IllustrationVEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS COULD BE RELATED TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. DEALERSHIP WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK *NM
1997 Chevrolet Venture
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 220.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Venture years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 91 of 432 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
8 crash reports10 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
432 reportsI HAVE FIRESTONE P215-70R15, FR680 TIRES ON MY 97 CHEVY VENTURE VAN. THE TIRES HAVE AROUND 50K ON THEM. STILL PLENTY OF TREAD. TWO MONTHS AGO A 5 INCH PIECE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE RIPPED OFF THE TIRE. KNOWING ABOUT THE TIRE PROBLEM I CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY SENT ME TO THEIR "SERVICE CENTER" WHERE HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS…
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I HAVE FIRESTONE P215-70R15, FR680 TIRES ON MY 97 CHEVY VENTURE VAN. THE TIRES HAVE AROUND 50K ON THEM. STILL PLENTY OF TREAD. TWO MONTHS AGO A 5 INCH PIECE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE RIPPED OFF THE TIRE. KNOWING ABOUT THE TIRE PROBLEM I CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY SENT ME TO THEIR "SERVICE CENTER" WHERE HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY FAULT NO THE TIRES. TWO WEEKS LATER ON A TRIP TO ORLANDO A 9 INCH PIECE OF TIRE RIPPED OF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE. NEEDING A TIRE I ALSO REPLACED THAT ONE. THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELS BACK IS ON SATURDAY 5.15 MY WIFE AND ONE YEAR OLD TWIN GIRLS WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO GAINSVILLE, FL AND THE "WHOLE" TREAD ON THE BACK LEFT TIRE RIPPED OFF. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD DID SHE KEEP CONTROL OF THE VAN AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE POLICE OFFICER THAT HELPED HER SAID SHE WAS VERY LUCKLY TO NOT HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE TIRE TREAD MESSED UP THE SIDE OF THE VAN AND TORE OFF PART OF THE BACK BUMPER.
WHILE DRIVING/PARING BOTH FRONTAL PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC REPAIRED THE PROBLEM THREE TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
OWN A 97 CHEVY VENTURE DURING AN OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD I HAD COOLANT IN MY OIL, SO I TOOK VAN TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THEY INFORMED MY THE INTAKE GASKET WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 975.00, THIS WAS DONE AND NO MENTION WAS EVER MADE THAT THERE COULD ALSO BE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO THIS LEAK. FIVE MONTHS LATER I WAS …
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OWN A 97 CHEVY VENTURE DURING AN OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD I HAD COOLANT IN MY OIL, SO I TOOK VAN TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THEY INFORMED MY THE INTAKE GASKET WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 975.00, THIS WAS DONE AND NO MENTION WAS EVER MADE THAT THERE COULD ALSO BE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO THIS LEAK. FIVE MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET DURING 5 O'CLOCK RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC TAKING MY SICK CHILD TO THE DOCTOR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST ALL POWER, I HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN THE CURB SIDE LANE, GET MY SICK CHILD OUT AND WALK TO A PHONE TO CALL MY SPOUSE TO COME GET US AND THE VEHICLE MIND YOU THIS WAS LATE SEPTEMBER AND IT WAS CHILLY OUTSIDE. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (THE SAME ONE THAT DIAGNOSED THE GASKET LEAK) WHO TOLD ME THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO REPLACE THE MOTOR THAN TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED, AT A COST BETWEEN $3000.00 TO $5200.00 DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF REPLACEMENT MOTOR I WANTED, NOT BEING COMFORTABLE WITH THIS REPSONSE I HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, WHO AT LEAST COULD TELL THAT THE INTAKE GASKET HAD BEEN REPLACED, BUT UNFORTUNATLY GAVE THE SAME RESULT REPLACE MOTOR. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO DO THIS SO THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND OF NO USE TO ME. I HAD TO GO AND REPLACE THE VEHICLE.
INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED ON VAN. VEHICLE BECAME HOT QUICKLY AND STOPPED RUNNING. HAD CHEVY DEALER REPLACE INTAKE. VEHICLE STILL OVERHEATS. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AFTER SPENDING OVER $1100.00. I APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 3.1, 3.4 AND 3.8 GM MOTORS. VERY DISSAPPOINTED IN THIS PRODUCT.
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP OF ACOMPLAINT FILED ON 3/10/1997. AFTER SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS WITH CHEVY CORP. THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING MY VENTURE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ADVISED ME THAT REPAIRS WILL COST A MINIMUM OF $2000. ADD THIS TO THE $7500 THAT I STILL OWE AND I WILL OWE $9500 ON THIS VAN. …
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THIS IS A FOLLOW UP OF ACOMPLAINT FILED ON 3/10/1997. AFTER SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS WITH CHEVY CORP. THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING MY VENTURE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ADVISED ME THAT REPAIRS WILL COST A MINIMUM OF $2000. ADD THIS TO THE $7500 THAT I STILL OWE AND I WILL OWE $9500 ON THIS VAN. I AM AMAZED BY THE DENIAL OF CHEVY CORP. WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS BY CONSUMERS WHO HAVE BLOWN HEAD GASKETS FROM DEX COOLANT. I AM ASKING THAT SOMEONE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER!! THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES ON THIS VAN. THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF 12,000 MILES PER YEAR, AND I HAVE DOCCUMENTED PROOF OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, SLIDING DOOR, SEAT LATCHES, AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH POWER WINDOWS. I WILL NEVER BY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT AGAIN!!*AK
I PURCHASED A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE IN 8/2000. THE VAN HAD 19,000 MILES AND I PAID 17,900. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AND THE VAN HAS RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I USE THE VAN TO TRANSPORT MY DAY CARE CHILDREN TO THEIR SCHOOLS. I ALSO USE IT TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS AND DANCE. …
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I PURCHASED A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE IN 8/2000. THE VAN HAD 19,000 MILES AND I PAID 17,900. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AND THE VAN HAS RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I USE THE VAN TO TRANSPORT MY DAY CARE CHILDREN TO THEIR SCHOOLS. I ALSO USE IT TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS AND DANCE. LAST WEEK THE COOLANT LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON & OFF. ALSO, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN FLUCTUATING BETWEEN HOT AND COLD, AND THERE WAS NO HEAT. THE GARAGE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT- $130.00. AT THE TIME THERE APPEARED TO BE NO COOLANT MIXING WITH THE OIL. I DROVE THE VAN 3 MILES TO MY HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE VERY NEXT DAY WHILE TAKING THE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL THE SAME THING OCCURRED. AFTER RETURNING THE VAN TO THE GARAGE, I GOT THE DEVASTATING NEWS THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A HEAD GASKET. MY MECHANIC WAS IN DISBELIEF BECAUSE I TAKE SUCH GREAT CARE OF MY VAN. MY DAY CARE PARENTS ARE FURIOUS!! I STILL OWE $7,000. ON THIS VAN AND I'M MAKING PAYMENTS OVER $300.00 A MONTH. I RECENTLY BUILT A NEW HOME AND DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS FOR THE REPAIR. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, TWO OF MY FRIENDS JUST PURCHASED VENTURESBASED ON MY RECCOMMENDATION! THEY ARE ALSO CONSIDERING UNLOADING THEM ASAP. I WAS GOING TO TRADE MINE FOR A WARNERS BROTHERS MODEL LATER THIS YEAR. I SOLD A JEEP CHEROKEE WITH 100,000+ MILES ON IT FOR $2000 SO THAT I COULD GET THIS VAN. THE JEEP WAS RUNNING BEAUTIFULLY. GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN ONGOING COMPLAINTS. THEY NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR REPAIR. THIS MAY VERY WELL BE MY LAST GM PURCHASE. MY FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND BUISNESS ASSOCIATES HAVE ALL SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT PURCHASE GM PRODUCTS IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO NOTHING WITH MY VAN! WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY, NEWS SPREADS FAST!! I AM DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED WITH HOW GM IS HANDLING THIS SITUATION. PLEASE HELP. GREATFULLY, MARIE MARION. *AK
ON 11/18/2003 I TOOK MY 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN, WITH 64,000 MILES, TO MY SERVICE SHOP TELLING THEM I WAS GETTING A FLUID LEAK ON MY DRIVEWAY LOOKING LIKE A MIXTURE OF OIL AND ANTI-FREEZE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND ALSO THAT I COULD HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE AS A RESULT. IT TURNS OUT I DID HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE…
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ON 11/18/2003 I TOOK MY 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN, WITH 64,000 MILES, TO MY SERVICE SHOP TELLING THEM I WAS GETTING A FLUID LEAK ON MY DRIVEWAY LOOKING LIKE A MIXTURE OF OIL AND ANTI-FREEZE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND ALSO THAT I COULD HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE AS A RESULT. IT TURNS OUT I DID HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE AND NOW MAY NEED TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN WITH SO FEW MILES. CHEVROLET SHOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT.*AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS: 1. HEADLIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY; 2. WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, HEADLIGHTS CAME ON; 3. ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO LEAKING RADIATOR , AND 4. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS IGNITION AND POWER DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED REGULARLY. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START…
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CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS: 1. HEADLIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY; 2. WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, HEADLIGHTS CAME ON; 3. ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO LEAKING RADIATOR , AND 4. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS IGNITION AND POWER DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED REGULARLY. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START. THE DOOR PANELS WERE LOOSE. THE WINDSHIELD LEAKED. THE ANTI THEFT ALARM MALFUNCTIONED. REAR WINDOW WASHER MALFUNCTIONED. *NM
VAN TAKEN FOR SERVICE FOR COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE OVERHEATING AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOING UP AND CAUSING TEMPERATURE (HOT) AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR LAMPS TO COME ON. THE VAN NEVER WARMS UP EITHER. THE VAN WAS DIAGNOSED BY GM TECHNICIAN INDICATING REPAIRS OF LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, REPLACEMENT OF LOWER INTAK…
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VAN TAKEN FOR SERVICE FOR COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE OVERHEATING AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOING UP AND CAUSING TEMPERATURE (HOT) AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR LAMPS TO COME ON. THE VAN NEVER WARMS UP EITHER. THE VAN WAS DIAGNOSED BY GM TECHNICIAN INDICATING REPAIRS OF LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, REPLACEMENT OF LOWER INTAKE GASKET THERMOSTAT AND OIL PUMP DRIVE SEAL. CYLINDER #2 MISFIRE WITH INSTALLATION OF NEW SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, PCV VALVE, AIR FILTER, FUEL FILTER AND CLEANING OF FUEL INJECTORS. THE VAN DIDNT GET 1.5 MILES FROM THE SERVICE FACILITY AFTER MY ALMOST $1600 PAYMENT BEFORE THE SAME PROBLEMS RESURFACED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK AND AFTER BEING SERVICED AGAIN WITH NO NEW DIAGNOSIS, I DROVE THE VAN ALL OF 20 MILES BEFORE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AGAIN. THE VAN WAS TAKEN BACK FOR THE SECOND TIME AFTER INITIAL SERVICE, ALL WITHIN A ONE-WEEK TIMEFRAME. NOW, THE VAN HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING HEAD FAILURE. GM NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND ITS WORK THE FIRST TIME AND NOT TRY TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER MORE THE THIRD TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
Official recalls
604V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Dec 22, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
02V286000 · Steering:rack And Pinion
Nov 4, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
01V264000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Aug 21, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
01V067000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Mar 8, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
98V145000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Jun 26, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
98V072000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
Apr 7, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8DP04002 · Rack And Pinion Steering Unit Failure
Opened Feb 3, 2004 · Closed Mar 17, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
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 BEARING.IF THE INSPECTION INDICATED THAT THE BEARING FAILURE DAMAGED THE STEERING GEAR, THEN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS BE REPLACED.GM INFORMED ODI THAT MR. FIKE?S VEHICLE WAS COVERED AND THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ON FEBRUARY 25, 2003.THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION UNIT WAS REPLACED.BECAUSE MR. FIKE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE WITH THIS UNIT, ON JANUARY 20, 2004, ODISUGGESTED THAT HE CONTACT THE DEALER FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE CHARGE FOR REPLACING THE FAILED RACK AND PINION UNIT IN HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE GM WARRANTS ITS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST.MR. FIKE INFORMED ODI ON MARCH 3, 2004, THAT HE HAD RECEIVED AN REIMBURSEMENT CHECK FROM GM.
EA03005 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure
Opened Apr 23, 2003 · Closed Jan 12, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear
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 ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
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 ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:rear
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 ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA02032 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure
Opened Nov 18, 2002 · Closed Nov 21, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat 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 INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEARED TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ADDITIONAL SUMMARY REPORT.
EA02003 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Dec 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
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.
Steering:rack And Pinion
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.
PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
PE01038 · Steering Rack And Pinion
Opened Nov 14, 2001 · Closed Apr 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
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 DEFECT TREND EXISTS.
SQ00014 · Unexpected Opening Of Sliding Door
Opened Jul 25, 2000 · Closed Oct 22, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE98030 · Finger Cutting/pinching
Opened May 15, 1998 · Closed Jun 30, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown 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.