WITHOUT REMOVING THE SPARE TIRE. THE CABLE SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH A STAINLESS STEEL CABLE. NON-STANLESS STEEL CABLES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THIS SAFETY CRITICAL APPLICATION.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES SUDDENLY AND THE SHOULDER AND LAPS BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT LOCK UP TO HOLD THE DRIVER IN THE SEAT. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-15
- VIN: 1GCCM15Z4HB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT WELDS FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO COLLAPSE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: 1GBDM15Z3JB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: OWNER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING/ AIR CONDITIONER AND ALTERNATOR SNAPPED OFF. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: IGNDMI5ZX4B
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE'S FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED, THE HOUSING WILL ONLY LET 6 INCHES WORTH OF BELT LOOSE, NOT ALLOWING A PERSON TO USE IT, THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE RETRACTORS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-20
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z1HB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS LOOSE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-05
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING COLUMN HAS THE TILT WHEEL FEATURE. NOW THE STEERING COLUMN WILL NOT STAY IN A POSITION.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN STARTED DRIVING AN THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT . PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z7HB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, PASSENGER REAR/LEFT SEATBACK REST BOLT SHEARED OFF, ALLOWING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTORS HAVE FAILED, UNABLE USE SEAT BELTS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTORS HAVE FAILED, UNABLE USE SEAT BELTS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-13
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z4HB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: RECALL #91C33 RELACE ONE RECLINER BOLT, STILL THREE TO BE REPLACED, AFTER SEAT BROKE IT COLLASPE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-19
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT/REAR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-19
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT/REAR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: 1GNDM1528HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE BRACKET BROKE, CAUSING SERPINTINE BELT TO PUT STRESS ON POWER STEERING PUMP RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF POWER STEERING PUMP BOLTS. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNDM1529HB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR RIGHT BENCH SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-20
- VIN: 1GNDM15Z0HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER #5 FAILED. *AK
1987 Chevrolet Astro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
- Manufacturer: ASC COLAMCO
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE SEAT BELTS FOR THE FRONT AND MID-SHIP SEATS DID NOT REST ON PELVIS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
- Consequence: SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN SEAT OCCUPANT, AND COULDINJURE THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: RELOCATE SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS TO ADJUST BELTS FOR SEAT LOCATIONS.
Other years of Chevrolet Astro
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