GMC Astro Recalls

The GMC Astro has 8 recalls spanning the 1975–1984 production run, with the most serious being a cracked front axle beam on 1984 models where the axle can fail under normal driving, causing the wheel, tire, and brake assembly to separate from the vehicle entirely.

The 1981 model year has a related front-end concern: the steering arm on the Coleman front driving axle can develop stress cracks that eventually fracture completely, leaving the driver with no steering control. On 1978 models equipped with the sport steering wheel, the retention fasteners may not have been tightened adequately, allowing the steering wheel to work progressively loose and develop noticeable free play.

On the brake side, 1977 models may not meet the requirement for a split braking system that operates independently on two axles, meaning a failure in one part of the brake circuit can compromise the entire system. The 1976 model year has a brake pedal assembly where the upper pedal can pivot forward and bind against the floor during hard braking, resulting in only partial brake application when it is needed most.

The 1975 model year, on vehicles with the 366 or 427 V8 engine paired with an Allison MT650 transmission, has a governor that can fail and allow internal transmission components to break apart, sending fragments toward the driver and occupants. Going to the 1983 model year, the cab entry step mounting strap can crack at its weld and break while someone is climbing into the cab, creating a fall hazard. Those same 1983 models may also not meet air brake rear release time requirements, which can affect how quickly the rear brakes fully release after application.