Safety ratings
1997 Chevrolet Venture
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (9)
- SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERCampaign 98V145000 · 26/06/1998
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.
Fix: 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.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHCampaign 04V597000 · 22/12/2004
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.
Fix: 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.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHCampaign 01V264000 · 21/08/2001
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.
Fix: 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.
- STEERINGCampaign 09E005000 · 17/02/2009
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.
Fix: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000 · 12/03/2007
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.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 08E050000 · 11/08/2008
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.
Fix: 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.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHCampaign 01V067000 · 08/03/2001
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.
Fix: 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.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGESCampaign 98V072000 · 07/04/1998
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.
Fix: 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.
- STEERING:RACK AND PINIONCampaign 02V286000 · 04/11/2002
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING82
- STEERING74
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING61
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- STRUCTURE43
- SERVICE BRAKES42
- HYDRAULIC41
- VISIBILITY30
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON MY 1997 CHEVY VENTURE THE MANIFOLD GASKET IS LEAKING! AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX THAT IT, BECAUSE OF GM POOR ENGINEERING. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TS
- 12/30/1997· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
HAD BACKED VEHICLE UP & HIT TELPHONE POLE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF DRIVEWAY. PUT FOOT ON BRAKES TO STOP & HELD STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE DID 21 FT SLIDE BEFORE HITTING BUILDING. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ABS WORKED. TOOK TO DEALER & TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. *AK
- 12/30/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN TRAVELING AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL TRAVELS TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THERE IS A GRIDING SOUND WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER HAS REPLACED PARTS. *AK
- 12/29/1999· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY KEEPS COMING ON. DEALER NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
- 12/27/2000· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REBUILT, NEW FUEL PUMP, FRONT/REAR SHOCKS & STRUTS,INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, BRAKES. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING EXTREMELY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
- 12/22/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
- 12/22/1997· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HORN REQUIRES EXCESSIVE EFFORT IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK.
- 12/21/1999· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES WHEN VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH AROUND GAS TANK, FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO HAV EBEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OR A PIN HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
- 12/20/1999· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE TRAVELING & GOING DOWN HILL VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT INDICATION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE CAUSED BY THE MELTING OF THE AIR INTAKE HOSE, CAUSING A HOLE TO FORM IN THE HOSE, ALLOWING THE AIR MIXTURE IN THE ENGINE TO GO UNREGULATED. SINCE THE AIR HOSE WAS REPLACED, THE PROBLEM HAS STOPPED. *AK *ML
- 12/17/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. COST TO REPAIR IS $1000.00 + A WEB SITE HAS BEEN SET UP TO PETITION GM TO RECALL THIS DEFECT HTTP://WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/MOD_PERL/SIGNED.CGI?GMCNSMRS&1
- 12/13/2004· AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- 12/12/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE - REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS LEAKING WATER IN, COLLECTING MOISTURE, LENSES FALLING OFF, ALMOST CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLSION BECAUSE HEADLIGHT BLEW WHEN LENSE COVER FELL OFF AGAIN DURING RECENT RAIN STORM. THIS IS THIRD TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A LENSE AND HEADLIGHT PROBLEM. IN CHECKING "MYCARSTATS.COM" THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I'M SURPRISED A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT. DEALER AND CHEVROLET REFUSE TO ADMIT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES
- 12/11/1998· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LEFT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY STARTED TO HAVE WATER COLLECT IT IT. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF CRACKING. ONCE THIS WAS NOTICED, MADE APPOINTMENT W/ DEALER TO LOOK AT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY & REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, THEY REFUSED TO STATING IT WAS "NORMAL". THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 1/2" OF WATER IN THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONCE WINTER STARTS, THIS WILL FREEZE, MORE THAN LIKELY BREAKING THE FIXTRE & BLOWING THE ACTUAL LIGHT. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. GM STATES THAT THIS IS "NORMAL" AND REFUSED TO REPLACE IT.
- 12/09/1997· STRUCTURE
RIGHT REAR POWER SLIDING DOOR IS INOPERATIVE. *AK
- 12/08/2003· STEERING
LOSS OF POWER STEERING LED TO THE DEATH OF DRIVER'S INFANT DAUGHTER AS STATED BY THE CONSUMER'S LAWYER. *LA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING LOCKED UP. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH THEN RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE. IN JANUARY 2003 THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE'S RACK AND PINION. *NM
- 12/08/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE INTAKE GASKETS ON MY WIFE'S 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE FAILED, LEAVING HER AND MY TWO DAUGHTERS STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE. *AK
- 12/08/2000· STEERING
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
- 12/08/1997· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED LOSS OF SIGNALS, HEATER, A/C,/LIGHTING AND CAUSED DOORS TO LOCK/UNLOCK UNCONTROLLABLY.
- 12/07/2004· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
- 12/07/2000· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT LENS CAME OFF; DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING WOULD BE DONE UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER DUE TO VEHICLE BEING OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. *AK WHEN THE LENS FALLS OFF, MOISTURE BREAKS THE BULB CAUSING HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR THE DRIVER. *YH
- 12/05/1996· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING, STOPPED AND STARTED, FUEL TANK MOVED DUE TO BOLTS/ BRACKETS, WHICH CONNECTED THE FUEL TANK TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, BECOMING LOOSE. *AK
- 12/04/2000· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LENS COVER CAME UNGLUED AND DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT COULD NOT BE FOUND. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION, BY A PERSON IN THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP PARTS DEPARTMENT, WHO STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THE PROTECTION OF THE LIGHT BULB AND THE PATTERN OF THE LIGHT ARE INSUFFICENT FOR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. *AK
- 12/03/2001· TIRES
DRY ROT ON BOTH TIRES AND BELT SHIFT ON ONE. SERVICED DUE TO VIBRATION IN TIRE AND DEFECTS FOUND AT THAT TIME. TIRES WERE PUT ON IN MAY 2000 AND HAD 35, 000 MILES ON THEM. ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD. *AK (TIRESIZE: P215/70R15)
- 11/27/2006· STEERING
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
- 11/27/2003· POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION JERKS AND BUCKS WHEN SHIFTING INTO OVER DRIVE, AND CONTINUES DOING THIS. HAD TORQUE CONVERTER CHANGED, FIXED PROBLEM FOR 2 WEEKS. THEN STARTED DOING THE SAME JERKING CONDITION. *LA
- 11/25/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCrash
ON DECEMBER 30, 1999, I DROPPED MY CHEVROLET, VENTURE TO PUENTE HILLS CHEVROLET DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER!/S TECHNICIAN FOUND A HOLE IN THE AIR CLEANER HOUSING. BASED ON THE DEALER!/S DIAGNOSTICS, THE HOLE WAS BURNED BY EXHAUST HEAT. SINCE THE DEALER HAD NO PART AVAILABLE, THE TECHNICIAN JUST SIMPLY TAPED THE HOLE AS A FIX. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE MINIVAN!/S ENGINE STARTED TO STALL OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE VAN WAS DECELERATED BEFORE THE RED LIGHT, LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. I SENT THE VAN TO GLENDORA CHEVROLET DEALER TWICE, ONE WAS ON MARCH 12, 2001, AND ANOTHER WAS ON MAY 15, 2001 WITH NO SUCCESS. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM, AND DID NOTHING (OBVIOUSLY, THEY DIDN!/T DO ENOUGH TESTING). ON OCTOBER 14 OF 2001, MY WIFE GOT AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE ENGINE STALL WHEN SHE EXITED FROM A FREEWAY. I SENT THE VAN TO PUENTE HILL DEALER NEXT DAY, ASKING TO CHECK THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM AND, AT THE SAME TIME, TO REPLACE THE AIR CLEANER HOUSING. IT TOOK THE DEALER SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM BY THE SERVICE MAN, MARK FETTERMAN, DURING HIS ROAD TEST, BUT HAS NO CLUE WHY THE ENGINE STALLED. EVENTUALLY, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE HOLE BURNED BY EXHAUST HEAT WAS VERY CLOSE TO AN ENGINE SENSOR AND THEY GUESSED THAT THE HOLE MIGHT CAUSE THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM. THE DEALER!/S GUESS WAS CORRECT. AFTER A NEW AIR CLEANER HOUSING WAS INSTALLED ON OCTOBER 19, WE NEVER HAVE THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM AGAIN. *AK
- 11/24/1998· STRUCTURE
THE DEFECTIVE SLIDING DOOR MOTOR ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE SLIDING DOOR TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING WHICH MAY RESULTIN INJURIES. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE MOTOR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 11/23/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OUR 1997 CHEVY VENTURE VAN WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT JUST LOST ITS SECOND ENGINE IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. MY WIFE AND I ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS, AND IT BEGAN AT 50 SOMETHING THOUSAND MILES WHEN THE DEALER STATED THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED AND THE ENGINE HAD DAMAGE FROM THE COOLANT. NOW, ON NOV 18TH, 2003 THE ENGINE DIED AND THE MECHANICS SAY THAT IT IS THE CAM SHAFT UNDOUBTEDLY FROM THE ORIGINAL COOLANT DAMAGE. INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET WOULD INDICATE THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. TWO ENGINES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS AND I STILL OWE ON THE LOAN. *LA
- 11/21/2000· STRUCTURE
DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED WHEN DOOR CLOSED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT VERY DANGEROUS. CONSUMER'S CHILDREN HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN VEHICLE SOMETIMES WITH KEYS INSIDE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID NOTHING BECAUSE THEY'VE HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS. MANUFACTURER KEPT REFERRING CONSUMER TO DEALER.*AK
- 11/18/1998· SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE NOT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO SECURE CHILD SAFETY SEAT PROPERLY.
- 11/17/1999· STRUCTURE
UNDER CARRIAGE FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR CAME APART.THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
- 11/16/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
- 11/16/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
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
- 11/15/2002· VISIBILITY
PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
- 11/15/2002· VISIBILITY
REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURE. GEARS WERE MADE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS. GEARS WHEN REPLACED WERE FOUND TO BE BROKEN AND CAUSED NEED FOR REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACEMENT WAS DONE AGAIN THE GEARS BROKE CAUSING ADDITIONAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE, RAIN DUST AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATE ON THE REAR WINDOW CAUSING THE NEED FOR REAR WINDOW WIPER TO FUNCTION PROPERLY TO ALLOW CLEAR VIEWING BY THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. THIRD REPLACEMENT PIECE HAS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION AT THIS TIME. AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT, WE WERE INFORMED BY TWO SEPARATE DEALERS THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, BUT NO RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE, AND NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR PRODUCT. I DID CONTACT THE CHEVROLET SITE TO ASK ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE FROM THE COMPANY REGARDING THIS CONCERN. *JB *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*769761
- 11/15/2001· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT COVER FELL OFF.*AK
- 11/14/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING DURING RAIN HEAD LIGHT COVERS FAIL OFF IN RESULT OF HEAD LIGHT BLOWING OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
- 11/14/1997· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HORN IS DIFFICULT TO USE, CAN NOT ACTIVATDE BY USING FINGER. MUST USE WHOLE PALM. DEALER SAID HORN IS LOCATED BEHIND AIRBAGS SO CANNOT BE AJUSTED WITHOUT PUTTING IN A WHOLE NEW AIRBAG UNIT. *AK
- 11/10/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
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
- 11/10/1998· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
POWER LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, LOCK & UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF AND NOBODY IN THE VEHICLE. DEALER COULDNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. NOW 11/10/98 PROBLEM IS BEGINNING AGAIN. SOMETIMES LOCKS WILL LOCK/UNLOCK RAPIDLY WHILE DRIVING. I'VE BROWSED THIS WEB SITE AND HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER GM VEHICLES (1997 GRAND AM) HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
- 11/09/1999· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE GLUE ON THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVERS HAD DRIED UP. THIS CAUSED THE FIRST (LEFT) COVER TO COME OFF ON 17 MAY 1999. THE SECOND (RIGHT) COVER CAME OFF ON 09 AUG 1999. *AK
- 11/09/1998· STRUCTURE
POWER SLIDING DOOR FAILS TO CLOSE PROPERLY.
- 11/08/2001· STRUCTURE
RECALL 01V264000. NOT PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT RECALL PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
- 11/05/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
FUEL PUMP FAILED WITH ONLY 65,000 MILES ON THE CAR.*AK
- 11/05/2001· STRUCTURE
WHEN CONSUMER IS TRAVELING PASSENGER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR OPENS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. WHEN DOOR IS CLOSED THERE IS AN ALARM INDICATING THAT DOOR IS SECURE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
- 11/05/1998· STEERING
DESIGN OF STEERING WHEEL MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FIND AND ACTIVATE THE HORN.
- 11/04/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY CHEVROLET 1997 VENTURE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND THE VAN DIED. WHEN I DID GET HOME I LET IT SET AND NOTICED THE COOLANT WAS LOW, WHICH IT WAS NEVER BEFORE. CHECK IF OFTEN AS PER THE MANUAL. HAD IT TOWED TO OUR DEALERSHIP AND NOW THE GASKETS ARE RUINED AND THE HEADS ARE WORPED DUE TO THE ENGINE GETTING SO HOT!!! THERE IS OIL IN THE COOLANT!! $1,200.00 IN REPAIRS WHICH WE DON'T HAVE!! GM WILL DO NOTHING. HAVE ONLY HAD THE VAN FOR 1 YEAR. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IT JUST HAPPENED SUDDENLY!! *AK
- 11/03/2006· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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
- 11/02/2001· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
OUTER PIECE THAT HELD LENSES IN FELL OUT OF HEADLIGHTS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
- 11/02/2000· SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SECOND AND LAST ROW WILL NOT PULL OUT TO ALLOW A PERSON TO BE BUCKLED IN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING THE REPAIRS. THE MOST RECENT SEATBELT TO FAIL IS A REPLACEMENT SEATBELT. *AK