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2003 Chevrolet Venture

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Venture do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 220.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

133 reports with mileage · 52 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports4 fire reports22 injury reports

Engine complaints

5 reports
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135,000 miles · Mar 22, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control

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 HAPPE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11080807

61,000 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Engine

THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD HEAD GASKET CRACKED OR RUPTURED RESULTING IN THE ANTI- FREEZE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR OIL. REQUIRED REMOVAL OF ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE RUPTURED HEAD GASKET. COST 9 HOURS MECHANIC LABOR AND $ 975.00 FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #10969221

90,300 miles · Sep 26, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I GOT MY MINI VAN THE FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING, THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED STAYING ON IN THE START POSITION, AND I'VE GOT A RATTLE IN THE ENGINE THAT NOBODY CAN SEEM TO FIND. ALL OF MY FRIEND'S HAVE HEARD THIS SOUND IN THE ENGINE, BUT THE TECHS KEEP TELLING ME IT'S NORMAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639215

75,000 miles · Dec 30, 2012
EnginePower TrainCrash

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 …

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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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10490520

94,600 miles · Jul 9, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER INTAKE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER INTAKE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,600.

NHTSA ODI #10464765

Official recalls

5

07V349000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

Aug 8, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

04V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Dec 22, 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE04064 · POWER-SLIDING Door

Opened Sep 17, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door

SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS ON FAR FEWER VEHICLES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT PRODUCES LESS FORCE.GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 2004, THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 1997 THOUGH EARLY 2005 GM U-VAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND WITH 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN CHAIRS (NHTSA RECALL #04V597).AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY, GM WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE WITH A FLUSH MOUNTED HANDLE THAT WILL PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM GRASPING THE HANDLE WITH THE PALM BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND DOOR PANEL (THUMB UP ORIENTATION) AND THUS ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ARM/WRIST ENTRAPMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.