The Lemon Index
200120032nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: brakes
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
37 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–17 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2002 Kia Sedona 2592002 Mazda MPV 1342002 Ford Windstar 61
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 19 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline), 06E026000 (lights) and 05V099000 (lights) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do all the seat belts latch and retract?
- Chevy sent dealers 354 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Intermittent battery light comes on, intermittent no crank”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Chevy's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 37 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 13K to 42K miles (21K to 68K km) on the car (19 of all 37 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The brakes made a squealing noise, and was replaced. After they were replaced, the brakes locked up which resulted in an accident.
2002 Chevrolet Astro owner · NHTSA complaint 10019695
More owner reports
While braking abs brakes failed, causing extended stopping distance.
NHTSA complaint 10055523
When the brakes were applied, the pedal traveled to the floor.
NHTSA complaint 10015459
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 354 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent battery light comes on, intermittent no crank
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2006
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, 2…
- Lights · recall issued 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Lights · recall issued 2005
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of brake lamp illumination2004–2005
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★☆☆ · side — · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,550–$4,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl.
Every Chevrolet Astro year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2002 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/chevrolet-astro/?y=2002" title="Chevrolet Astro reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/chevrolet-astro/2002/">Lemon Index</a> (2002 Chevrolet Astro reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Astro reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 72; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Astro problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (38%), electrical (14%) and seat belts (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro get?
15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro cost in fuel a year?
About $3,550 to $4,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Chevrolet Astro have?
4.3L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Chevrolet Astro year than the 2002?
Not nearby: the 2002 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Chevrolet Astro years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works