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2003 Chevrolet Venture

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 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

133 reports with mileage · 52 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.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports4 fire reports22 injury reports

What owners actually said

185 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2023
Air BagsInjury

Driving on a driveway (estimated speed 5-10 mph) when I noted that the driver side door didn't seem completely closed. I tugged on the door handle to shut it and instantaneously felt the driver-side side airbag deploy, scraping my left forearm, left ear, and rupturing the left eardrum. There had been no collision or accident i…

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Driving on a driveway (estimated speed 5-10 mph) when I noted that the driver side door didn't seem completely closed. I tugged on the door handle to shut it and instantaneously felt the driver-side side airbag deploy, scraping my left forearm, left ear, and rupturing the left eardrum. There had been no collision or accident involving the car or any other structure. The vehicle has not been in a prior accident, and has not had additional electric work performed to any of its systems since manufacturing. The vehicle is available for inspection, it has not been inspected yet by a manufacturer or dealer, and the airbag affected my safety by causing physical harm due to faulty deployment.

NHTSA ODI #11515814

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

I was adding fuel to my car and noticed a strong fuel smell. I only traveled a few miles but my fuel gauge dropped from 3/4 to 1/4 full in only a few miles. When I got home I told my husband. He checked the vehicle and found that fuel was leaking from the inlet on the fuel tank. My husband searched the issue an found a recall…

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I was adding fuel to my car and noticed a strong fuel smell. I only traveled a few miles but my fuel gauge dropped from 3/4 to 1/4 full in only a few miles. When I got home I told my husband. He checked the vehicle and found that fuel was leaking from the inlet on the fuel tank. My husband searched the issue an found a recall for some 2003 and 2004 Chevrolet and other GM products listed as NHTSA Campaign # 07V349000 and NHTSA Action # EA07006. It does list the same vehicle I have a 2003 Chevy Venture van. The recall covers just certain months of production. From our research it seems that a broader recall in needed

NHTSA ODI #11447977

189,000 miles · Mar 31, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

LEFT TURN SIGNAL WIRING SHORTED OUT & AS RESULT ALL LIGHTS ON LEFT FRONT DO NOT WORK NOW. PIGTAILS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS APPLICATION!!!

NHTSA ODI #11405712

114,000 miles · Feb 7, 2021
Electrical System

THE BUTTONS FOR MY CONTROL DASH WHERE RADIO AND HEAT ADJUSTMENT ARE, THE PANEL,. GETS BLAZING HOT TO THE TOUCH. EVERYTIME WE DRIVE IT. IT'S OVERHEATING SO MUCH I AM CONCERNED IT WASN'T FIXED BY A RECALL PREVIOUSLY CLAIMED. THE BUTTONS DECALS HAVE MELTED OFF ON SOME BUTTONS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS ON. I RECENTLY PURCHASED T…

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THE BUTTONS FOR MY CONTROL DASH WHERE RADIO AND HEAT ADJUSTMENT ARE, THE PANEL,. GETS BLAZING HOT TO THE TOUCH. EVERYTIME WE DRIVE IT. IT'S OVERHEATING SO MUCH I AM CONCERNED IT WASN'T FIXED BY A RECALL PREVIOUSLY CLAIMED. THE BUTTONS DECALS HAVE MELTED OFF ON SOME BUTTONS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS ON. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VAN PRIVATELY IN ILLINOIS.

NHTSA ODI #11395074

99,000 miles · Oct 14, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING FUEL FROM THE TANK NEAR THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL INLET ENTERS THE TANK. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN, 06230, AND THE VIN NUMBERS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED DOES INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER GM WILL NOT COVER THE COST TO REPAIR, CLAIMING MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED. OBVIOUSLY IT IS AFFECT…

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AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING FUEL FROM THE TANK NEAR THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL INLET ENTERS THE TANK. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN, 06230, AND THE VIN NUMBERS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED DOES INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER GM WILL NOT COVER THE COST TO REPAIR, CLAIMING MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED. OBVIOUSLY IT IS AFFECTED OR IT WOULD NOT BE LEAKING FUEL FROM THE EXACT SAME AREA COVERED BY THE RECALL! THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE STATING THE SAME EXPERIENCE. WHY WON'T GM COVER THE REPAIR EVEN WHEN THERE IS A RECALL? TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, GM NO LONGER MAKES THE REPLACEMENT TANK AND I CAN NOT FIND AN AFTERMARKET TANK EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #11268257

103,200 miles · Nov 3, 2018
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

TAMARA INFLATES INCLUDES MY BRAKES AS I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE VAN WOULD STILL NOT STOP. ALSO MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11145121

135,000 miles · Mar 22, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control

THE ENGINE RPM SURGES WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS. THE ENGINE WILL GRADUALLY PROPEL THE VEHICLE TO AROUND 50-60 MPH WITH NO MECHANICAL MOVEMENT OF THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY DAY OR TWO. HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR FIRMLY PRESS THE BRAKES TO GET THE VELOCITY DOWN. THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPE…

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THE ENGINE RPM SURGES WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS. THE ENGINE WILL GRADUALLY PROPEL THE VEHICLE TO AROUND 50-60 MPH WITH NO MECHANICAL MOVEMENT OF THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY DAY OR TWO. HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR FIRMLY PRESS THE BRAKES TO GET THE VELOCITY DOWN. THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. CHANGING ALL TYPES OF PARTS AND STILL NO RESOLUTION. I ALSO SEE ALOT OF THE SAME ISSUES ON LINE WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11080807

61,000 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Engine

THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD HEAD GASKET CRACKED OR RUPTURED RESULTING IN THE ANTI- FREEZE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR OIL. REQUIRED REMOVAL OF ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE RUPTURED HEAD GASKET. COST 9 HOURS MECHANIC LABOR AND $ 975.00 FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #10969221

199,874 miles · Oct 18, 2016
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE PUMPING FUEL THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE PUMPING FUEL THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,874. UPDATED 01/27/17*LJ UPDATED 02/02/17.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10916873

137,000 miles · Apr 4, 2016
Air BagsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

NHTSA ODI #10853221

Official recalls

5

07V349000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

Aug 8, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

1

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.