67 of the
518 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Venture are about the
lighting — 13% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
130,000 miles.
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.
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.
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 93,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
I OWN A 1998 CHEVY VENTURE MINIVAN AND ON THE DATE SPECIFIED I WAS OUT WITH MY FAMILY ( A SNOWY EVENING) WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND MY TURN SIGNALS ON MY DASH WENT TO A SOLID GREEN. AS I APPROACHED THE RED LIGHT A PERSON IN THE CAR NEXT TO ME ADVISED ME THAT I HAD NO TAILLIGHTS. AFTER GETTING HOME I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WHERE IF MOISTURE GETS INTO THE CONNECTOR ON THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, IT WILL CAUSE THE GROUND CONNECTOR TO SHORT OUT AND CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO DO SOME CRAZY THINGS AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE AT CERTAIN TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10145715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNational City, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT LENS CAME OFF THREE TIMES AND THE LEFT ONCE. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEAD LAMP TWICE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10142629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesWestchester, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES BOTH HEADLIGHTS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE WHY THIS HAPPENED. HE HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK UPDATED 11/30/05.
NHTSA complaint #10142391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesPawtucket, RI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE 1997-2000 VENUTURES HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINES, THE INTAKE GASKET BREAKS DOWN CAUSING ANTI FREEZE TO MIX WITH THE ENGINES OIL CAUSING THE CAM SHAFT TO CRACK, IN OUR CASE THERE WAS NO LEAKS UNDER THE VAN AND THERE WAS NO WARNING EITHER THE VAN WAS RUNNING WELL THAT MORNING AND WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET THERE WAS 2 SHORT BUKLES FROM THE VAN AND EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN INCLUDING STEERING WHICH WAS DIFFICULT TO DO, IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONES FAMILY TO DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE GM WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THEN THERE WOULD BE NO WAY THAT SHE WOULD HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT BEING HIT, EVEN THEN SHE HAD 3 YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VAN AGES 3-8 AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND, BECAUSE IT WAS AN INDUSTRIAL HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT OF 50MPH AND NOT MUCH ROOM ON THE SHOULDER TO PARK. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE VANS AND YET NO ONE SEEMS TO BE DOING ANYTHING. THIS WEBSITE HAS COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT, WWW. COMPLAINTS.COM AND WWW.GM-V6LEMONS.COM HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ALONG WITH OTHER WEBSITES OF PEOPLE EXPERANCING THE SAME PROBLEM. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE? GM DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE EVEN THOUGH THEIR DEALERSHIPS HAVE STATED THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINES. ENGINE SHUT OFF AND FAILURE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS .
NHTSA complaint #10114737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
WATER BUILD UP INTO THE FRONT HEAD LIGHTS AND WATER BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. HAD TO REPLACE LIGHTS AND ENGINE AFTER LIGHTS WERE REPLACED WE HAD TO DRILL A HOLD BELOW THE LIGHT COVERS SO THAT WATER BUILD UP CAN DRAIN FROM HOLE. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10107725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesLino Lkes, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
IN FEB./MARCH 2004, RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LENS FELL OFF, EXPOSING LAMP TO WEATHER. IN JULY 2004, LEFT HEADLIGHT LENS FELL OFF. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IN BOTH CASES. COST ABOUT $160 EACH TIME. DEALER INSTALLED NEW ASSEMBLIES AND TOLD US THE FAILURE IS DUE TO ADHESIVE BREAKDOWN BUT NOT COVERED BY CHEVROLET. THE VEHICLE IS A 1998 CHEVY VENTURE LS WITH 75000 MILE IN FEB AND 80000 MILES IN JULY.
NHTSA complaint #10088766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethalto, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHT LENS FELL FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS FORCED THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10076144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesHamlin, NY
INTERIOR LIGHTING
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OTHER LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING WHEM BRAKES ARE USED. THE MAIN BRAKE, SIGNAL AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE STIPPED WORKING. THE ONLY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING NOW ARE THE LED LIGHTS ON THE REAR DOOR. SYSTEM IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS A SHORT OR GROUNDING CONDITION. UNABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND IS PARKED.*AK UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO BEING ON A FIXED INCOME. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND PAST THE LAST PART OF APRIL 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10072990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE HEAD LIGHT LENS FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10020344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesHamilton, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE GLASS AND BACK PIECE OF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE GLUED TOGETHER. THE GLASS CAME OFF THE HEADLIGHT. DUE TO FAILURE IN THE GLUE COMPOSITE. NEED TO CHECK ALL VEHICLES USING THAT LOT OF GLUE. EACH HEAD LIGHT COST $88.78. CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSE FOR MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE-BOTH HEADLIGHT COVERS FELL OFF OVER A ONE MONTH PERIOD. COST WAS $180.00 FOR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walker, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEAD LIGHT LENSES FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10010686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesAppleton, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE HEADLIGHT LENS FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10009432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT LENS FELL OFF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10008717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Johns, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLES STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER STATES' AFTER BREAKING STEERING OUT OF THE LOCK MODE, CONSUMER DROVE TO A NEAR DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10001458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHT LENS COVER WILL POP OFF WITHOUT WARNING, UNABLE TOO JUST POP IT BACK ON. CONTACTED DEALER.CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #8017845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perrysburg, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
AFTER MUCH RESEARCH WITH AREA GM DEALERSHIPS AND YOUR WEBSITE, IT APPERS THAT THE 1998 VENTURE MINI-VAN'S INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET DEVELOPS A LEAK AT 80000 TO 90000 MILES. I HAD THIS REPLACEMENT IN MAY 2002. SINCE MY VAN WAS OUT OF WARRENTY BY 1000 MILES (IT WAS SHY 2 WEEKS OF BEING 4 YEARS OLD). I SPOKE WITH GM'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE ON SCHEDULE FOR ALL TUNE-UP/OIL CHANGES/TIRE ROTATIONS, ETC. I ENDED UP PAYING $575.00 TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED. SINCE THEN MY VAN HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP IN NEED OF A WHOLE NEW ENGINE WITH ONLY 82000 MILES. IT SEEMS A PISTON ROD SPUN AND DAMAGED THE CRANK SHAFT. AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET COULD HAVE CAUSED ALL OF THIS. NOW I AM FACED WITH REPLACING THE WHOLE ENGINE WITH AN USED ENGINE WITH 4,000 MILES FOR $2400 + TAX, GETTING A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE FOR $3865 OR TRADING IN THE CAR. I DO BELIEVE AN INVESTIGATION IN THE LEAKING OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SHOULD DEFINATELY BE PURSUED. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE. FOR THE HEADLIGHT, MY HEADLIGHT LENS FALL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 55 MPH. I NEVER COULD FOUND THE LENS AND LUCKY THE LENS FLYING OFF DID NOT CAUSE A CRASH. I CONTACTED THE GM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND ONCE AGAIN WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST US. THIS WASN'T A KNOWN PROBLEM. AFTER INVESTIGATING AGAIN, I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. REPLACING THE LENS MEANT REPLACING THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT UNIT AT THE TUNE OF $328.03. WHAT IS THE CONSUMER TO DO??NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #765240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, IA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT LENS FELL OFF WITH OUT ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8014159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmicheals, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FELL OUT, CONSUMER CHECKED PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT AND IT WAS VERY LOOSE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8011115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmicheals, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FELL OUT. CONSUMER CHECKED PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT AND NOTICED IT WAS LOOSE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8011038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
JIM Falls, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO THE LENS COVERS POPPING OUT AND THE HEADLAMPS BLOWING OUT, THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE VENTING SYSTEM IN THE HEADLAMPS, AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #562897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.