VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Astro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Chevrolet Astro sits mid-pack among Astro years: 97 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 95, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (27% of the total).

97

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Astro years?

Astro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted579 complaints1976: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 24 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 69 complaints1989: 70 complaints1990: 93 complaints1991: 121 complaints1992: 162 complaints1993: 177 complaints1994: 396 complaints1995: 579 complaints1996: 345 complaints1997: 563 complaints1998: 336 complaints1999: 204 complaints2000: 258 complaints2001: 115 complaints2002: 97 complaints2003: 82 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 11 complaints
Astro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Astro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Astro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2627%
Electrical System1515%
Seat Belts88%
Steering77%
Transmission66%
Tires & Wheels66%
Speed Control66%
Visibility & Wipers55%
Body & Structure55%
Airbags44%
Lighting33%
Engine33%
Other22%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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).

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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.

05V099000LightingMarch 14, 2005 · 77,055 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION IN THE STOP LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS BEING INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF STOP LAMPS AND REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE TO THE CONTACTS AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION OF THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE REPAIR WOULD BE USED IN VEHICLES IN WHICH THE HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON IS STILL MOVABLE. IF A VEHICLE HAS A HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON THAT IS NOT MOVABLE (FROZEN), THE ENTIRE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE BRAKES MADE A SQUEALING NOISE, AND WAS REPLACED. AFTER THEY WERE REPLACED, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED, THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A SNOWBANK. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THE BRAKES LOCKED AND SLID INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 23, 2002 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK SHE NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE AND FIRE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO A MINOR EXPLOSION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL WIRE STARTED THE FIRE. A REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 6, 2012 · fire

“THE BRAKES MADE A SQUEALING NOISE, AND WAS REPLACED. AFTER THEY WERE REPLACED, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED, THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A SNOWBANK. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THE BRAKES LOCKED AND SLID INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 23, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON A RAINING DAY AT 30 MPH, THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL WHICH RESULTED FACING OPPOSITE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. PREVIOUS TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIPS INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 12, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO EQUIPPED WITH GREMAX MAX 5000 TIRES (N/A), SIZE 215/75R15 AND THE DOT WAS JEHKDVP2312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 4, 2014

2002 Chevrolet Astro — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Astro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Astro: 97 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Astro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (26 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Astro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Astro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Astro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Astro years to avoid are 1995, 1997, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 1999, 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among Astro years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.