21 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Astro. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The transmission failed, due to a defect with the gear bearing.
The reverse shell in the transmission broke, dealer replaced the transmission, consumer was shocked that the warranty would not cover this failure and feels that Chevrolet should pay for 50 percent of the cost since the failure occurred at low mileage.
Transmission slammed into gear after accelerating and shifted into next gear. After, slamming into next gear , vehicle shook violently. Dealer stated vehicle was built with a inadequate transmission to hamdle weight of vehicle. Manufacturer dd not plan to solve problem.
After driving on interstate for awhile, the transmission shifted very harshly when pulling away from a toll booth sending my wife's and children's heads back sharply against their seats. The dealer says it will need to be rebuilt. Independent transmission shops state that this is a common problem with GMC transmissions and that it will eventually cease to function, possibly stranding the people in the van. After acknowledging this in several service bulletins, the gm garage still says that gm is not responsible for the repair cost of approx $2000.
My feeling on this vehicle is as follows: this is a relitively new Astro van, being only 4 years old, I wouldn't have expected to have to absorb the cost of a rebuilt trasmission already. After speaking with our trasmissions specialist, he advised we contact someone regarding this van. The problem with the trasmission was caused by 2 torque bearings that exploded within the transmission, thus causing the damage. He let me know that this is not a normal occurance in this vehicle, there had to be a flaw. Torque bearings just do not "explode. " the cost to remedy, what I feel is a manufacture defect, has caused a hardship for my family. I would appreciate any help with this matter.
While traveling and without any indication vehicle lost first gear then fourth gear was lost. Finally the reverse gear failed.
Automatic transmission roughly shifts between 1st and 2nd gear. Dealer replaced transmission at cost of $1823. 99.
After driving for 20-40 minutes, the transmission will shift very hard from first to second gear. We have reported this to the dealer and am told that it would cost $1800. 00 + to replace the transmission. We have had 3 transmission shops look at this problem and run diagnostics and tune up on the transmission. The problem still exists. We have been dealing with this aggravating situation the last two years, spoken with many people in the repair business and no one seems to be able to pinpoint the exact problem. They only want to "look" at the problem and collect more money, which we have done on 3 seperate occasions. All to no avail. Problem still exists.
After coming to a complete stop then accelerating, transmission shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear. TSB's posted by gm on the transmission model 4l60-e. This transmission is used in several model trucks/vans/SUV's. Your site and other web sites post complaints on this unit from various truck owners, with the same problem. Gm refuses to participate in repairing these transmissions. Owners must pay for repairs/transmission replacements. If transmission were to suddenly go out while acclerating, vehicle would lose all power and could not avoid being struck by another vehicle, potentially causing injury and/or death of van occupants.
After driving at highway speed and coming to a stop there is a loud bang and the vehicle jerks at the upshift from first to second gear. It feels as if the vehicle has been hit from behind. Check out by transmission shop indicates no problem.
Gas pedal stuck, causing vehicle to surge forward. Dealer has been contacted. Transmission also went out.
Usaully after a long drive, and coming to a stop, when van shifts form ist to secondgear, there is a banging nose,feels like a have been hit form the back. Also, feels like I am being pushed forward. . Will happen on all additional 1-2 shift changes ,untill shut down.
Have continually had trouble with this vehicle. Also know others with exact same van who have the same problems. No safetty defect (s) listed within summary.
When van has been driven more than 15 miles, autoshifting from 'second' to 'third' gear is so rough it feels like the van has been hit from the back by another vehicle. When shifting from 'third' to 'fourth' gear there is also a rough shifting but not as violent as the prior shifting.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
After driving on the hwy for 30 min or longer, when coming to stop and proceeding, vehicle lurches forward giving the impression of being hit from behind.
While driving down the expressway for about 10 minutes at 65mph, exiting off and coming to a complete stop, and when taking off again vehicle automatically shifts from first to second gear . Consumer contacted dealer.
Transmission replaced 3 times. Transmission would keep vehicle from going into reverse or start slipping into different gears. Dealer has rebuild the transmission each time. The parts could be defective.
I have owned this vehicle for a year and have had problems with throttle since then. Transmission was overhauled due to faulty coolant hos a month after purchase and now trns. Fliud pump is shot. Window motors are not working properly and niether are power locks. Friend owns 97' safari and has same exact problems. Is costing me more than van is worth.
1st problem: when transmission gets hot- particularly after if driven in low gear . Engine check light comes on and transmission slams from 1st gear into 2nd gear, then from 2nd gear into 3rd gear. Feels like vehicle has been hit from the rear. Problem stops when vehicle cools down. Dealer says only fix is to replace transmission. Has seen many other Astros with same problem. 2nd problem: since filing orginal complaint # 516354 have gone to binding arbitration with Chevrolet. Chevrolet admitted to defective fuel tank that causes it to move. Arbitrator order Chevrolet to fix. Chevrolet refused because it will require redesign of fuel tank. Arbitrator has no power to order redesign.
Transmission got stuck ,causing brakes to be inoperative while driving down a hill.