IllustrationMY GAS TANK IS LEAKING
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 →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
280–25K
2525–50K
2250–75K
2075–100K
27100–150K
11150K+
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT PARKED AND OBSERVED THAT THE LAMPS WERE MELTED AND THE BULBS WERE DARK. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT PARKED AND OBSERVED THAT THE LAMPS WERE MELTED AND THE BULBS WERE DARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO REMAIN IN DRIVE AND PARK. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V131000 (POWER TRAIN). MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO REMAIN IN DRIVE AND PARK. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V131000 (POWER TRAIN). MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
DRIVER OF VEH. #1 2003 CHEV VENTURE LS WAS EAST BOUND THROUGH A CONTROLED INTERSECTION, WHEN VEH. 2 A 1997 JEEP WAS WEST BOUND IN INTO THE INTERSECTION AND MADE AN ABRUP LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF VEH. #1. BOTH VEHICLES STRUCK EACH OTHER IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF EACH VEHICLE. VEH. #1 WAS DECLARED TOTALLED BY TRAVELERS INSURANCE …
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DRIVER OF VEH. #1 2003 CHEV VENTURE LS WAS EAST BOUND THROUGH A CONTROLED INTERSECTION, WHEN VEH. 2 A 1997 JEEP WAS WEST BOUND IN INTO THE INTERSECTION AND MADE AN ABRUP LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF VEH. #1. BOTH VEHICLES STRUCK EACH OTHER IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF EACH VEHICLE. VEH. #1 WAS DECLARED TOTALLED BY TRAVELERS INSURANCE CO. THE LF PORTION OF THE VAN WAS SHOVED BACK IN TO THE MOTOR, RADIATOR, ALONG WITH THE LF WHEEL AND ASSEMBLY. THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY FROM THE NEAR HEAD ON CRASH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE INLET TUBE TO THE FUEL TANK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL VAPORS EMITTING FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE INLET TUBE TO THE FUEL TANK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL VAPORS EMITTING FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/18/15*LJ UPDATED 9/13/2017*CN
ON OR AROUND THIS DATE MY VEHICLE STARTED TO LEAK FUEL FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE WELD.THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL/SPECIAL COVERAGE # 07203 FOR THIS PROBLEM DATED 8/7/07.I AM INFORMED BY GM THAT THIS EXPIRED LAST YEAR?? I ALSO REALIZE THAT DESPITE FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE MY VEHICLE IS 11 YEARS OLD BUT IT IS IN VERY …
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ON OR AROUND THIS DATE MY VEHICLE STARTED TO LEAK FUEL FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE WELD.THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL/SPECIAL COVERAGE # 07203 FOR THIS PROBLEM DATED 8/7/07.I AM INFORMED BY GM THAT THIS EXPIRED LAST YEAR?? I ALSO REALIZE THAT DESPITE FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE MY VEHICLE IS 11 YEARS OLD BUT IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND HAS PASSED SAFETY INSPECTION IN MA. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS HOW CAN SOMETHING AS DANGEROUS AS THIS HAVE A EXPIRATION DATE?? *TR
ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I GOT MY MINI VAN THE FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING, THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED STAYING ON IN THE START POSITION, AND I'VE GOT A RATTLE IN THE ENGINE THAT NOBODY CAN SEEM TO FIND. ALL OF MY FRIEND'S HAVE HEARD THIS SOUND IN THE ENGINE, BUT THE TECHS KEEP TELLING ME IT'S NORMAL. *TR
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE IS HANGING LOOSE UNDER VAN DUE TO BRACKETS HOLDING CABLE HAVING RUSTED OUT. THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS BADLY RUSTED, AS IS THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *TR
THE FUEL GAUGE FLOATS ALL OVER THE PLACE YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE VAN, AND I CAN SMELL GAS FUMES REAL STRONG WHILE SITTING STILL AND SOME TIMES THEY ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO SMELL WHILE DRIVING, WAS READING THE RECALL LIST FROM GM ON THIS 2003 CHEVY VENTURE AND I DON'T THINK MY VAN HAS BEEN RECALLED I AM GOING TO NOTIFY…
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THE FUEL GAUGE FLOATS ALL OVER THE PLACE YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE VAN, AND I CAN SMELL GAS FUMES REAL STRONG WHILE SITTING STILL AND SOME TIMES THEY ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO SMELL WHILE DRIVING, WAS READING THE RECALL LIST FROM GM ON THIS 2003 CHEVY VENTURE AND I DON'T THINK MY VAN HAS BEEN RECALLED I AM GOING TO NOTIFY THE DEALERSHIP (MANS CHRYSLER ) AND SEE WHY THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT ALL THE RECALLS BEFORE THEY SOLD ME THE VAN. THIS VAN MAY NEED THE FUEL TANK REPLACED AND THE STEERING HAS THIS POPPING SOUND IN THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE MAY NEED TO GET THAT CHECKED ALSO ACCORDING TO THE RECALLS I SEEN ON HERE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LATCH PLATE FAILED TO FIT INTO THE BUCKLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ADHESIVE MELTED AND BROKE OFF.THE APPROXIMATE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LATCH PLATE FAILED TO FIT INTO THE BUCKLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ADHESIVE MELTED AND BROKE OFF.THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Official recalls
507V349000 · 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
1PE04064 · 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.