Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Description : I bought a used 1997 Chevrolet Venture from the norwood group in warwick, ri back in sept 2002. Approximately 5 weeks ago I began experiencing overheating problems. I took the vehicle to pep boys in warick, ri for a diagnostic thinking that it was the thermostat. They ran the test and came back with an engine problem, and advised me to take the vehicle back to the dealership. I did this and the service dept at norwood informed me that there was a problem with the intake manifold gasket. After having my vehicle for two weeks they repaired that and when taking it for a test drive before returning it to me, they decided that I now had a throttle body problem. Fixed that and two weeks later the vehicle started to smell strongly of gas. …
Vehicle was turned off for approximately ten minutes when vehicle caught fire underneath around gas tank, fire department was called, and determined the cause to hav ebeen an electrical problem or a pin hole in the gas tank. Please provide any further details.
After owning vehichle a few months, van was left running while parked, waiting on a passenger. It ran out of gas during this time and we filled a total of four five gallon gas cans, in an attempt to get it started. Finally Chevrolet was contacted and I was informed that the vehicle had some self-destruct mechanism which caused a diaphram (?) in the tank to disable should it ever run out of gas or have gas put in in any method other than with a standard nozzle. This, I was told was a safty feature so that owner's would take it into the shop should they run out of gas, so that the vehicle could be checked. However, had I ran out of gas in an unsafe area, this could prove detrimental to my safety and that of my passengers.
When trying to proceed forward after stopping at stop sign vehicle would not go forward. Took vehicle to dealer, and had to replace transmission. This was the third transmission. The transmission failed repeatedly. The turn signals stop flashing when brakes are pressed due to multifunction switch failure. The engine looses coolant and overheated due to intake manifold gasket failure. Rear wiper was inoperative. ABS light comes on due to oxygen sensor failure. Right front tires failed and were replaced.
Car shut down on two separate occassions. Inspection after second failure at auto shop indicated fuel pump wiring harness connector under left middle passenger seat was filled with water and severely corroded, causing electrical short. Similar connector for ABS brakes also shows similar problem, but has not yet failed. Mechanic asked for replacement pigtail. GM told them only entire harness was available (engine harness etc). Shop cut connector off and spliced wires with solder.
Fuel pump was replaced last year to correct the problem of vehicle starting hard. Vehicle is now acting up again and we are having a hard time starting it. Also, the vehicle is still making a loud clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle. We were told it was the shocks last year and had them replaced. Obviously this was not the correct answer!!! Brakes were also replaced when vehicle was purchased. Brakes still feel soft and are making a grinding/squealing noise.
When driving and reaching a speed of 50mph or more the steering column shakes violently like it's going to separate from the steering box. Took in to dealer and they can not find anything wrong. Also the cruise control was inoperative, the A/C was not blowing cool air due to a leak from the compressor, there was a smell of raw eggs due to fuel injectors leaking, and the dome lights were inoperative, the left coat hoof fell out of roof.
Shortly after purchase, heard banging/thumping noise in rear when stopping and accelerating. Happens when tank is full or 3/4 full only. Replaced shocks and gas tank. Continue to have problem and dealer/mfg unable to determine cause. Very annoying and frustrating that manufacturer can't correct obvious problem.
Dealer found problem with a fuel injector wiring harness connector. Van suddenly lost all acceleration in 65mph traffic. Motor was still running but nothing would happen when the gas pedal was pressed. Luckily I was able to coast to the side of the road. (scary!)
Design of intake gasket was not done properly set because in hot temperatures, between 90-110 degrees, part will melt, and vehicle will malfunction. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Fuel System complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture, 5% of the model year's 432 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Venture fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Venture fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.