2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Astro problems
The Chevrolet Astro, particularly the 2005 model, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Outside Door Handles May Break: A common issue with the Chevrolet Astro is that the outside door handles may break, making it difficult to open the doors from the outside. This issue is not only inconvenient but also poses a safety risk, especially in emergency situations.
- ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure: The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light may illuminate due to a failure in the brake system control unit. This issue can lead to a loss of brake system function, which can be dangerous.
- Door Locks Stop Working: The door locks on the Chevrolet Astro may stop working, making it difficult to secure the vehicle or prevent theft. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including electrical problems or faulty components.
- Rear AC On Vans May Not Work: The rear air conditioning system on the Chevrolet Astro may not work, making it uncomfortable to travel in the vehicle during hot weather. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including low refrigerant levels or a faulty compressor.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission issues are a common problem with the Chevrolet Astro, and the transmission may fail completely. This issue can be expensive to repair and can lead to a loss of vehicle function.
- Rust Problems: Rust is a common problem with the Chevrolet Astro, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads. Rust can lead to structural damage and can be expensive to repair.
- Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks are a common problem with the Chevrolet Astro, and the vehicle may leak oil, transmission fluid, or coolant. These leaks can lead to a loss of vehicle function and can be expensive to repair.
- Engine Issues: Engine issues are a common problem with the Chevrolet Astro, and the engine may run roughly or misfire. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs or a dirty fuel injector.
- Brake System Issues: The brake system on the Chevrolet Astro may fail, leading to a loss of braking function. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn brake pads or a faulty brake master cylinder.
- Electrical System Issues: Electrical system issues are a common problem with the Chevrolet Astro, and the vehicle may experience electrical failures or malfunctions. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty wiring or a dead battery.
In summary, the Chevrolet Astro has several common problems, including door handle and lock issues, air conditioning problems, transmission issues, rust problems, fluid leaks, engine issues, brake system issues, and electrical system issues. These issues can be expensive to repair and can lead to a loss of vehicle function. It is important for owners to be aware of these common problems and to take preventative measures to avoid them.
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.
How reliable is the Chevy Astro?
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.
Why did Chevy discontinue the Astro?
The Astro was assembled at the Baltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland. 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.
What is the value of a 2005 Astro van?
How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Astro worth? The value of a used 2005 Chevrolet Astro ranges from $904 to $2,428, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 value of a 2005 Astro van?
How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Astro worth? The value of a used 2005 Chevrolet Astro ranges from $904 to $2,428, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How reliable is the Chevy Astro?
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.
Why did Chevy discontinue the Astro?
The Astro was assembled at the Baltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland. 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.
2005 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:
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Chevrolet Astro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Chevrolet Astro complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Chevrolet Astro.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-21
- VIN: 1GCDM19X15B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE WIRING HARNESS WAS CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST AND THAT SHORTED OUT THE ALTERNATOR AND THE STARTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 24,500.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-11
- VIN: 1GCDL19X25B
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-11
- VIN: 1GNEL19X95B
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PURCHASED THE PREOWNED VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE SIDEWALL ON ALL FOUR ADVANTA SUV SPECTRA, SIZE P215-70R-16 TIRES WERE CRACKED. THE TIRES HAD LESS THAN 21,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THE FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 91,500. UPDATED 12/02/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE INVOICE FOR THE NEW TIRES. UPDATED 12/07/10
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-24
- VIN: 1GNEL19X85B
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I SIMPLY CLOSED THE PASSENGER DOOR OF MY 2005 CHEVY ASTRO AWD VAN AND THE SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT, HIT THE DOOR AND BROKE. ALSO, THE PLASTIC MOLDING ON THE DRIVERS DOOR IS COMING LOOSE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-05
- VIN: 1GNEL19XX5B
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MY BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED ON MY 2005 CHEVY ASTRO VAN. DEALER REPAIR SAID BRAKE LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST CHASIS, BROKE AND ALL BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-20
- VIN: 1GNDM19X15B
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TRAVELING SOUTH ON CALIFORNIA INTERSTATE 5, AFTER TEJON PASS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE OF OUR 2005 CHEVY ASTRO LS MINIVAN JUST BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS BRIDGESTONE DUELER (SIZE P215 70 R16 99S). I WAS DRIVING WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH. THE FREEWAY ROAD SURFACE WAS CLEAN AND THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND CLEAR. THERE'S NO DEBRIS OR ROAD HAZARD ON THE FREEWAY. I CALLED EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO REPLACE THE BLOWN OUT TIRE WITH THE SPARE. I ENDED UP BUYING A NEW REPLACEMENT TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO SAVE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE BLOWN OUT TIRE. FORTUNATELY, THERE'S NO INJURY. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 20, 2007 ABOUT 1:30 P. M. THE WHOLE FRONT PART OF THE TIRE WERE SHREDDED TO PIECES. *TR
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-28
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO. WHILE USING THE JACK FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT PLACED BLOCKS IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE, BUT THE VEHICLE NEARLY DROVE OVER THE BLOCK. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,000.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-28
- VIN: 1GNE19X25B1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN USING THE LATCH SYSTEM IN THE MIDDLE ROW SEATING, THE THIRD ROW SEATING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN A CHILD PASSENGER WAS IN THE MIDDLE ROW SEAT IN A CAR SEAT AND THAT MADE THE SEAT NOT ABLE TO TILT FORWARD. TILTING FORWARD WOULD HAVE ALLOWED ANY OTHER PASSENGER TO ENTER AND EXIT THE THIRD ROW. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GNEL19X85B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2005 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN SUSTAINED MINOR FRONT END DAMAGE IN AN ACCIDENT AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. WE'VE NEVER SEEN AIRBAGS ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SIDE CONSOLE SPLIT AND THAT AIRBAG IS VISIBLE FROM THE 1/2 TO 1 INCH SEPARATION OF THE SEAM IN THE CONSOLE. THE DRIVERS SIDE BAG IS MORE VISIBLE BUT CLEARLY DID NOT FULLY INFLATE. CONSEQUENCES: WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT BE A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT FUTURE ACCIDENTS IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE - WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT FUTURE LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE. CORRECT FAILURE: WE WILL REPLACE AIRBAG SENSOR AND AIRBAGS WITH MANUFACTURER PARTS.*JB
2005 Chevrolet Astro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2005 Chevrolet Astro.
- 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.
Negative 2005 Chevrolet Astro car reviews
Positive 2005 Chevrolet Astro car reviews
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I have a different opinion than Edmunds regarding the Astro/Safari vans being 'dated'. While they may not be the newest design, they are still selling units. This van is not a mini van, and it can tow up to 5400 lbs! It can seat 6 in style and 8 with comfort, making it a great towing vehicle. Additionally, it is easy to park in a mall parking space. It handles differently than a minivan because it is a 1/2 ton pickup with a spacious cabin for people. It is truly in a category of its own. When my van reaches 200K miles, I plan to purchase another one.
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This is, without a doubt, the best vehicle I have ever owned. When my second child was born, I traded in my ExtCab 3Dr Silverado for an Astro, and I have never looked back. The two full benches in the back and the large area behind the third row make hauling and storage a breeze. It's perfect for traveling with friends and family, especially those with children. During a recent snow and ice storm in WV, I was able to get to and from work safely, even when some trucks were left stranded. :)
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The AWD is superior to 4WD and the only minivan that can accommodate my labrador. Although I would appreciate more leg room up front, the addition of a DVD roof mount and moonroof would be a welcome feature. The back seat can be difficult to remove, and the power window switches may require modification to prevent accidents like my cat closing the window on my neighbor's hand.
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2004 Astro LT with 187,000 miles and still running great! If only they still made them, I would definitely buy another one.
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This vehicle has been pretty reliable so far! I absolutely love the brakes - they were borrowed from their truck line and feature 4 wheel discs. As someone who is 6'3 with long legs, I can say that this is the only vehicle I can actually sit in without hitting my knees - even the 3rd row seats are spacious! The rear heat and A/C are also very effective. Even with 8 seats filled, there is still ample cargo room for that trip to L.A. While I don't have the towing gears, I still get 15 city and 21 highway with AWD. The power is just as strong as any other minivan out there. The ride is a bit stiff, but the AWD helps with handling corners and different road terrain. GM has really improved the interior sound levels and rattles compared to prior years.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Chevrolet Astro problems:
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Other years of Chevrolet Astro
Are you having problems with your 2005 Chevrolet Astro?
Glen Cummings 2024-05-06
I'm so glad to hear that you were pleased with the towing ability of the 21' Sports Boat with the 4.3 liter engine. It sounds like a really reliable and efficient vehicle. The fuel economy being better than expected is definitely a plus. It seems like a strong little work horse that can get the job done without breaking the bank.
Keith Gislason 2024-03-26
Hey there! I own the 2001 model myself. From my experience, there aren't many changes between that model and the one you have. Hope this helps!
Roderick Morissette 2024-03-02
We are thrilled with our van! With four children, we needed something with plenty of power and room, and this van delivers. It was and still is a fantastic deal for the money.