I own a 1997 Chevy Astro van with 151K miles. Sunday, the power steering pump went out. When it did so, the brakes turned mushy with little braking power. We were lucky as we had just come down a steep driveway. If they had failed then our choices would have been to run into the back of a car if we could have turned, run into a group of people and then continued down a steep hill into brush and forest with likely casualties. Luckily, we had just started up to leave and noticed the problem. We shut down and the local Chevy dealership was able to obtain a part. However, the service writer told us that to this day, many Chevy vans and trucks have the same system where the power steering pump acts as a booster pump for the braking system. That lack of independence between the two systems is an engineering error and should be corrected.

- Wa, WA, USA

While driving at low a speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering and brakes.this was caused by the steel rod shaft breaking in the power steering pump. The mechanic stated the hydro boost system had malfunctioned.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Fuel gauge stopped working. Air conditioner and transmission broke.

- Northbrook, IL, USA

While moving from a stopped position the car made a loud noise and the steering went completely out. Dealer has vehicle currently.

- Roseville, CA, USA

When driving the vehicle it would drift to the right. Dealer says that this is the way it is designed.

- Orlando, FL, USA

While driving the van the driver was turning the steering wheel and the steering locked up, causing the driver problems turning the vehicle. This happens only when the driver is trying to make a turn.

- Nuevo, CA, USA

Defective steering system makes noises when traveling over bumps, stopping, and turning. Also caused excessive tire wear.

- Gladstone, OR, USA

Steering: Sitting still, turned vehicle on, pushed on brake, steering wheel turned part way then it would lock. When releasing the brake, it will steer fine. Spoke with dealer and was told it was a general defect with the all wheel drives.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA