← New search

1999 Chevrolet Venture

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Venture do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 220.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

143 reports with mileage · 206 unknown

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 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports5 fire reports27 injury reports

Steering complaints

11 reports
Clear category filter
111,000 miles · Jul 16, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension

BALL BEARING ON VEHICLE REPLACED 2007, NOW 2008 WON'T PASS INSPECTION MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN, PLUS THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234560

3,000 miles · May 17, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS 1. THE INNER BRAKE PADS WORE DOWN TO THE STEEL RUINING THE INSIDE OF BOTH ROTORS ABOUT 3,000 MILES. UNDER WARRANTY. BUT THE BRAKE PADS. 2. BATTERY ACID IS CORRODING ABOUT 4,000 MILES THE DEALERSHIP PAY ALL STILL UNDER WARRANTY 3. BATTERY AGAIN BUT IT TURN OUT TO BE THE ALTERNATOR ABOUT 6,500 TH…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS 1. THE INNER BRAKE PADS WORE DOWN TO THE STEEL RUINING THE INSIDE OF BOTH ROTORS ABOUT 3,000 MILES. UNDER WARRANTY. BUT THE BRAKE PADS. 2. BATTERY ACID IS CORRODING ABOUT 4,000 MILES THE DEALERSHIP PAY ALL STILL UNDER WARRANTY 3. BATTERY AGAIN BUT IT TURN OUT TO BE THE ALTERNATOR ABOUT 6,500 THE DEALERSHIP PAY UNDER WARRANTY. 4. THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. P215/70R15, FIRE STONE ON ALL FOUR TIRES. DEALERSHIP DID NOT COVER TIRE HAVE NO WARRANTY ON NEW VEHICLE 7,000 MILES 5. WATER LEAK, AND CARPET IS WET EVERY TIME IT RAINS I FEEL IT IS COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD. WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER. 8,000 STILL DOES IT AT 50,256. 6. LIGHTER KEEP SHORTING OUT AND AC KEEP MESS UP UNDER THE WARRANTY 7. WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK OIL LIGHT AND THE BATTERY LINE CAME ON. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, LOOSING ALL POWER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD UNDER WARRANTY 38,000 MILES. 8. INTAKE MANIFOLD FIX CAME HOME MY LIGHTS WAS MESS UP WHEN PUT ON MY BRAKES THE FOUR WAY FLASHER CAME ON WHEN I PUT MY LEFT TURN SIGNALS THE RIGHT ONE WOULD CAME ON PUT THE RIGHT TURN SIGNALS THE LEFT ONE WOULD COME ON TOOK IT BACK THEY HAD TO REPAIRED ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM BECAUSE OF OVER HEARTED BURN IT UP UNDER WARRANT 9. BATTERY ACID IS CORRODING THE BATTERY PAN AND SURROUNDING COMPONENTS, POSITIVE CABLE CONNECTED TO BATTERY HAS FALLEN OFF,38,500 NOT COVER 6 YEAR WAS UP. 10. POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAYING FLUID ONTO THE ENGINE AND SERPENTINE BELT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PUT CAP BACK ON POWER STEERING. 11. POWER LOCKS WILL NOT OPERATE FROM DOOR SWITCHES ONLY FROM THE REMOTE POWER WINDOW. BACK AC DOES NOT WORK. 12. CONNECTOR LEFT AND RIGHT MELT TAIL LIGHTS, STOP LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS ABOUT 42,000. 13. THERE IS A THUMP NOISE WHEN STOPPING AND TAKING OFF. 14. STRONG SMELL OF FUEL WHEN PARKED. 15. CLOUDING OF LENS 16. SERPENTINE BELT REPLACE AT 50,256 17. LEAKING FROM LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. AT 50,000. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10157702

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringStructureInjury

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE RECALL FOR THE SLIDING DOOR FOR THE 3RD TIME,THE DOOR SLIDE OPEN, AND CHILD FELL OUT OFF VEHICLE.DEALER/MANUFACTURER CONTACTED.THEY ARE NOT HELPFUL, DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. MR ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, ABS BRAKES LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE FIRESTONE TIRES…

Read full complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE RECALL FOR THE SLIDING DOOR FOR THE 3RD TIME,THE DOOR SLIDE OPEN, AND CHILD FELL OUT OFF VEHICLE.DEALER/MANUFACTURER CONTACTED.THEY ARE NOT HELPFUL, DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. MR ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, ABS BRAKES LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE FIRESTONE TIRES BLEW OUT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #8021363

38,000 miles · Jun 4, 2004
Steering

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE RIGHT OR LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10068664

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2004
SteeringSuspension

FRONT END NOISE. THE TIE RODS AND RACK AND PINION STEERING WERE REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSES REPLACED.*MR

NHTSA ODI #10050464

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2003
Steering

THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE IN THE VANS' PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE DEFECT STATED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V071000 FOR THE STEERING. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURE CAN'T IDENTIFY IF THE VANS' VIN NUMBER IS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL WARRANTY, PER CONSUMER. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10047751

50,000 miles · Sep 28, 2003
Steering

STEERING BINDS WHEN TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT TO THE EXTENT OF BEING DANGEROUS IN WET ,ICY,OR SNOW WEATHER CONDITIONS.ON DRY ROADS IS STILL MANAGABLE BUT IS NOT SAFE.STEERING RAK-N-PINION IS DEFECTIVE SIMILAR TO DEFECTS ON EARLY 1980'S G.M. VEHICLES THAT DEALERS WERE CALLING MORNING SICKNESS.THIS PROBLEM OCCURS MORE WHEN HOT T…

Read full complaint

STEERING BINDS WHEN TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT TO THE EXTENT OF BEING DANGEROUS IN WET ,ICY,OR SNOW WEATHER CONDITIONS.ON DRY ROADS IS STILL MANAGABLE BUT IS NOT SAFE.STEERING RAK-N-PINION IS DEFECTIVE SIMILAR TO DEFECTS ON EARLY 1980'S G.M. VEHICLES THAT DEALERS WERE CALLING MORNING SICKNESS.THIS PROBLEM OCCURS MORE WHEN HOT THAN COLD AND THERE IS CLUNKING SOUND ALSO.

NHTSA ODI #10040865

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2003
Air BagsService Brakes, AirSteering

SEAT BELT FRONT LEFT/RIGHT TENSIONER SHORTED. WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE FRONT AIRBAGS IN AN ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO CHRISTENSON CHEVROLET IN HIGHLAND, INDIANA ALSO, ABS BRAKE SWITCH AND TRACTION CONTROL(TCS) SWITCH WERE ALSO SHORTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10028395

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2003
Steering

A LOUD POPPING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE MAD A LEFT OR LEFT TURN. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10017431

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2000
Air BagsSeatsSteeringInjury

ITEM 1, STEERING COLUMN; 55 REPORTS OF BOLT GIVING WAY CAUSING ADD'L BOLT TO SHEAR OFF AND STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE. INVESTIGATED BY INSURANCE, THIS APPARENTLY WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS CRASH. ITEM 2, AIR BAGS, NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THIS 2.25 TIME ROLLOVER. THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. VEHI…

Read full complaint

ITEM 1, STEERING COLUMN; 55 REPORTS OF BOLT GIVING WAY CAUSING ADD'L BOLT TO SHEAR OFF AND STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE. INVESTIGATED BY INSURANCE, THIS APPARENTLY WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS CRASH. ITEM 2, AIR BAGS, NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THIS 2.25 TIME ROLLOVER. THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. VEHICLE CAME TO REST ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEEMS SIDE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #723505

Official recalls

4

04V597000 · 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.

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.

99V071000 · Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector

Apr 12, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.

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

6

PE04064 · POWER-SLIDING Door

Opened Sep 17, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door

SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS ON FAR FEWER VEHICLES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT PRODUCES LESS FORCE.GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 2004, THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 1997 THOUGH EARLY 2005 GM U-VAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND WITH 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN CHAIRS (NHTSA RECALL #04V597).AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY, GM WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE WITH A FLUSH MOUNTED HANDLE THAT WILL PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM GRASPING THE HANDLE WITH THE PALM BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND DOOR PANEL (THUMB UP ORIENTATION) AND THUS ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ARM/WRIST ENTRAPMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

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.

PE02086 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure

Opened Nov 18, 2002 · Closed Apr 9, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

Suspension:rear

ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, GM IMPLEMENTED CHANGES TO THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FROM JANUARY 1999 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1999. EIGHT (8) OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS IN MY 1997-99 U-VANS, INCLUDING THE TWO CRASHES, OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE TREND AND SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip

Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

No summary supplied.

PE00045 · Air Bag Tear During Deployment

Opened Nov 3, 2000 · Closed Jan 11, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

No summary supplied.

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