Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Temp gauge reading hot, decided 95 s in new york city wasn't an ideal place to stop and traffic was very bad had to drive in breakdown lane to get to nearest exit (approx 1.5 miles) pulled over in a water works lot with my 4 yr olds and wife at 11:30 pm, on way to ohio from rhode island. Called aaa took to garage, several hours later, us to a hotel that wasn't booked. Next garage replaced the temp switch and thermostat. Seemed OK. Continued to ohio. While in ohio temp gauge was reading hot again. Took to dealer and said that the gauge cluster was faulty but did not have the part to replace. Came home , temp gauge has been reading fine if I turn the key on and off to "reset" the gauge back to "zero" still not sure that it is reading correctly at that point. $500.00 to have replaced. …
Temp gauge reading hot, decided 95 s in new york city wasn't an ideal place to stop and traffic was very bad had to drive in breakdown lane to get to nearest exit (approx 1.5 miles) pulled over in a water works lot with my 4 yr olds and wife at 11:30 pm, on way to ohio from rhode island. Called aaa took to garage, several hours later, us to a hotel that wasn't booked. Next garage replaced the temp switch and thermostat. Seemed OK. Continued to ohio. While in ohio temp gauge was reading hot again. Took to dealer and said that the gauge cluster was faulty but did not have the part to replace. Came home , temp gauge has been reading fine if I turn the key on and off to "reset" the gauge back to "zero" still not sure that it is reading correctly at that point. $500.00 to have replaced. …
My husband and I purchased a 2004 Chevy Venture on October 24,2004. It had less than 6,000 miles on it. On September 27,2006, while my husband was driving down the interstate,the van began to serge/ stall. He pulled to the side of the interstate and got out of the van. He noticed smoke coming from the hood and figured that it May have just overheated( no warning lights came on ). He pulled up on the hood and flames shot out at him. He dropped the hood down and within minutes the van was completely inflamed. 911 was called to the scene as well as law enforcement. With the exception of singed hair and minor facial burns my husband is OK. The fire inspector told my husband that the fire apparently started on the passenger side of the motor. Most of the time my 3 children traveled in this van. They would have never been able to escape this fire. The van only had around 40,000 miles on it . …
The recent GM recall of 2004 - 2007 cobalt and other vehicles for ignition switch problems now makes my issues in my 2004 Chevrolet Venture van potentially make some sense. There have been multiple occurrences of the problem over the years but it sounds similar to the above recall. Some of the incidents occurred on the highway (70 MPH), some happened on the dirt roads we live on (25 - 35 MPH). The engine simply stopped - no power of any kind. The engine could be restarted by shifting into neutral and turning the key. It did not require a complete vehicle stoppage (although it did occasionally cause a nasty squeal from what I assumed was the starter motor). The car was purchased used from a dealer so I do not know if the issue occurred during the first year of so of the vehicles use. I think the GM investigation needs to be expanded to other models. VIN can be provided if needed.
I was struck from the back, while taking foot off the brake, I attempted to proceed from a stop sign in shopping mall. Due to delay, from a bad transmission from day 1 when I first purchased vehicle from felix Chevrolet, la ca it holds up traffic. I took my foot off brake after stopping at stop sign and it appeared to driver that I was moving forward. Yet, the delay causes danger from behind and I'm still encountering delays from the date of purchase, 2006 up until now. Felix denied anything was wrong with after I complained and had them test transmission problem within 30 days of purchase. I've been very dissatisfied with performance and quality of vehicle from day one. When accelerating from a stop the vehicle severely jerks. The transmission fluid and filter have been replaced with no change in the condition. The vehicle had around 60,000 miles when I purchased.
The engine RPM surges without pushing the gas. The engine will gradually propel the vehicle to around 50-60 MPH with no mechanical movement of the gas pedal. This happens about every day or two. Have to put the car in neutral or firmly press the brakes to get the velocity down. The car is in motion and stationary when this happens. It happens sporadically. Changing all types of parts and still no resolution. I also see alot of the same issues on line with other owners of this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Venture. While the vehicle was parked, the driver and passenger side air bags suddenly deployed without warning. The contact sustained injuries, but did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000. Updated 04/06/16 the consumer stated the check engine light illuminated. Updated 04/19/2016.
Temp gauge trys go hot had check nothing engene misfire had check 7 times now. Replace mass air temp sensore twice throttle position sensors. Plugs and wires twice in one month has wire shortage for ac and we have paid out alot of money from day 2 of owning this was going sell but I would sell this crap to no one.. Now says o2 sensore left wheel sensor and much more codes junk like this dont need to be sold..
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Venture years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (115), 1998 (111), 1997 (86), 2000 (84) and 2001 (46) model years. Engine complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Venture engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Venture model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Venture engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (99 mentions), followed by the cooling system (92).
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.