Owners have filed 518 complaints
about the 1998 Chevrolet Venture with NHTSA between 1998 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 76
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Venture. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
12.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Chevrolet Venture
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Headlights
4726.4%
Engine
2916.3%
Door
2514.0%
Cooling System
1910.7%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
169.0%
Rack AND Pinion
147.9%
Latch
147.9%
Horn
147.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
10.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
159.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3925.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5032.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3321.3%
150,000+ miles
149.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1998peak 21Jan 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Chevrolet Venture
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE04064Opened 17 Sep 2004Closed 22 Dec 2004STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
POWER-SLIDING 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 W...
EA03005Opened 23 Apr 2003Closed 12 Jan 2004SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
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 A...
EA02032Opened 18 Nov 2002Closed 21 Nov 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE
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 IN...
PE02086Opened 18 Nov 2002Closed 9 Apr 2003SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
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 ADDR...
PE02017Opened 11 Feb 2002Closed 2 Aug 2002SEAT BELTS
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
PE00045Opened 3 Nov 2000Closed 11 Jan 2001AIR BAGS
AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT
SQ00014Opened 25 Jul 2000Closed 22 Oct 2001STRUCTURE
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR
Recalls on the 1998 Chevrolet Venture
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E005000
STEERING
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.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
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.
04V597000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
02V286000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
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.
01V264000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
01V067000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
98V145000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004446105,755 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding door on the passenger side, 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. Correction: Dealers will replace the original interior power sliding door handle. The original handles are offset from the door panel and a passenger can wrap his or her fingers around them. The replacement door handles are essentially flush with the door trim, preventing a passenger from gripping them in the same fashion.
Recall 2002199238,877 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.
Recall 200123638,064 units in Canada
Other
Certain 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/ Trans Sport, 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. 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. Correction: dealers will inspect the actuators for certain date codes and, if necessary, replace the actuators.
Recall 200105954,759 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the power sliding door closes, but is not 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. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the vehicle and be injured. Correction: Dealers will install a new power sliding door un-latch actuator assembly.
Recall 2000080200,580 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles operated in areas of high salt use, the spare tire hoist cable may corrode and eventually break. This would allow the spare tire to fall off the vehicle possibly resulting in a road hazard for other vehicles. Correction: A letter will be sent to owners of affected vehicles with maintenance and inspection instructions for spare tire hoist cable assemblies. Additionally, the letter will advise the owner that, if the cable breaks during that inspection, their dealer will repair the assembly. This policy will be in effect until December 31, 2002.
Recall 199815218,936 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE MIDDLE OR BACK ROW. THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE 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. WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ROLL A BUCKET SEAT FORWARD, AN OPERATOR'S FINGERS MAY BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE MECHANISM. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RELEASE MECHANISM.
Recall 199811911,653 units in Canada
Powertrain
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 102 - TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL SEQUENCE. VEHICLES MAY HAVE A BROKEN SHIFT CABLE FITTING OR LOOSE SHIFT LINKAGE SWIVEL TUBES. WITH EITHER CONDITION, MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER TO "PARK" MAY NOT SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK". THIS COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE ROLL AWAY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE RANGE SELECTOR CABLE.
Recall 19980669,103 units in Canada
Brakes
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL. WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM MAY CONTACT A BRAKE LINE CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) MODULATOR. THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES. CORRECTION: A BRAKE LINE CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL ASSURE PROPER CLEARANCE. ADDITIONALLY, VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR BRAKE LINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS CONDITION AND DAMAGED BRAKE LINES WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 136,000 milesVicksburg, MSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VAN WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 65 MPH..FORD QUAD CAB TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME..I LOCKED THE BRAKES, SOME SKID MARKS DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AND COMPLETELY BROADSIDED THE TRUCK. DAMAGE TO TRUCK WAS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR, AND FRONT CORNER PANEL. SEVERAL OF TRUCKS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IMPACT WAS AT A HIGH SPEED. INJURIES TO MYSELF AND PASSENGER, NECK, SHOULDER, KNEE, WRIST, ANKLE, NOT FATAL, THANK GOODNESS. PASSENGER OF TRUCK, INJURIES UNKNOWN. TRUCK WAS AT FAULT IN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10819198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChicago, ILFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE SHE WAS ASSISTING A CHILD WITH EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RAN TO JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND HAD A LOT OF "PLAY" OR WIGGLE. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. AT THAT TIME, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE NEEDED NEW CIRCUIT BOARDS. WITHIN A YEAR, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CIRCUIT BOARDS BURNED OUT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLUG FOR THE BOARDS WAS BURNED OUT AS WELL, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChicago, ILFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE SHE WAS ASSISTING A CHILD WITH EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RAN TO JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND HAD A LOT OF "PLAY" OR WIGGLE. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. AT THAT TIME, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE NEEDED NEW CIRCUIT BOARDS. WITHIN A YEAR, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CIRCUIT BOARDS BURNED OUT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLUG FOR THE BOARDS WAS BURNED OUT AS WELL, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPhoenix, NY1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WONT OPEN OR CLOSE AT TIMES. HAS HAD ALL OF THE RECALS DONE. TODAY THE DOOR CLOSED ON MY SONS LEG AND WOULD NOT STOP MOVING OR REVERSE CAUSING A LARGE BRUISE TO HIM.
NHTSA complaint #10091190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPhoenix, NY1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WONT OPEN OR CLOSE AT TIMES. HAS HAD ALL OF THE RECALS DONE. TODAY THE DOOR CLOSED ON MY SONS LEG AND WOULD NOT STOP MOVING OR REVERSE CAUSING A LARGE BRUISE TO HIM.
NHTSA complaint #10091190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSomerdale, NJCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOVLED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR BUMPS AND BRUSIES.
NHTSA complaint #10079950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 136,000 milesVicksburg, MSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VAN WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 65 MPH..FORD QUAD CAB TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME..I LOCKED THE BRAKES, SOME SKID MARKS DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AND COMPLETELY BROADSIDED THE TRUCK. DAMAGE TO TRUCK WAS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR, AND FRONT CORNER PANEL. SEVERAL OF TRUCKS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IMPACT WAS AT A HIGH SPEED. INJURIES TO MYSELF AND PASSENGER, NECK, SHOULDER, KNEE, WRIST, ANKLE, NOT FATAL, THANK GOODNESS. PASSENGER OF TRUCK, INJURIES UNKNOWN. TRUCK WAS AT FAULT IN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10819198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesWest Pittston, PA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #10807166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,817 milesLebanon, IL
POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V131000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,817. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE CABLE END THAT CONNECTS TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 7/1/2015
NHTSA complaint #10701077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
YOE, PA
TIRES
GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORTRED 215/70 R15 98T. BELTS SEPARATED AT BEAD, GIANT GOITER IN SIDEWALL. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS WAS A MOUNTING ERROR. NO TEARING OF INNER EDGE ON BEAD. THE OTHER THREE TIRES ALL HAVE BULGES STARTING IN SIDEWALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10625982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesOAK Lawn, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SUDDEN AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. NO WARNING...JUST COMPLETE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10439236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesKings Port, TN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR AUTOMATICALLY OPENED ON ITS OWN AFTER IT WAS CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V067000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE SLIDING DOORS A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #10395712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesTroy, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I BACKED THE VAN OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND PLACED THE CAR INTO DRIVE. AS I STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, THE GAS PEDAL FELT HARDER THAN NORMAL BUT I ATTRIBUTED THAT TO BEING LEFT OUTSIDE ALL WINTER. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL HARDER TO GET TO CAR TO MOVE FORWARD. AND IMMEDIATELY I FELT THE PEDAL UNSTICK . AT THAT SAME MOMENT, THE ENGINE RACED TO FULL THROTTLE AND RACED FORWARD WITH THE VAN CONTINUALLY GOING FASTER AND FASTER RACING INSTANTLY TO 50 MILES AN HOUR AND STILL ACCELERATING. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT STOP THE VAN OR STOP THE ACCELERATION. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND FINALLY BRAKED THE VAN TO A STOP. THIS ALL HAPPENED ON THE SIDE STREET OF MY SUBDIVISION BEFORE I COULD GET ONTO THE MAIN ROAD. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR PEOPLE IN MY WAY AND I WAS ABLE TO GET CONTROL OF THE VAN WITHOUT HURTING MYSELF OR OTHERS, THE VAN WAS BROUGHT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY WHERE IT REMAINS. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS POINT AS I DO NOT WANT TO PAY TO HAVE THIS 12 YEAR OLD VAN REPAIRED AT MY COST NOR DO I EVER WANT TO DRIVE THIS VAN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10303433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,468 milesHillsboro, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1998 CHEVY VENTURE. REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE. BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED THROUGH-MIDWAY FROM FRONT TO BACK ON BOTH REAR BRAKE LINE'S. THESE LINES ARE MADE OF METAL AND HAVE SEVERAL 90 DEGREE BENDS ALONG THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO EQUIPMENT FAILURE. I WAS BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND LOST ALL RESISTANCE. SHOULD THIS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT LEGAL SPEED LIMIT AND PROPER FOLLOWING DISTANCE THE RESULTS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC FOR THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND OTHER MOTORIST INVOLVED. STAINLESS STEEL MATERIEL SHOULD BE USED FOR EQUIPMENT AS IMPORTANT AS THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10265223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChicago, ILFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE SHE WAS ASSISTING A CHILD WITH EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RAN TO JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND HAD A LOT OF "PLAY" OR WIGGLE. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. AT THAT TIME, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE NEEDED NEW CIRCUIT BOARDS. WITHIN A YEAR, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CIRCUIT BOARDS BURNED OUT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLUG FOR THE BOARDS WAS BURNED OUT AS WELL, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChicago, ILFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE SHE WAS ASSISTING A CHILD WITH EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RAN TO JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND HAD A LOT OF "PLAY" OR WIGGLE. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED IN FEBRUARY OF 2007. AT THAT TIME, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE NEEDED NEW CIRCUIT BOARDS. WITHIN A YEAR, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CIRCUIT BOARDS BURNED OUT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLUG FOR THE BOARDS WAS BURNED OUT AS WELL, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkton, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SMELL OF GAS, INSIDE AND OUT. EVEN WHEN VAN WAS SITTING ALL NIGHT AND ALL DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10236320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesSault Ste. Marie, MI
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS FAIL TO LATCH ON REAR REMOVABLE PASSENGER SEATS (7 PASS. OPTION) 3 SEATS USABLE OUT OF 5. 2ND ROW RH OUTER BELT WILL NOT RELEASE FROM RETRACTOR - IT'S STUCK. INQUIRED WITH CHEVROLET DEALER, SADLER MOTORS - S.S.M. MI GM SAID NO RECALLS ISSUED, OR WILL BE ISSUED. I TOOK THE LATCH FROM THE SEAT 2ND ROW RH OUTER SEAT AND PUT IT ON THE CENTER SEAT SO THE RETRACTABLE BELT COULD BE USED - GIVING ME 3 SAFE SEATS. NO HELP FROM DEALER OR GM. WE HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS PRIMARILY USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN TO/FROM SCHOOL - NOW WE HAVE TO LIMIT THE CHILDREN WE CAN SAFELY TRANSPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10229913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGlade Springs, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC OR ON AN INCLINE, THE HEAT TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATES. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO LOSING ANTIFREEZE. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN ADDING ONE HALF GALLON OF ANTIFREEZE PER MONTH AND DOES NOT KNOW WHY. WHEN THE WEATHER BECOMES WARMER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES SPORADICALLY. THE LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE WINTER. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10220267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBeatrice, NE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNLOCKED, SHE WOULD CLOSE ANY DOOR, AND THE VEHICLE LOCKED ALL THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED 5-6 TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10215790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesTahlequah, OK
STEERING:COLUMN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V286000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #10215369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesMasslion, OH
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
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
NHTSA complaint #10201838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helenwood, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT. IT KEEPS BURNING OUT THE BULBS. IT MELTS THE PLASTIC AROUND THE METAL LINE, THE PART THAT IT PLUGS INTO. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10199739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. CONSTANT CONDENSATION/MOISTURE INSIDE DRIVE AND PASSENGER SIDE UNITS CAUSING A FOGGY OR BURNED EFFECT AND RENDERING HEADLIGHTS VIRTUALLY USELESS. AFTER MANY YEARS, I'VE NOTICED MANY DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS OF THE VENTURE AND ITS OLDSMOBILE COUSIN HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE REPLACED, AT NO CHARGE, FORM THE AUTO MAKER.
NHTSA complaint #10199585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Depew, NY
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
STEERING MAKES NOTICEABLE THUMPING WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT TIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT'S THE PROBLEM..THE STEERING IS FAILING AT THIS TIME....
NHTSA complaint #10194040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesEirds Boro, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVY VENTURE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHEN APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE AUSE OF THE PROBLEM , AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A BAR INSIDE THE ENGINE THAT BROKE, AND THEREWAS ALSO CORROSION IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 14, 4000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10186370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccomb, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
MY HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY DESIGN AS THE LENSES ARE MERELY GLUED ON THE FRONT OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. BECAUSE OF THE GLUE WEARING AWAY ON THE HEADLIGHT COVER, WATER GETS INTO THE ASSEMBLY AND CAUSES THE HALOGEN LIGHTS TO SHORT OUT. THIS TO ME IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ADMIT TO THIS AND RECALL THE VANS AND REPLACE WITH A NEW DESIGN. WHY DOES IT ALWAYS TAKE SOMEONE'S DEATH AND A LAWSUIT TO GET SOMETHING TAKEN CARE OF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS THREE TIMES. THE LAST TIME I PUT DUCT TAPE AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE LENSES TO KEEP THEM ON. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO DO THAT???
NHTSA complaint #10174757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRIO Rancho, NM
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND STRAIGHTENING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL RACK AND PINION FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. SOON AFTER, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO CONFIRMED THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FRACTURE. THE REPAIR SHOP ALSO DETERMINED DUE TO THE UNIQUE FRACTURE OF THE RACK AND PINION AND THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10168524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRIO Rancho, NM
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND STRAIGHTENING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL RACK AND PINION FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. SOON AFTER, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO CONFIRMED THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FRACTURE. THE REPAIR SHOP ALSO DETERMINED DUE TO THE UNIQUE FRACTURE OF THE RACK AND PINION AND THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10168524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBattleboro, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. THERE WAS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 98V131000 REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10164168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLincoln, NE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT LATCH PROPERLY. WHILE THE DOOR WAS BEING SHUT, IT SIMPLY ROLLED BACK OPEN UPON MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. A SERVICE DEALER WAS CALLED, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10160756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.