Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Venture. While driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud noise was coming from the engine. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. And the vehicle failed to change gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Twice while driving our 2001 Venture my wife and I had noticed the engine revving while traveling down the road. In the second instance the check engine light came on and remained illuminated most of the day finally going out on the drive home. We arranged an appointment at the local Chevrolet service department, which incidentally is where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer inspected the vehicle and reported to us that the transmission fluid was brown and smelt burnt. They also advised that they had pulled 2 transmission codes when scanning the vehicles computer. The dealer provided us with two remedies to repair the transmission. The first remedy was to replace a transmission solenoid and refill the transmission with new fluid. We were advised that this was a try it and see approach. The second remedy was to replace the factory transmission with a remanufactured transmission. …
Intermittent transmission slip, inability to use reverse and/or drive. My 2001 Chevrolet Venture has been in for service at my local chvrolet dealership numerous times for this problem over the past 3-4 months. The vehicle has 22000 miles. Guess what the service manager told me after today's tow to the dealer ?? No problem could be found - the vehicle -"operates as designed" amazingly enough when my wife went to back out of the parking spot we were in we could not move. The vehicle was making a loud grinding noise and sounded as if something was spinning inside the transmission. The vehicle and one point lurched backward as my wife continued in an attempt to back the vehicle up to no avail -and stopped abruptly. We could not use drive either it would only move at a snails pace. Unfortunately the vehicle has been repaired and I'm still having intermittent problems. …
Vacationing 500 miles out of my home state, I suddenly discovered I could not back up my vehicle -- reverse gear would not work. I shut down the engine and restarted and drove immediately to an authorized Chevrolet dealer. Upon initial examination of the transaxle/transmission, it was discovered that there was shreddded metal in the fluid and pan. A subsequent teardown of the assembly revealed that major components were destroyed, requiring a replacement of the entire assembly. The care had been maintained by the selling dealership at home, according to maintenance schedules, and had only 42,000 miles on it. We had never had any problems before this or warning of any damage occurring to the transaxle/transmission -- no operating problems, no noises, no leakage, no smoking engine, etc. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Venture. The contact stated that the brake pedal extended to the floor when depressed. The vehicle was taken to a brake shop (all tune and lube) and they replaced the brake pads, cylinder, and rotors. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge would move to hot. The contact had the vehicle inspected and was informed that the manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the repair was performed. The transmission was also slipping gears. The contact had the transmission fluid flushed, but that did not correct the failure. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.
Premature failure of automatic transmission on 2001chevrolet Venture minivan. Believe known engineering or materials defect causes sun gear/thrust bearing on input shaft to prematurely fail (44,000 miles in my case). If failed under speed could cause accident as all forward and reverse power to wheels was lost. Many complaints on web about pre-mature Chevrolet Venture transmission failures. GM also has had a service bulletin out for some time on the failing sun gear/thrust bearing. Seems pretty early in model year life to be publishing what is apparently a common problem showing up at repair sites. Request recall investigation.
My 2001 Venture lt was purchase 6/21/01 new. Beginning around 25,000 miles I began to experience an intermittent transmission problem where when the car was in drive the engine would accelerate but no power was transfer to the transmission and then the transmission would engage and the car would lurch forward. Despite this complaint and 3 trips to the dealership at 28,000, 41,000, and 52,000 they could not replicate or fix the problem. At 58,000 the transmission experienced a catastrophic failure. Additionally, I personally know of another owner with a catastrophic transmission failure at less than 30,000 miles.
This has happened 4 times same problem, 1st time van was not running popped out of gear went down the road backwards and hit a home not much damage to either the house or the van. Not moving fast enough, the second time moved about a foot on level ground , 3rd time running in a flat driveway no one near drivers seat car went out of gear moved forward and hit a parked cars mirror, didn't damage the mirror but distroyed the fender on the van. , the 4th time went out of gear while parked no one in or near car. Didn't move because the emergancy brake was set. Is being investigated by general motors.
While my vehicle was parked and turned off, my 4 year old knocked it out of gear, come to find out that it goes from the parked status to the 1st gear without having to have key in or push the brake petal to take it out of gear it is free flowing, and very dangerous. I was very fortunately loading some groceries when it happened and with the assistance of a very nice person walking by, were able to get it back into park and no injuries accrued, I dread to think of what would have happened if one of my two young children would have been in my position, what the outcome could have been.
This vehicle has been rolling back on hills since I bought it. Have had brake problems, the vcr replaced, the power side door looked at and told it has been fixed. Y biggest complaint is while driving to work, stopped at a stop light. My van rolled backwards when I took off the brake to go to the gas pedal. My whole transmission system stopped working. The vehicle had to be towed and while in the shop they found the intake manafold to be defective. Luckily I bought the extended warrenty. Total cost for this repair was $4,200. I could go on about the problems with this vehicle.
Transmission complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Venture, 14% of the model year's 222 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Venture transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 9 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 2001 Chevrolet Venture transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.