Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 278 of 360 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 46 of 360 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Glass & wipers
75 complaint records1 fire report
"DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE RAINING WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. CONTACTED DEALER. THEY WORK PERIODICALLY NOW.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Brakes
70 complaint records7 crash reports
"BRAKES FAILED AS THE DRIVER APPLIED THEM AND FELT NO SLOWING OR PULSATING CAUSING HIM TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
58 complaint records
"THE TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY SLIPS, AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING IT THE LURCH FORWARD. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02006 opened May 2002 | closed Jul 2003 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE - led to recall 03V210000 AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V159000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. | Normally free |
| 01V123000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V009000 | Child Seat | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED DUAL CHILD SEATS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISSING A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CLUTCH SPRING AND/OR PAWL SPRING IN THE CHILD SEAT. | Normally free |
| 97V057000 | Seat Belts | THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003064 2003-03-17 | Other | 323,584 | Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. |
| 2001097 2001-04-17 | Lights And Instruments | 73,459 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally may not come on or may terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard. |
| 1998040 1998-03-18 | Emissions | 89,752 | Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Vehicles may been built with the ignition coil wire too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube (M/L van only). |
| 1997077 1997-04-14 | Seats And Restraints | 2,013 | NOTE: VEHICLES WITH SEVEN PASSENGER SEATING. DYNAMIC TESTING INDICATES THAT THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING COULD SEPARATE DURING AN IMPACT. |
| 1997004 1997-01-14 | Emissions | 227 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.3 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSIONS. VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT EMISSION CONTROL LABEL. THE LABEL INCORRECTLY IDENTIFIES THE ENGINE FAMILY NAME. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 40 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| PI0969 May 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern. | |
| PIT-3665-A Nov 2010 | Service Brakes | GENERAL MOTORS: ON ALL 1988-2009 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET/GMC PICKUPS, UTILITIES AND VANS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL MOVE DOWN OR SELF APPLY DURING FULL LOCK TURNS OR NEAR FULL LOCK TURNS. CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VANS; HUMMER 2 ARE INCLUDED. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE | |
| 070232001 Mar 2007 | Steering | REDUCED STEERING EFFORT (DIAGNOSE/REPLACE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR). *KB | |
| 020525006 Jan 2006 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 020730024A Aug 2005 | Power Train | DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 000605001 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BOOM TYPE NOISE DURING ENGINE WARM UP. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN REPLACES 000605001A. *EH | |
| 030601024A Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT | |
| 01667 Jan 2004 | Visibility | WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR DOES NOT FIT. *TT | |
| 02115 Jan 2004 | Suspension | PART NUMBER 15042486 LEAF SPRING DAMPER MENTIONED IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) 00-03-09-001A IS NOT AVAILABLE. *MJ | |
| 02097 Jan 2004 | Suspension | PART NUMBER 15042486 PER BULLETIN 00-03-09-001A FOR THE REAR SPRING DAMPER KIT IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE. *MJ | |
| 01225 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT INTAKE GASKET. * MJ | |
| 02136 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, INTERMITTENT NO CRANK. *TT | |
| 3031A Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) STAYS IN BULB CHECK. *TT | |
| 000605001A Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH BOOM TYPE NOISE DURING ENGINE WARM-UP HEARD IN THE VEHICLE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT | |
| 030730056 Nov 2003 | Power Train | 4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP FIRST AND SECOND DESIGN IDENTIFICATION. *TT | |
| 030604051 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0146 HO2S CIRCUIT INSUFFICIENT ACTIVITY BANK 1 SENSOR 3. *TT | |
| 030601024 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT | |
| 02054 Feb 2003 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE DUE TO CRACKED BOULDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THIS SPECIAL POLICY COVERS THE CONDITION FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR 70,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST FROM THE DATE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP... | |
| 020525006A Dec 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT | |
| 990730016A Oct 2002 | Power Train | DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT | |
| 020864013 May 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR HANDLE ON THE CARGO DOOR BREAKS. *TT | |
| 311001 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST NOISE, RATTLE NOISE AT 550 RPM. *TT | |
| 01036 Aug 2001 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL - PARTS INFORMATION UPDATE. *TT | |
| 01123 Jun 2001 | Seat Belts | CAMPAIGN PARTS BULLETIN REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL. *TT | |
| 01036 Jun 2001 | Seat Belts | THIS BULLETIN STATES THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFIRM TO FEDERAL/CANADA MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION, 208, OCCUPANT RESTRAIN SYSTEM IN FRONTAL IMPACT, AND ARTICLE 22-3, TRIAS 49, SEAT BELT WARNING DEVICE,... | |
| 010730021 May 2001 | Power Train | THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN STATES THAT TECHNICIANS MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING THE CONNECTORS FROM THE PARK / NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH, USUALLY WHEN TRYING TO REMOVE THE SWITCH DURING TRANSMISSION SERVICE. *TT | |
| 020201 Feb 2001 | Visibility | THIS MESSAGE CONCERNS 1996 THROUGH 2000 M & L VANS, CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI THAT MAY EXHIBIT A LACK OF HEAT AT THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *TT | |
| 01036 Jan 2001 | Seat Belts | INFORMATION REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL PARTS AVAILABILITY. *SLC | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 676114A Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE NOISE (INSTALL VALVE STEM OIL SEAL). *TW | |
| 569603A Jan 1997 | Electrical System | ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE IN MOBILE (TWO-WAY) RADIO (REPROGRAM VCM-A). *TW | |
| 3081 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND P0300 WHEN TOWING, CRUISING UPHILL OR ON HARD ACCELERATION. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Astro →