1998 Chevrolet Astro: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Chevrolet Astro: 3 recalls, 241 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Child seat Vehicle recall #99V009000 · 1999 · 2,090 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles May be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. If the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. If the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint would continually play out and would not lock.
Why it matters: These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V123000 · 2001 · 461,851 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss 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.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Dealers will install a new alarm module. Owner notification began June 27, 2001.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V093000 · 2003 · 507,171 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Why it matters: If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 31 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (46): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (35): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (26): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (5), warning light on (4).
- Fuel system (26): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), leaks (4).
The 1998 Chevrolet Astro has 241 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 16 Astro model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 164). Complaints peaked in 1999 (67 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 88,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (360 complaints, 4 recalls), 1999 (133 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Astro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Astro problems?
Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (46), brakes (hydraulic) (35), engine & cooling (26).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Astro get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Chevrolet Astro repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.