Sell your 1997 Chevrolet Astro for cash

The 1997 Chevrolet Astro is a van that came with a 4.3L 6-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1997 Chevrolet Astro at a glance

Body styleVans
Engines4.3L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd
Drive4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy14–15 city / 17–21 highway / 15–17 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,950–$4,450 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂523–592 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA4 configurations: Astro AWD (cargo), Astro 2WD (cargo), Astro AWD (passenger), Astro 2WD (passenger)
Age29 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Astro's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a van, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1997 Astro. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the power train, typically around 60,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 Chevrolet Astro recalls

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1997 Chevrolet Astro. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

VisibilityApr 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V159000

On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.

Risk: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Seat BeltsApr 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V123000

Vehicle description: mini vans. 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.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Child SeatJan 1999 · NHTSA campaign 99V009000

Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with integrated dual child seats. 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…

Risk: These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.

Seat BeltsApr 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V057000

The outboard safety belt webbing on the right-hand rear bucket seat can separate during a vehicle crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant would not be properly restrained and personal injury could result.

Common 1997 Astro problems

Owners have filed 360 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Astro with NHTSA. 23 reports involved a crash and 7 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 24 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Power Train38
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic34
  • Visibility26
  • Visibility21
  • Vehicle Speed Control17
  • Steering15

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Power Train60,000 mi
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic112,000 mi
  • Visibility92,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control65,000 mi

1997 Chevrolet Astro service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 47 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Chevrolet Astro. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Engine and Engine Cooling5
  • Seat Belts5
  • Equipment4
  • Service Brakes4
  • Electrical System3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · 17-NA-073

    This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · PIP4723F

    This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2020 · PIP4723D

    This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2019 · 19NA273

    This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Chevrolet Astro.

VisibilityEA02006 · opened May 2002, closed Jul 2003Led to recall 03V159000

Windshield wiper failure

As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached t

Selling a 1997 Astro: questions

How much is a 1997 Chevrolet Astro worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1997 Astro that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 Astros that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1997 Astro with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Astro; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Astro?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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