1997 Chevrolet Venture

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 432 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 9 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Venture years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Venture years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,000 milesMedian miles at failure

91 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Chevrolet Venture problems

74 of the 432 complaints (17%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights42
010
Steering › Rack and Pinion36
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame30
000
Electrical System › Horn27
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine24
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine15
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine13
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine11
000
Steering10
000

1997 Chevrolet Venture engine problems

17% of all complaints

74 of the 432 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid36% · 27
  • overheats22% · 16
  • stalls16% · 12
  • loses power7% · 5
  • sets off warning lights on the dash7% · 5
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 3

Share of the 74 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
75,000 mi
median of 45 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
26 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 3 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Had head gasket replaced last year. Recently the van stalled and was told that anti-freeze had been leaking into the cylinders, and I needed a new engine. Was also told that the new engine not only could but would have this same problem at some point. Was also told that this is a common problem among these vehicles.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 27, 2006 at 172,000 miles
“This happened twice the first time the coolant was leaking into the oil due to a intake manifold gasket failure. I replaced this at a cost of 25.00, luckily it was covered under my extended warranty. The second time this happened was in july of 2003 I had just gotten onto to the highway with my two 5 year old daughters suddenly the car just slowed down as if to stall white smoke everywhere..”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 12, 2005

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'961997: 25 complaints, 2 about the engine1998: 53 complaints, 0 about the engine'981999: 57 complaints, 1 about the engine2000: 56 complaints, 3 about the engine'002001: 44 complaints, 4 about the engine2002: 52 complaints, 7 about the engine'022003: 53 complaints, 21 about the engine2004: 55 complaints, 26 about the engine'042005: 16 complaints, 4 about the engine2006: 7 complaints, 1 about the engine'062007: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2008: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'082009: 3 complaints, 2 about the engine2010: 2 complaints, 2 about the engine'102011: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2012: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'122013: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'142015: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2016: 1 complaints, 1 about the engine'162017: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 98V072000 (visibility)Recall 98V145000 (seats)Recall 01V067000 (door locks and latches)Recall 01V264000 (door locks and latches)Recall 02V286000 (steering)Recall 04V597000 (door locks and latches)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 08E050000 (headlights)Recall 09E005000 (steering)NHTSA investigation DP04002NHTSA investigation EA03005NHTSA investigation EA02032NHTSA investigation SQ00014
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1997 Venture peaked in 1999, with 57 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 17% of the complaints. In 2017 owners filed 1 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering09E005000
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch04V597000
Filed Dec 22, 2004717,302 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.

Risk. IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Steering › Rack and Pinion02V286000
Filed Nov 4, 20021,159,156 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch01V264000
Filed Aug 21, 2001248,737 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch01V067000
Filed Mar 8, 2001477,011 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.

Risk. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner98V145000
Filed Jun 26, 1998125,990 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON BUCKET SEATS AND ON THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS.

Risk. WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ROLL A BUCKET SEAT FORWARD, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IN THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE MECHANISM.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTER REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages98V072000
Filed Apr 7, 199855,154 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR VALVE. THIS CONTACT CAN CHAFE THE BRAKE LINE RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRAKE LINE CLIP TO ENSURE PROPER CLEARANCE. ALSO THE BRAKE LINES WILL BE INSPECTED TO ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS CONDITION AND WILL REPLACE ANY DAMAGED LINES.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 1997 Venture.

RACK AND PINION STEERING UNIT FAILUREDefect petition DP04002Closed
Opened Feb 3, 2004Closed Mar 17, 2004steering

Mr. Dennis fike of elkridge, md, submitted a petition to NHTSA by letter dated january 13, 2004, alleging that a GM dealer informed him that his van was not included in safety recall 02v286 and charged him for the replacement of the steering rack and pinion unit.mr. Fike believes that his van should have been included and that the repair should have been performed without charge to him.the recall in question addressed steering rack and pinion unit lower pinion bearing failures on certain my 1996 through 1998 GM vehicles.the recall remedy was to inspect and replace the steering gear pinion …

REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILUREEngineering analysis EA03005Closed
Opened Apr 23, 2003Closed Jan 12, 2004suspension

On november 18, 2002, odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe02-086) to evaluate allegations of rear axle trailing arm failures in the subject vehicles (u-van) which included two reporting crashes.on april 9, 2003, odi upgraded pe02-086 to an engineering analysis (ea03-005) to continue its examination of the issue. The trailing arm design in these vehicles has been used in the u-van from my 1997 through the present.the GM analysis concluded that the subject trailing arms could crack or buckle if they were damaged during assembly, pre-delivery handling, or subjected to certain service related …

SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02032Closed
Opened Nov 18, 2002Closed Nov 21, 2003seat belts

Odi identified 59 reports with the alleged defect.odi was able to contact 44 of the 59 consumers in order to determine the specific cause of the latch problems.of the 44 owners contacted, odi determined that four failures were due to an out-of-tolerance latch plate, and that 23 failures were due to a displaced buckle housing cover.the remaining 17 failures had indeterminable causes.of the 59 reports, there were three alleged minor injuries.no legal claims or lawsuits have been filed with regard to this alleged defect.based on the limited number of reports, and a declining report trend, this …

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02003Closed
Opened Apr 4, 2002Closed Dec 10, 2002Led to recall 02V286000steering

The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly may fail.GM will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.

SHOULDER HARNESS CLIPPreliminary evaluation PE02017Closed
Opened Feb 11, 2002Closed Aug 2, 2002seat belts
STEERING RACK AND PINIONPreliminary evaluation PE01038Closed
Opened Nov 14, 2001Closed Apr 4, 2002steering

Odi has received 200 complaints fromt consumers and 1,238 from GM alleging failure or lockup of the steering rack and pinion unit (r&p).this alleged condition can result in the loss of steering control of the vehicle and a crash can result.GM has reported six crashes in which eight people have sustained injuries ranging from bruises, airbag burn, seat belt abrasion, facial injury, neck and back pain.all crashes were single vehicle crashes.GM states that one possible failure mode is failure of the lower pinion bearing in the r&p.an engineering analysis has been opened to determine if a safety …

UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOORInvestigation SQ00014Closed
Opened Jul 25, 2000Closed Oct 22, 2001Led to recall 01V067000body and frame

There is no summary currently available

FINGER CUTTING/PINCHINGPreliminary evaluation PE98030Closed
Opened May 15, 1998Closed Jun 30, 1998Led to recall 98V145000unknown or other

Odi has received three reports indicating injuries occurred to consumers while they wer folding a second row seat to gain acces to the rear or third row seats.when folding the seat a portion of the seat frame moves in a scissor action.two of the consumers severed the end of their finger and the third suffered a pinched finger.all required emergency room treatment.this investigation has been opened to further study this issue.

Technical service bulletins

96 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Venture. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 19equipment 15visibility 14engine 9transmission 6brakes 6fuel system 4electrical system 4
130089009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2013engine

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

03-06-01-010Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2008engine

ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE

030601010Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2003engine

ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT

020601014Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2002engine

SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT

990604005AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2001engine

SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT

990604005Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 1999engine

SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Aug 6, 201758,000 milesMD

STEERING LOCKED UP ON '97 VENTURE VAN WHILE BEING OPERATED AT 70 MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, RACK AND PINION AND STEERING PUMP REPLACED.

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2016FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WITHIN LESS THAN 30 DAYS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE COOLANT LIGHT RANDOMLY KEPT ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO SOLUTION FROM THE MECHANIC AND WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 18, 2013156,000 milesME

REAR BRAKE LAMPS KEEP FAILING, LIGHT BAR ON TOP WORKS FINE BUT BOTH SIDE REAR BRAKE LAMPS FAIL CONTINUOUSLY. UPON DISASSEMBLY OF BRAKE LIGHT ONE CAN SEE THE SOCKETS AND BULB CONTACTS ARE MELTING. THIS VAN HAS ALREADY HAD THE ENTIRE REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON EACH SIDE REPLACED BUT PROBLEM IS RECURRING. CLEANING/SANDING SOCKETS WORKS TEMPORARILY BUT PROBLEM RETURNS WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. BULB REPLACEMENT ALONE DOES NOT WORK. FILAMENTS IN BULBS ARE NOT BURNT OUT BUT CONTACTS ON BULBS AND SOCKETS ARE BURNT. THIS ONLY AFFECTS THE CIRCUIT THE BRAKE LIGHT FILAMENT IS ON, THE TAILLIGHTS (WHICH SHARE THE SAME MULTIFILAMENT BULB) ARE NOT AFFECTED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH IT'S QUITE APPARENT THIS IS A PROBLEM VERY COMMON ACROSS MOST OR ALL MODEL YEARS OF THIS VAN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE OCCUPANTS - THE LIGHTS CAN (AND WILL) FAIL WITHOUT NOTICE LEAVING DRIVER VULNERABLE TO COLLISIONS FROM BEHIND DUE TO INADEQUATE SIGNALING. *TR

Tires
Filed Sep 2, 2011158,180 milesTN

I BOUGHT 4 PEP BOYS DEFINITY TIRES W ROAD HASARD TOTAL WAS 424.58 ON 9/10/201. MILEAGE WAS152156..YESTERDAY 9/1/2011 IHAD A BLOW OUT ON L REAR TIRE. THE MILEAGE WAS158180. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE PRO RATED,ONLY 6,000 MILES AND IT COST ME 41.52 FOR ANOTHER TIRE. IT COULDNT BE FIXED. WHAT WAS THE ROAD HAZZARD FOR? PS THEY OFFERED ME A OIL CHANGE AS A SETTELMENT. I TOLD THEM NO THANKS! *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Apr 4, 2011OH

1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE, UNIT 1 WAS EASTBOUND IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE. THE HOOD APPARENTLY WAS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, FLEW UP AND BACK, SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. UPDATED 04/04/2011 *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0175-90)*JB UPDATED 04/22/11 *BF

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Sep 1, 2010MI

1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE, CAUGHT FIRE AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED CAUSING TOTAL DAMAGE. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE VEHICLE HAD ENGINE TROUBLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0318-89)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 6, 201099,998 milesWI

I HAVE OWNED 3 CHEVY VENTURE MINIVANS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. ALL OF THEM HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS, THE SIGNAL AND HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT, THE WINDOW SWITCH GOES OUT AND FINALLY THE HEAD GASKET GOES. THEY RUN GREAT UNTIL THE DAY IT STARTS OVERHEATING, THEN YOUR OUT A VEHICLE. EVERYONE I KNOW WHO HAS A VENTURE HAS HAD AT LEAST ONE OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 15, 2009122,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTIFREEZE IN HER VEHICLE HAS CORRODED THE RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND INTAKE VALVE. THIS IS THE COOLANT THAT WAS LISTED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND IS ALWAYS USED IN HER VEHICLE. A RECALL WAS SENT TO CHEVROLET CONSUMERS, BUT IT WAS NOT ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2009120,000 milesCA

NEEDS REPLACED FRONTEND HUBS ,TIEROD,PINION REPAIRS/RECALL THIS VAN NEEDS A NEW OWNER!!! NOTHING BUT COSTLY REPAIRS CHEVY NEEDS TO RECALL ALL THEM VENTURES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Mar 12, 200990,000 milesFL

GENERAL MOTORS DEX-COOL RUINED OUR COOLING SYSTEM IN OUR 97 CHEVY VENTURE. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM AND NOW CRANKSHAFT HAS GONE BAD. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS. VAN STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AT 80,000MILES. VAN ONLY HAS 110,000 MILES. WE ARE OVERWHELMED AND EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED. WE WOULD HAVE REPLACE THE COOLANT IF WE WOULD HAVE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THE DEX-COOL CAUSED. WE FEEL WE HAVE BEEN DENIED VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO MAINTAINING OUR VEHICLE. CONSUMERS NEED TO BE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH DEX-COOL COOLANT!!!!!!! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 29, 2008135,000 milesSC

I HAVE A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND I HAVE HAD A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2003 USED. THE DAY I BOUGHT IT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WATCHED THEM TAKE A NEW TRANSMISSION OUT OF A CRATE AND PUT IT IN. AFTER THAT IT WAS BACK IN THE SHOP 3 MORE TIMES OVER THE NEXT YEAR FOR PROBLEMS. WHEN I WOULD GO THROUGH A YIELD REQUIRING ME TO SPEED UP SUCH AS GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE IT WOULD REV UP AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL , ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET HIT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WHEN I WOULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN TRY AGAIN IT WOULD GRAB AND TAKE OFF. ALL THREE TIMES THEY REBUILT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. NOW THE SHIFT SENSORS ARE GOING OUT AND EVEN THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT ONLY 35,000 MILES. EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE DEALER THAT PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN HAS PURGED THEIR SYSTEM AND MY INFORMATION WAS KICKED OUT AND I CANNOT FIND THE ORIGINAL PAPERWORK. WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM HAVING TO PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PART THAT IS EXPENSIVE TO HAVE PUT IN. *TR

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jan 23, 2008100,197 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA MANUFACTURER NOTICES TO DEALERS (ETC RCMN-02V286-8630.PDF), THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,197.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 11, 200720,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB CONTINUOUSLY FAILED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BULB, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONSTANT FAILURE WAS DUE TO MOISTURE ENTERING THE FIXTURE, WHICH BLEW OUT THE BULB AND DISCOLORED THE LENS. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Steering
Filed Nov 27, 2006MA

I BOUGHT MY 97 VENTURE A YEAR AGO, ENDED UP GETTING A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLES. BROUGHT TO DEALER TO HAVE FIXED, TO FIND OUT OTHER RECALLS WEREN'T FIXED. I HAD THE STEERING RECALL DONE. WELL NOW NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I HAVE 4 CHILDREN UNDER 6 YRS OLD AND THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IM AFRAID TO TRAVEL IN IT!! EVERY TURN BE IT RIGHT OR LEFT I FEEL THE STEERING KIND OF POP AND STICK ITS SCARY I THINK GM NEEDS TO REEVALUATE ITS SO CALLED FAMILY SAFE VEHICLE AND REIMBURSE ALL OF US OWNERS!! *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 16, 200695,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED 3 SEPARATE TIMES. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/05/06. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Nov 3, 200698,000 milesNJ

1997 CHEVY VENTURE ,POWER SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR THE DOOR POPS OPEN WHILE DRIVING.THE DEALER STATES DOOR HAD BEEN REPAIRED ONCE IN 2002 AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FURTHER REPAIRES ON THE LATCHING OF THIS DOOR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch1 injured
Filed Apr 7, 200698,570 milesDE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THE INTERIOR HANDLE THAT OPENS THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAUSING OCCUPANTS TO GET TRAPPED BY THE DOOR. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V597000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS FOUR TO FIVE TIMES.

Steering
Filed Feb 25, 200683,000 milesLA

ON 28 JULY 2003, THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN MY 97 CHEVY VENTURE UNDER A RECALL SCHEME. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT BACK IN, SINCE THEY LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE STEERING OFFSET TO THE RIGHT BY ABOUT 15 DEGREES, BUT IT WAS SUCH A HASSLE DEALING WITH THEM THAT I DIDN'T BOTHER. AROUND THE START OF FEBRUARY 2006, I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WHEN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. IT WAS AS IF THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING. WHEN I DRIVE THE VAN, I HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY PREPARED TO WRESTLE THE WHEEL WITH BOTH ARMS, ALTHOUGH THE FAULT IS STILL INTERMITTENT. I HAVE YET TO RAISE THE MATTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP, BUT NOTE THAT THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR ACCOUNTS, ALTHOUGH MOSTLY RELATING TO STEERING TO THE LEFT, FOR SIMILAR 97 VENTURES AND OTHER GM VEHICLES. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Feb 16, 20065,832 milesAZ

MY 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE VIN [XXX], WIPERS WOULD NOT PARK IN CORRECT POSITION. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME HE FOUND A CAMPAIGN LISTED (97005 FEB 97) FOR THE PROBLEM. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIPER CRANK ARM BECAUSE IT WAS BENT. THIS PARTICULAR PART WAS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN. IT COST ME $234.43 TO GET IT REPAIRED. THE WIPERS USED TO PARK WHEN IT FIRST STARTED IF YOU TURNED THEM ON AND OFF ENOUGH TIMES. FINALLY, THEY JUST STARTED STOPPING WHERE THEY WERE WHEN YOU TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THIS WAS OVER PROBABLY A YEARS TIME PERIOD. I JUST FOUND A REPAIR INVOICE FROM MAR 98 WHERE WE HAD TAKEN IN THE VAN BECAUSE WIPERS WOULD NOT PARK. I FEEL MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE CAMPAIGN AND SHOULD BE COVERED AND I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. *JB UDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 27, 2006172,000 milesIN

HAD HEAD GASKET REPLACED LAST YEAR. RECENTLY THE VAN STALLED AND WAS TOLD THAT ANTI-FREEZE HAD BEEN LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS, AND I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE NEW ENGINE NOT ONLY COULD BUT WOULD HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM AT SOME POINT. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THESE VEHICLES.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 22, 200544,000 milesOH

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC COVERS ON THE HEADLIGHTS WERE GLUED AND NOT BOLTED ONTO THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE GLUE WORE OUT WATER GOT INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE PLASTIC POPPED OFF, CAUSING THE HALOGEN LIGHT BULB TO BURN OUT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 16, 2005NJ

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AND BUSTED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT HER RESIDENCE. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Oct 18, 200591,000 milesIN

DT: THE CALLER BOUGHT A VEHICLE AND FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL BEFORE HE GOT THE VEHICLE. THE RECALLED PART WAS THE STEERING RACK BEARING. HE WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WAS DONE. HE SAYS THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO TURN WHEN TURNING RIGHT. HE WILL NOT LET HIS WIFE DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HE THOUGHT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS FAULTY. DEALER SAID THEY MIGHT NOT DO THE WORK FOR FREE. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD PAY THE REPAIR COSTS, THE FIRST TIME HE CALLED, IF IT WAS THE PART IN QUESTION. THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT. *AK *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 12, 2005CT

THIS HAPPENED TWICE THE FIRST TIME THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE OIL DUE TO A INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE. I REPLACED THIS AT A COST OF 25.00, LUCKILY IT WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN JULY OF 2003 I HAD JUST GOTTEN ONTO TO THE HIGHWAY WITH MY TWO 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS SUDDENLY THE CAR JUST SLOWED DOWN AS IF TO STALL WHITE SMOKE EVERYWHERE.. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE MANIFOLD GASKET AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE WENT AND I HAD TO GET THE ENGINE REPAIRED AT A PRICE OF $4400.00. MY MECHANIC THOUGH AT LEAST GUARANTEES ME ON THIS ENGINE OF 3 YEARS OR 75000 MILES. MORE OF A WARRANTY THAN GM GAVE ME. I WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN GM PRODUCTS AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED, I WAS ONLY 1,000 MILES OVER ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT NOT YET UP ON THE YEARS AND GM AND THE COMPANY OFFERING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME OUT. GM REFUSED TO HELP OUT AT ALL. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 31, 2005AL

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE HEADLIGHT COVERS CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. IT COSTS $178.00 PLUS TAX FOR EACH OF THE HEADLIGHT COVERS TO BE REPAIRED. ABOUT SIX MONTH AGO ONE OF THE HEADLIGHT COVERS CAME OFF, AND A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, THE OTHER HEADLIGHT COVER CAME OFF. THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE GM MANUFACTURER TOLD HER THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT HE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE FIRST TIME IT GOT STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME AT ONLY 26,000 MILES, AND THE SECOND TIME AT 26,100 MILES. BOTH TIMES WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER THE SECOND TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IT HAD ONLY 78,000 MILES ON IT. WHILE ON VACATION AND DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. HAD TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THAT TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED TRANSMISSION, AND AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE PROBLEM DID NOT RECUR. ALL THE DEALERSHIPS THAT THE CONTACT CHECKED TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION SAID THAT THERE WHERE NO TRANSMISSIONS AROUND BECAUSE THEY WERE REDESIGNING ALL OF THE TRANSMISSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. SHE CONTACTED GM MANUFACTURER, AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD OVER 100,000 MILES. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Aug 28, 2005NY

THE FRONT HEADLAMPS ON THE 1997-2004 CHEVROLET, PONTIAC, & OLDSMOBILE VANS DO NOT RELEASE MOISTURE FROM THE CAPSULE CAUSING THE LIGHT TO GLAZE OVER TIME. I HAVE REPLACED FRONT LIGHTS TWICE SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE GLAZE ON THE HEADLIGHTS DRAMATICALLY REDUCES YOUR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT TO SEE WHAT IS OUT THERE, POTENTIALLY ABLE TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JB

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jul 12, 2005IN

THE SEAT BELT CLASP ON THE MIDDLE BENCH SEAT HAS COME APART, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT FROM SAFELY CONNECTING AND STAYING CONNECTED.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jul 12, 2005IN

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. CAR WAS AT FULL THROTTLE AND CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC AHEAD. CONTINUED PLACING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, BRAKING, AND PUTTING IT BACK IN DRIVE UNTIL I COULD PULL OVER TO A SAFE SPOT. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. ACCELERATOR CABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT DON'T KNOW IF DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 8, 2005AZ

THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK, THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, BUT THEY WANTED CONSUMER TO PAY FOR IT. CONSUMER FELT THAT MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. ALSO, THE SLIDING DOOR MOTOR ON 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE IS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER PAID FOR REPAIRS 3 DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT IT KEPT BREAKING.*AK PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. WIPER MODULE SHORTED OUT. THE VEHICLE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER FOUND A BAD CONNECTION AT THE EBCM. ALSO FOUND BOTH TRACTION BULBS WERE MISSING. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Apr 14, 2005SC

INTAKE GASKET LEAKING COOLANT IN MY VAN NOT TO MENTION THE MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE LIGHTS ON THIS VAN, SO NOW I AM HAVING TO SINK ANOTHER $500 INTO THIS VAN TO GET THE PART FIRST MENTIONED JUST SO MY MOTOR WON'T BLOW UP.*AK

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air Suspension System
Filed Mar 13, 2005125,000 milesMA

THE REAR AIR RIDE PUMP CONTINUES TO INFLATE REAR SHOCKS MORE OFTEN AND ALSO RUNS WHEN THE VAN IS OFF THE KILLS THE BATTERY. CONNECTED AIR PUMP IN THE LEFT REAR UNDER THE VAN AND REPLACED REAR AIR SHOCKS WITH AFTERMARKET NON AIR SHOCKS.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 8, 2005PA

THE PLASTIC COVERS OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 1997 CHEVY VENTURE ARE GLUED ON. WATER GETS INSIDE THE UNIT AND THE PLASTIC POPS OFF, THEN THE LIGHTS BURN OUT. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME I HAVE REPLACED THEM AT THE COST OF $185.00 PER LIGHT.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 7, 200560,000 milesNC

VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE. WHEN TAKING THE OIL CAP OFF THERE IS A MILKY MIX. MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 24, 2005116,000 milesTX

MY VEHICLE A 1997 CHEVY VENTURE, SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE TEMP LIGHT CAME ON AND I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED TO BE THE DEALERSHIPS EXIT AND I PULLED RIGHT IN TO THE SERVICE BAY. THEY TELL ME I HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. WHEN THEY TOOK THE ENGINE APART THE SERVICE MANAGER ALLOWED ME TO SEE THE ENGINE. THE COOLANT CHANNELS ARE COATED WITH A BROWN GUMMY SUBSTANCE AND THE CYLINDERS WERE FULL OF COOLANT. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS GIVEN A SAMPLE OF THE SUBSTANCE AND SAID HE WILL GIVE IT TO THE GM REP WHEN HE COMES IN LATER THIS WEEK. COST WILL TOP $2500. PREVIOUSLY I REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THE WATER PUMP. THIS SEEMS LIKE FAULTY GASKETS OR COOLANT I DON'T KNOW WHICH. I'M JUST GLAD IT DIDN'T STRAND ME OUT SOMEWHERE AWAY FROM TOWN. *NM

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jan 20, 2005102,500 milesMA

STEERING RACK BROKE. DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL CAN ASSUME POSITIONS ANYWHERE BETWEEN 10 TO 2 O'CLOCK WHILE STILL GOING STRAIGHT. STEERING ACTION IS NOT POSITIVE. AT TURNS, MORE STEERING MOVEMENT IS NEEDED AND VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPONSE AS BEFORE. FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL NHTSA #02V286000 FOR THE STEERING RACK LOWER PINION BEARINGS THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE LOWER PINION BEARING OR REPLACE THE STEERING RACK. WE TOOK THE CAR IN 5/28/05 FOR THIS RECALL AND I BELIEVE THE LOWER PINION BEARING WAS REPLACED. CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE 1/17/05. TOLD TO HAVE CAR INSPECTED BY DEALER. LANNAN CHEVROLET CONFIRMED THAT DAMAGE IS INSIDE STEERING RACK AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TALKED WITH CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE 1/20/05, THEY DECLINE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CURRENT PROBLEM AND SAID THAT IT IS DUE TO "WEAR AND TEAR". HE BLAMED IT ON OTHER THINGS SUCH AS HYDRAULIC HOSE LEAK. THE HYDRAULIC HOSE HAS BEEN "WET" SINCE THE EARLY DAYS (1 OR 2 YEARS) AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE LEAK IS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND THE LEVEL HAS BEEN CHECKING EVERY 1-2 WEEK. WE BELIEVE THIS CURRENT PROBLEM IS A SAFETY DEFECT AND THE WORK DONE FOR THE STEERING RACK RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE UNDERLINING PROBLEM. EITHER THERE ARE ADDITIONAL STEERING RACK DEFECTS OR INTERNAL DAMAGE HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Jan 18, 200555,000 milesNY

AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME FROM THE CAR WASH, BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. CONSUMER NOTICED BOTH HEADLIGHT LENS WERE MISSING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Dec 13, 2004MI

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THIS CAUSED THE HORN TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK. VEHICLE WA SRECALLED FOR STEERING RACK AND PINION REPLACEMENT. AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND COULDN'T BE RESET, THE SENSOR UNIT SHORTED OUT AND BURNE DALL TAIL LIGHTS. CONSUMER TALKED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. CONSUMER CLAIMED HE WAS 68 YEARS OF AGE AND WAS TOLD THAT VEHICLE COULDN'T BE DRIVEN WITHOUT AIR BAGS BEING USED IN WHICH CASE THEY WERE WRONG.CONSUMER DRIVES ABOUT 3000 MILES PER WEEK AS A DELIVERY PERSON FOR A FURNACE COMPANY AND ALWAY USED SEAT BELTS. *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 10, 2004OH

WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARED IN THE TAIL LIGHT ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, VERY NEAR THE GAS TANK. INSPECTOR STATED THAT IT WAS A DEAD SHORT. CONSUMER CONTACTED CHEVROLET, AND THEY WERE WILLING TO DO PAY THE SUM THAT VEHICLE WAS WORTH. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Nov 1, 200462,000 milesWI

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY A BURNT ODOR WAS SMELLED FOLLOWED BY BLACK SMOKE. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *AK BLACK SMOKE CAME GUSHING OUT BY THE AIRBAG. SOON AFTER THE DASH BOARD EXPLODED IN FLAMES. EXPLOSION CAUSED ALL THE WINDOWS TO BLOW OUT. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AS FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE BODY. *TC

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Nov 1, 2004FL

WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT SIDE VIEW MIRROR FELL COMPLETELY OFF. THE SEAT BELT WAS DAMAGED ON THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE. THE HEAD LIGHT COVERS CONTINUOUSLY FELL OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS CONSTANTLY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TIRES CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THE TIRE ROD WAS BENT AND THAT IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 18, 200429,904 milesIL

DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPAIRED 4-TIMES REPLY DIRECTLY TO THE CONSTITUENT. *BF THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CONSUMER'S A/C UNTIL THE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNED AND THE PCV VALVE WAS GUMMED WITH DEXCOOL. THE SERPENTINE WAS WORN OUT. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 17, 200430,000 milesMS

WHILE DRIVING COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONCE, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *AK. CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 16, 200457,367 milesID

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL REIMBURSE FOR PART OF THE REPAIR. *JB

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Sep 8, 2004NC

ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2004 CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 02049 FROM THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING RACK AND PINION FAILURE. , PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER, CONSUMER HAD ALREADY FIXED THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT, AND THEY INDICATED THEY WON'T HONOR THE RECALL. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 7, 200474,338 milesOH

(1) CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISE AND THEN QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. (2) THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE OIL. THIS COOLANT IN THE OIL RUINED THE ENGINE BEARINGS AND MAIN JOURNAL. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. (3) THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND A COMPLETE NEW ENGINE HAD TO BE INSTALLED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 3, 200490,500 milesTX

FAILURE OF MANIFOLD GASKET AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE WATER PUMP CAUSED COOLANT LIGHT TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND. THERE WAS SOME DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS QUITE COMMON, BUT NOT WARRANTIED. THE BEST PART WAS IT FAILED ON CONSUMER'S BIRTHDAY, WHAT A GIFT.*AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Sep 2, 2004TX

THE CAMPAIGN 02049 WAS COMPLETED ON 30 APRIL 2003 THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING BEARING. THE VEHICLE STEERING SLOWLY BECAME STIFF AND GAVE RESISTANCE IN MAY 2004 WHEN TURNING OR MAKING STEERING CORRECTIONS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN JUNE OR JULY AS IT WAS GETTING WORSE. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER IT REQUIRED A LOT OF EXERTION TO STEER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACED. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL TO CHECK THE GEAR AND IF IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. HE STATED NO NOT RELATED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS BEHAVING ERRATICALLY ON THE ROAD. STEERING CORRECTIONS WERE SLOPPY YOU HAD TO MOVE IT LEFT OR RIGHT 3 OR MORE INCHES TO TURN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER HE HAD SOME ADJUSTMENT DONE AND THE STEERING SEEMED FINE. ONLY NOW A GROANING CLUNK UPON TURNS AND ACCELERATION. I WAITED A FEW DAYS THEN A COMPONENT FELL FROM THE UNDERSIDE ONTO MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AGAIN AND VOICED MY CONCERNS OVER THE COMPONENT AND THE NOISE. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND THAT THE COMPONENT WAS NO PROBLEM ONLY A LOOSE WIRE BRACKET. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MECHANIC AND DROVE AROUND TO SHOW HIM THE NOISE. HE HEARD THE NOISE AND WOULD BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. NEXT THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THE STRUT BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I REQUESTED THE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE STRUTS FOR DAMAGE FROM THE FAULTY STRUT BRACKETS AND LET ME KNOW IF THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED AND SAID THE STRUTS WE

Steering
Filed Aug 24, 2004FL

WHILE DRIVING A SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 12, 2004112,876 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TAKEN APART TO IDENTIFY WHAT CAUSED THE LOCK. THE OIL PAN WAS FULL WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *JB

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Aug 5, 200435,800 milesNV

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER STATED THAT RACK AND PINION MALFUNCTIONED. NO IMPACT WAS REPORTED. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 432, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200542312Fatalities reported
2004124520Routine
2003185842Fatalities reported
2002220641Fatalities reported
20012221232Fatalities reported
2000350850Above average
1999349751Fatalities reported
19984091030Above average
1997 — this page4329102Fatalities reported
19962000Routine

Compare every Venture year →

1997 Chevrolet Venture: questions buyers ask

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Venture a good car?

It is not among the Venture years to avoid. Owners filed 432 complaints, against about 222 for a typical Venture year. The most common complaint is about the engine (17%).

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?

The engine: 74 of the 432 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (36%), overheats (22%) and stalls (16%). The typical report comes at 75,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Venture have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 17, 2009. The largest, 02V286000, covered 1,159,156 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Venture problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 78,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 75,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?

Yes, 8 times. The latest, DP04002 ("RACK AND PINION STEERING UNIT FAILURE"), was opened Feb 3, 2004 and closed Mar 17, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?

The manufacturer filed 96 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (19), the visibility (14) and the engine (9). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 17, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.