Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
280–25K
2525–50K
2250–75K
2075–100K
27100–150K
11150K+
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
What owners actually said
185 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
MY 2 YEAR OLD SON WAS CLIMBING IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR STARTING CLOSING. THE DOOR DID NOT STOP WHEN IT HIT HIM CLOSING HIM IN THE DOOR. IT TOOK MY ENTIRE WEIGHT TO PUSH THE DOOR BACK OFF OF HIM. DEALERSHIPS SYSTEM THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR, THAT THE 2003 VENTURES DO NOT HAVE A SENSOR IN THE D…
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MY 2 YEAR OLD SON WAS CLIMBING IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR STARTING CLOSING. THE DOOR DID NOT STOP WHEN IT HIT HIM CLOSING HIM IN THE DOOR. IT TOOK MY ENTIRE WEIGHT TO PUSH THE DOOR BACK OFF OF HIM. DEALERSHIPS SYSTEM THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR, THAT THE 2003 VENTURES DO NOT HAVE A SENSOR IN THE DOOR LIKE THE NEW MODELS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10132105
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
DT: THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR ON THE MINI VAN WILL OPEN IT BUT DID NOT HAVE SENSOR TO RETRACT. IT ALMOST SHUT SON IN THE DOOR. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 23, 2005. HAS BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT VEHICLE AND TOLD CONSUMER IT WAS DIFFERENT. THE OLDER MODELS TAKE MORE WEIGHT TO OPEN BACK UP. …
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DT: THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR ON THE MINI VAN WILL OPEN IT BUT DID NOT HAVE SENSOR TO RETRACT. IT ALMOST SHUT SON IN THE DOOR. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 23, 2005. HAS BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT VEHICLE AND TOLD CONSUMER IT WAS DIFFERENT. THE OLDER MODELS TAKE MORE WEIGHT TO OPEN BACK UP. IT DOES NOT HAVE SENSOR LIKE THE NEWER MODELS DO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10132072
41,500 miles · Jul 17, 2005
Exterior Lighting
ON MY 2003 CHEVY VENTURE EXTENDED I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TAIL LIGHT BRAKING BULBS. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE BULBS ELEMENTS INSIDE THE BULB DIDN'T BURN OUT THEY SHORTED OUT AT THE SOCKET ON BOTH DRIVE AND PASSENGER SIDE MELTING THE BULB TO THE SOCKET. I'M AFRAID THAT THIS IS GOOING TO CREATE A ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #10129001
40,238 miles · Jul 15, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury
DT: CONTACT STATES SHE WAS IN A SIDE AND FRONT END COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VAN WAS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER BECAUSE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OUT OF STATE. *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10126498
5,862 miles · Jun 16, 2005
Visibility
DRIVERS SIDE WIPER ARM NUT KEEPS COMMING LOOSE MAKEING THE WIPERS UNABLE TO WORK
NHTSA ODI #10125518
24,000 miles · Jun 3, 2005
Structure
DT: WHEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR SHUT CONSUMER IS AFRAID HIS CHILDREN WILL GET THEIR FINDERS CAUGHT IN THERE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10124134
30,000 miles · May 23, 2005
Seats
DT: MIDDLE SEAT IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH BENDING BACKWARDS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. HAS BEEN REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES ,AND CONTINUES TO COME OUT OF PLACE. DEALERSHIP BENDS SEAT INTO PLACE, BUT TIME IN BETWEEN THE FIX AND THE RETURN OF THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING SHORTER AND SHORTER. DEALER REPORTS THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR PROBLEM, AND …
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DT: MIDDLE SEAT IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH BENDING BACKWARDS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. HAS BEEN REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES ,AND CONTINUES TO COME OUT OF PLACE. DEALERSHIP BENDS SEAT INTO PLACE, BUT TIME IN BETWEEN THE FIX AND THE RETURN OF THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING SHORTER AND SHORTER. DEALER REPORTS THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR PROBLEM, AND THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR REPLACEMENT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10121929
26,674 miles · May 23, 2005
StructureInjury
DT: WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE VAN ON PASSENGER SIDE BACK SLIDING DOOR A THREE YEAR OLD CHILD GOT HER LEG CAUGHT IN THE V-BAR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT STOP OPENING, THE DOOR DRAGGED HER WHILE IT WAS OPENING. CALLER WAS TRYING TO BRACE THE DOOR SO IT WOULD NOT OPEN ANY FURTHER, AND SOMEONE ELSE WAS TRYING TO GET THE CHILD OUT. THE V…
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DT: WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE VAN ON PASSENGER SIDE BACK SLIDING DOOR A THREE YEAR OLD CHILD GOT HER LEG CAUGHT IN THE V-BAR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT STOP OPENING, THE DOOR DRAGGED HER WHILE IT WAS OPENING. CALLER WAS TRYING TO BRACE THE DOOR SO IT WOULD NOT OPEN ANY FURTHER, AND SOMEONE ELSE WAS TRYING TO GET THE CHILD OUT. THE VAN HAD NO SHUT OFF READILY ACCESSIBLE TO STOP THE DOOR WHILE IT WAS OPENING OR CLOSING. GIRL GOT CUT ON HEAD AND BRUISED ANKLE AND THIGH. HAD 5 STITCHES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10121888
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2005
Latches/locks/linkagesInjury
(1) PASSENGER WAS TRYING TO OPEN REAR SLIDING DOOR BY HANDLE (2) PASSENGER RIGHT ARM GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND BACK OF THE SEAT. PASSENGER IS CURRENTLY IN THERAPHY FOR THE INJURY. (3) N/A
NHTSA ODI #10119732
40,356 miles · Apr 11, 2005
Power TrainCrash
THE GEAR IS SUPPOSE TO LOCK FOR SAFETY, AND ONLY BE APPLIED WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AS CHILD SAFETY PROTECTION. CONSUMER'S CHILD GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT INTO GEAR, AND CRASHED THE VEHICLE, NEARLY INJURING SEVERAL CHILDREN ON A PLAYGROUND. NO ONE WAS INJURED, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A SWING SET. *AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2003 Chevrolet Venture Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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