Vehicle was parked when without prior notice passenger's side front of vehicle dropped. Vehicle was towed to dealer one day later, by that time driver's side of vehicle had dropped, as well. Dealer determined that torsion bar had broken on both sides, it was rusted through. A newly designed torsion bar was installed.

- Chesterfield To.Ship, MI, USA

While driving at approx 10mph in mall parking lot heard a ping and left front of vechicle droped to were the tire hit the wheel well causing loss of steering, if had happened on hi-way at hi-way speeds could have resulted in severe accid or death. Dealer said was a design flaw that GM knows about and redesigned. Had to replace both torsion bars and buy an adapter kit with towing and repairs cost was $910 of which I had to pay. Beleave that since GM had to redesign the bar it shows a flaw does exist, and that GM should at least pay part of the repairs. But have heard nothing from them concerning that. What will it take, a wrongful death lawsuit to get GM to acknowledge this? or purhaps a consumer class action suit.

- Hollsopple, PA, USA

While at rest front torsion bar broke, causing front of vehicle to drop. Non dealer service station inspected vehicle.

- Watertown, NY, USA

This vehicle uses torsion bars instead of springs on front suspension. Left torsion bar snapped while vehicle parked - drops body onto frame, approx 8-10 inches. If this happened at speed, would almost certainly lose control. Dealer service mgr says they see "lot" of these failures. Called GM - would not admit that safety problem exists. Service mgr insisted that both L and R be repaired, because "the other side will probably collapse any day". vehicle had to be towed to dealer. Total repair and towing $707.94.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

Left front torsion bar failed. Crack started at a rust spot on bar. Classic 'beach marks' indicate failure was propigating from the rust point. Asked manufacturer for coverage under warranty, but was turned down. Was told by dealer that a new style torsion bar was all that was available and that both bars had to be replaced along with the supports that connect the torsion bars to the cross member. I complained that if only one failed, I should only need to replace one. I compaired it to a V-8 head gasket failure, only one is repalced unles there is a reason to replace both. I believe that the requirement to replace both bars is an indication by Chevrolet that the design is faulty (this is backed up by the replacement being a new design). The new design does not allow for debris to gather around the rear portion of the torsion bar as the original design did.

- Muskego, WI, USA

While traveling 50-60 mph, driver felt a bounce in right front wheel. Dealer informed consumer that vehicle had a broken torsion bar. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA

I see the same three problems reported on the Astro...windshield wipers not working, torsion bar breaking, and air conditioning not working. When is Chevrolet going to address these problems?

- Muskegon, MI, USA

While backing out heard a rubbing noise, then, left front of vehicle dropped. Dealer said left front torsion bar had broken, and needed to replaced. Chevrolet changed the design, and both needed to be replaced. Dealer stated there had been a bulletin regarding lower a frame bolts incorrectly torqued, dealer replaced both torsion bars and adjusted cams.

- St.Louis, MO, USA

I see the same three problems reported on the Astro...windshield wipers not working, torsion bar breaking, and air conditioning not working. When is Chevrolet going to address these problems?

- Muskegon, MI, USA

Left front torsion bar snapped while parked. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle. Consumer states the suspension just dropped after the torsion bar snapped.

- Danburry, CT, USA

Torsion bar failed, causing front suspension to collapse. This is a serious failure which can result in loss of steering control. It is obvious that this is a design defect, confirmed by the redesign of the torsion bar assembly. Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge that this is a design defect and has any safety implications (re: Chevrolet customer assistance center 800-222-1020, file # C 04856310). Looking through the NHTSA compliants data base, numerous other torsion bar failures can be found and it is apparent that GM was aware of this problem for at least 2 years - however there has been no tsi or safety warning issued. How many injuries and deaths have to be attributed to torsion bar failure before GM issues a safety bulletin and admits a design defect that threatens the public safety "??????????????" I guess after GM takes your money they don't want anything to do with you until you're ready to buy another of their over-priced, poorly designed pieces of junk.

- Brookfield, IL, USA

Right front torsion bar cracked, causing front end to collapse. A private mechanic has examined vehicle, and determined that both front torsion bars needed to be replaced. Also, torsion bar I has been reduced from 41" to 34". please provide any additional information/attachments. Invoice stated torsion bar broke due to metal fatigue and that the new torsion bars should be stronger because of length of new bars and where adjustment is made and adapters dropped from system.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Front left torsion bar breaks due to rust developing in transmissioin mount end, poor design permits water, salt accumulation at torsion bar end. Pitting permit fractures to develope. Vehcile will suddenly sag permitting only shock and rubber snubber to act as absorber of road impacts. Could be dangerous at wrong speed.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

When driving at 20 mph consumer noticed a problem with front end of vehicle. Consumer pulled vehicle into a parking lot when front left hand side of the vehicle dropped completely down on tire, causing loss of steering control. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who determined that it was due to torsion bar which broke. Also, manufacturer has changed design of the torsion bar which required consumer to replace both right and left hand sides.

- De Pere, WI, USA

When this bar breaks it does cause the vehicle to drop on the frame. It shocks the driver and becomes momentarily difficult to steer. If this would have happened at high speeds or in slippery conditions it would have been a real problem. I contacted another dealer in this area to price the parts he commented " you mean the torsion bars that always break". with that comment just from one dealer I would definetly say GM has a major problem with this part on this vehicle.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

Vehicle had been parked. Noticed front end was slumped over. Left side was on the wheelwell. Took vehicle to automobile repair shop & had it placed on the rack. Informed by mechanic that front suspension torsion bar was cracked. Took vehicle to dealer for repairs.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

While driving at approximately 40 mph torsion bar broke, causing driver's side front end to drop on top of tire, consumer was unable to turn steering wheel. Dealer claimed it was normal for torsion bar to break. Driver had two previous failure of idler arms. Also had wheel rotor failure.

- Olean, NY, USA

Was driving home & heard a loud bang. Steering wheel tilted to left. Did not have a lot of control of vehicle. Vehicle taken to service station where mechanic indicated that tie rod end had snapped. Manufacturer had redesigned tie rod end and replaced it. The problem continued and both left and right torsion bars were found to be the cause.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

Torsion bar broke causing $1,100 repair bill and inability to steer properly. Mechanic stated it is a known problem with 95 Astro and showed part and why it has been a problem in northern climates. Had identical vehicle in for same repair with similar mileage. Claims Chevy knows and change subsequent design for later vehicles. Chevy was not responsive and referred me to NHTSA. Any information would be appreciated. If it is a problem in the snow belt states, shouldn't there be a recall? thanks!

- Mound, MN, USA

I don't feel a torsion bar should fail sitting in my garage, the wrecker driver said it was the third one he had hauled in the last two weeks I am glad no one was driving it when it broke the mechanic said ther would be no way to steer it when it was broke.

- St. Johns, MI, USA