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 1998 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On the date referenced, I was backing into a parking space. My sister was already parked next to me and was still in her car. As I was packing up using only the brake, suddenly the horn started blowing and the engine suddenly accelerated. As a result of the acceleration the tires turned sharply causing the car to jump the parking bumper and crashing into my sister's car. The damage to both vehicles was approximately $1600. We have had the body work completed but the local Chevrolet garage could find nothing in the computer diagnostics to indicate a problem. They supposedly checked the vehicle for what May have caused the sudden acceleration, but could find nothing. We have heard recent other car owners experiences about similar occurances but none involving the Chevrolet Venture. I now am uncomfortable driving this vehicle that I otherwise love. …
The "service engine soon" light came up one morning. A certified friend mechanic checked it out at home with his engine analyzer/computer & found nothing wrong. He then checked out the gas cap if secure. After awhile, the light went off. I still can't believe it was the gas cap because I'm very careful about loose gas caps. Anyway, after 2 days of driving, the light came out again. Beforehand, he suggested to have the gas cap replaced if this happens again. So I changed it & have been driving around for almost 3 weeks now but the light is still there. Somebody said that it might take a couple of gas tank refills before the gas cap get "cross-threaded" or sealed tight. I already had 2 refills & the light's still there. The van's running well & am experiencing no problems whatsoever. I just want to have that light turned off.
Fuel tank "thud" heard from underneath vehicle a second or two after coming to a stop. Loudest when tank is 1/2 to 3/4 full. Taken to dealer two times while under warranty. No repair made. Now with 80,000 miles on vehicle, we have taken it in again and shown the dealer a "technical service bulletin" from NHTSA.com showing certain 1998 VIN #'s need new fuel tanks. Dealer told me my vehicle didn't apply. Two weeks later I returned and drove vehicle w/service manager. He finally agreed that there is a problem with my tank and will fix/replace. If you have this problem, see the section on this web site that shows technical service bulletins, print my complaint also, and take these to your dealer to get your "thud" fixed.
The upper and lower intake gaskets were leaking coolant and oil onto the engine. This resulted in vehicle overheating, and burning up the engine motor. Also, fuel injectors had to be cleaned numerous times due to them misfiring.
The noise coming from the fuel tank appears when the tank is full and is heard down to about 1/2 tank. When you start out or come to a stop a "thump" sound is heard. It sounds like a basketball is rolling around in the tank. The dealer has r/r the tank and replaced the strapping and the sound is still there. If and when I sell this vehicle the sound won't be a selling point. Plus, there's a possibility that it could be a safety issue too. I've filled out a nhts questionnaire in October and haven't heard from either the manufacture or the dealership. When I first contacted the dealership, they checked the tech. Support side of the house and were told that there was a known problem, no fix, but not to worry... Well, we're worring now. Please contact us by e-mail as to the status of this problem. Thank you john thime.
Consumer' s gas tank is on straps. When stopping there is a 2 second delay, then there is a rumbling noise where as the gas gushes to the back of tank, causing the tank to move against the chassis. The dealer installed rubber bushings between tank and chassis to minimize sounds. Vehicle will do this every time unless the tank is full or low. Vehicle has been serviced at least nine times for this problem, Chevrolet acknowledges the problem, and says they do not have a solution. In addition, the front driver's seat has been replaced. Also, the window fell out from the sliding door because the latch was installed up side down/the headlight assembly was replaced due to loud whistling whenever driving more than 50mph. (dimmitt Chevrolet dealership-[phone]).
With fuel tank full and down to 1/2 tank, we hear a thumping noise. This happens when we stop, or accelerate. We also hear it when we pull in or out of the garage (sloped). Once the tank is below 1/2 the noise goes away. We have had the dealer replace the insulation between the tank and frame and new stapping was installed at the same time. The problem still exists. If we trade this in like we're planning on doing, this problem will sure put a crimp on the sale price. Any information on a fix or some corrective action would be appreciated. Thank you
I was experiencing loss of coolant. Found out the problem was faulty intake manifold /gasket. Cost of repair $700. Went on line and found a site with over 1,000 people with same problem. Mechanics are saying it is a problem with all GM engines. They should all be recalled. Hopefully, I caught mine in time. Hundreds didn't and their engine blew. Mechanic said had I taken this out on the highway with the leak my engine would have failed. This is a serious and expensive problem and is affecting millions. Something has to be done!! Dt
We are experiencing a thumping/loose basketball rolling in the back of vehicle sound. It happens when the tank is full, and gets louder down to 1/2 full then dissapates. Additional padding and straping were installed by the dealer, but the sound is still there only louder. For resale this isn't going to fly. Is there anything that can be done? Thank you.
At morning start up I smelled gas. Checked under van and saw puddle of gas in middle. Took van to chev. Dealer and found gas line leaking. Leak is only about 18 inches away from catalytic converter. If wind was bowling just right a fire could start. This is 1998 chev. Venture with 13000 miles. This is the forth time I have heard of this problem.
Fuel System complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Chevrolet Venture, 7% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Venture fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 7 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 1998 Chevrolet Venture fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 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.