Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Constant problems with ABS/AWD system. This van has been at the dealer 13 times and going to be 14 soon for the same issues. In only 18 months. Hubs have been replaced both on my ownership and prior to my ownership. Wiring harnesses have been repaired and the problem remains. Now just driving the ABS computer activates, as well as now when you stop the computer keep activating for about 3 seconds after complete stop. GM has been notifyed and can not respond for 6 days. It is only a matter of time before the system causes a complete brake system failure, will this happen before someone forces a repair? Or will it wait until somebody is critically injured or dies? I would like to think that the government could jump in and not waist time doing so. …
Air conditioner condenser failed, GM new of the problem in December, 2002, but kept their mouth shut until the warranty expired. The gas gauge does not work, it flips from full to empty, I have to keep a mileage notebook in order to know when to fill up. My warning light on the dash continues to flash "rear hatch ajar, side door ajar, low brake fluid." there is nothing wrong with any of the items. The front brakes went bad at 32,000, requiring new pads and rotors. The window button on the driver side will put the passenger window down, but not up. The rear window washer does not work. I am so glad that GM is going bankrupt. I bought an American car, to try and help the workers stay employed, but now realize that all I did was to keep some overpaid, lazy slobs on the job for much longer than they should have been employed. …
While driving our 2002 Chevrolet Venture, the ABS light comes on and "all-wheel drive disabled" appears in the display. This has occurred on three separate occasions, each time while driving, each time after having been repaired by the dealer. In for service on 9/5/02, 11/19/02, 12/2/02 and today, 9/29/03 for a total of 47 days and counting. This last incident occurred after the part was "redesigned" to eliminate the known defect. There was a failure of the ABS and all wheel drive system due to a faulty wheel speed sensor. The consumer requested a refund under the new york lemon law. The fuel evaporator leaked.
ABS brake failure with AWD disable. ABS light came on with AWD disable message, both are connected. With ABS failure, AWD is disables. Failure required replacement of part. No consequences because it was summer and no snow, winter would have been different story. Only part that failed was replaced but there is a service bulletin and re-engineered part due to obvious problems. Bulletin is #03-05-25-004a. Concern is that ABS and AWD fail at same time, I feel this is a serious safety hazard in winter driving, the type you buy a AWD for. I have contacted GM and the refuse to replace other part.
On the way to taking my son to work, I noticed a loud buzzing sound coming from the rear passenger side of my 2002 Chevy Venture van. Upon checking the dashboard for a warning signal, there weren't any warning light's displayed.I just recently had rear brake work done and I'm not sure if that is the problem. Also, I have been noticing a loud pitched whistling sound that starts at about 20 MPH and stops at about 45 MPH. There is a rattling noise that accompanies the whistling sound when the car is in acceleration.
Suspension--both tie rods in the front of the vehicle have had to be replaced--mechanic said that both times it was near catastrophic failure. Other--air conditioner condenser cracked due to design failure. 2002 service bulletin told that GM was aware of the problem but kept quiet until the warranty period was over, and then refused to help. Brakes--front brake pads have been replaced four (4) times, rotors have been replaced twice. The vehicle has 83,000 original miles. I am the original owner.
We own a 2002 Chevy Venture. The hub sensors have failed and had to be replaced three times since we have purchased the vehicle. The nhsta just issued a recall-05V379000- for GM SUV's and trucks with the same problem. Are you going to include the Chevy Venture. When the ABS sensors fail our rotors have to be replaced and our brakes fail withen a short time of the failure of the sensor. I have tried to negotiate with GM and the dealer to take the vehicle back but to no avail.
The owner had the automatic sliding door repaired at the dealership on four occasions. The door opened unintentionally, however the dealership stated there was nothing wrong with the door. After the owner pulled out of the dealer, the problem occurred again. No one was willing to assist the consumer with the problem. Also the all wheel drive system has gone bad and the sensors have gone out twice. Also, the ABS light stays on as well. Provide further details.
Last year I took my Venture into the dealer to have it looked over because the check engine light was on, all of a sudden I had 3 lights on. I had no traction control or ABS. After having the service dept. Look at my vehicle, I was told it was a sensor in the left rear wheel. Since I have discovered that other owners have had similar problems, I think GM should get involved. The part was extremely expensive so I've had to go without for the last year.
Front brakes failed prematurely--rotors were destroyed at 34,000 miles. Air conditioner condenser failed, GM knew of problem in dec. Of 2002 but kept quiet until warranty ran out. Needed to replace condenser and dryer with new parts, GM would not help. Fuel gauge doesn't work, have to keep paper ecord of fuel consumption. Rear window washer has failed, does not spray.
Brake complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Chevrolet Venture, 14% of the model year's 220 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Venture brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 3 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 2002 Chevrolet Venture brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 40% 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.