Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
My 1997 Chevrolet Venture VIN [redacted], wipers would not park in correct position. I took it to a mechanic and he told me he found a campaign listed (97005 feb 97) for the problem. I then took it to the Chevy dealer and was told my vehicle VIN number was not included in the campaign. The dealer replaced the wiper crank arm because it was bent. This particular part was part of the campaign. It cost me $234.43 to get it repaired. The wipers used to park when it first started if you turned them on and off enough times. Finally, they just started stopping where they were when you turned the vehicle off. This was over probably a years time period. I just found a repair invoice from mar 98 where we had taken in the van because wipers would not park. I feel my vehicle should be added to the campaign and should be covered and I should be reimbursed. Udated 07/17/2012
Rear windshield wiper motor failure. Gears were made of plastic components. Gears when replaced were found to be broken and caused need for replacement. When replacement was done again the gears broke causing additional required replacement. Due to the design of the vehicle, rain dust and debris accumulate on the rear window causing the need for rear window wiper to function properly to allow clear viewing by the driver of the vehicle. Third replacement piece has continued to function at this time. At time of replacement, we were informed by two separate dealers that this was a common problem of this particular vehicle, but no recalls had been made to their knowledge, and no recalls were available for this particular product. I did contact the Chevrolet site to ask about this particular problem without any response from the company regarding this concern. …
Two months ago I took my Chevrolet Venture(with 53,000 miles)to a certified Chevrolet repair shop complaing that the low coolant light was on, and that my van was experiencing a loss of power. After having my car in the shop for 8 days I was told that they couldn't find any problems. I was charged 153.00 for the diagnostic test and an oil change. A week ago my car started to overheat. I again took the van to the shop. I was told that I need a brand new engine at a cost of $5,000. I just finished paying off this $27,000 van. Now it is worthless. I don,t understand. To add insult to injury I can not role up my window on the drivers side, as the power switch has failed
Consumer complained about a multitude of problems: 1. Headlights came on and off intermittently; 2. When hitting a bump in the road, headlights came on; 3. Engine overheated due to leaking radiator , and 4. Electrical problems, such as ignition and power door locks malfunctioned regularly. The vehicle was hard to start. The door panels were loose. The windshield leaked. The anti theft alarm malfunctioned. Rear window washer malfunctioned.
I have owned 3 Chevy Venture minivans over the past 10 years. All of them had the same problems, the signal and head lights go out, the window switch goes out and finally the head gasket goes. They run great until the day it starts overheating, then your out a vehicle. Everyone I know who has a Venture has had at least one of these problems with their vehicle.
This part has been recalled.GM notice c97005. The recall fixed was completed in April 1999. The wipers failed again and I took the vehicle to the dealership for replacement. I was told they only fix a recall issue once. I then called Chevy assistance and was told the same thing. This repair ws in excess of $300. If not fixed the wipers are in my direct driving vision so I had the dealership make the repair. As stated in the report this is the 5th or 6th time this defect has been repaired. Additionally, I thought recalls are to fix the problem, looks like a bandaid until the vehcile is out of warranty.
The seat belts did not work, they were defective. Took vehicle to the dealer three times, but they wanted consumer to pay for it. Consumer felt that manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. Also, the sliding door motor on 1997 Chevrolet Venture is defective. Consumer paid for repairs 3 different times, but it kept breaking. Passenger side window switch failed. Wiper module shorted out. The vehicle ABS light illuminated. The dealer found a bad connection at the ebcm. Also found both traction bulbs were missing.
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.
While driving, the right side view mirror fell completely off. The seat belt was damaged on the second row passenger side. The head light covers continuously fell off. The consumer had to replace the bulbs constantly. The consumer took the vehicle to the mechanic to have the tires changed and was told the tire rod was bent and that it could not be fixed. Please provide any further information.
Plastic clip that holds two brake lines broke, causing one of the brake lines to fall at least 4 inches from the ground, also, metal clip the holds vacuum line slides out, causing the line to fall at least two inches from the ground. Finally, windshield wipers are still defective even after recall was performed. Recall 98V072000.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger Mini vans equipped with traction control systems. The windshield wiper linkage arm can contact a brake line which is connected to the traction control system modulator valve. This contact can chafe the brake line resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will install a brake line clip to ensure proper clearance. Also the brake lines will be inspected to any damage caused by this condition and will replace any damaged lines.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture, 7% of the model year's 432 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Venture window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-072 (linkages, Apr 7, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Venture window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
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.