Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
On April 27, 2007 Chevrolet Venture was involved in an accident involving another car when our four year old son was somehow able to put the car in neutral when the car was off. In trying to figure out how he did it we have discovered that approximately 30-50 % of the time the car can be taken out of park without engaging the brake. We have been able to determine through trial that this can be done at any stage of the vehicles operation whether it is off or most dangerously even if the engine is running. We feel 100% that this was the cause of the accident that happened. I have tried to fill out the rest of this form to the best of my knowledge.
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.
Transmission failed in January of 2005 at 50,000 miles. Had it rebuilt for $3,000.00. Failed again at in August 2009 115,000 miles and at the same time the lower intake manifold gasket failed. Had it replaced and the gasket replaced for another $3,000.00. Still overheats in city traffic. Left radiator fan never comes on I have to run the heater to get the temp under control and I live in yuma, az. This van is a lemon and has cost me about $8,000.00 more than it should to own. Never again will I buy a GM product. They are criminals!
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. …
We purchased the vehicle used in July 2003. A month later, the low coolant light came on for the extent of a 40 mile trip, but has not appeared since. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was a intake manifold gasket, and the repairs would be $750. The van had only 42000 miles! I refused to pay for any repairs. Upon further investigation, I found out that Chevrolet is well aware of this defect, and that many many other drivers have had the same experience with this engine. I am even more upset that the dealership (ed schmidt Chevrolet maumee, ohio) is part of the consipracy. We were told by the salesman and the dealership this was a good vehicle, and would be very reliable. My husband is in georgia for specialized training for 6 months. We purchased the van upon the recommendation of the dealership so that I would have reliable transportation while my husband is out of state. …
When I bought this 2000 Chevrolet Venture van I purchased the mfg.extended warranty up to 75,000 miles. Right after the extended warranty ran out, the van developed a serious head gasket leak and the transmission has been going crazy. I checked around and found out that both these problems are very common on the Venture van! I call the mfg. And was told they would not help! This is the reason buyers feel that they made a mistake buying American made vehicles. These are problems that have occurred in many instances and the mfg. Knows this and are not willing to do a recall. I should have bought a Toyota. General motors knows these problems exist and are due to poor workmanship and do not care about owner loyalty or retaining their customer base for future sales. Both of these problems are more widespread than what is documented due to lack of reporting.. Please help!!!
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: Mini vans. These vehicles May have (1) a broken shift cable fitting or (2) loose shift linkage. Consequently, moving the shift lever to a 'park' position May not shift the transmission to 'park'.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the automatic transaxle range selector cable.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Venture years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (30), 2001 (30), 2000 (27), 1997 (24) and 1998 (17) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Venture transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 98V-131 (automatic transmission, Jun 11, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Venture transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (97 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › park/neutral start interlock switch (12).
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.