NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
185 reports204,785 miles · May 13, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY VENTURE AND WHEN I PURCHASED IT, I NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD START BLINKING REAL FAST ON THE DASH. WHEN I WOULD LOOK AT THEM ON THE OUTSIDE THEY WERE BLINKING FINE, AS WAS THE DASH LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, SO I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST THE BULBS THEMSELVES. THEN ON MARCH 29, 2014, I NOTI…
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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY VENTURE AND WHEN I PURCHASED IT, I NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD START BLINKING REAL FAST ON THE DASH. WHEN I WOULD LOOK AT THEM ON THE OUTSIDE THEY WERE BLINKING FINE, AS WAS THE DASH LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, SO I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST THE BULBS THEMSELVES. THEN ON MARCH 29, 2014, I NOTICED A LITTLE PUFF OF SMOKE COME FROM THE HEADLIGHT AREA WHEN MY WIFE PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TURN/PARKING LIGHT WAS OUT. I LUCKILY HAD A BULB FROM ANOTHER CAR TO REPLACE IT, BUT WHEN I TOOK THE ASSEMBLY OUT AND WENT TO TURN THE CONNECTOR TO REPLACE THE BULB, AND NOTICED IT WAS HOT. THINKING THAT SOMETHING DID NOT SEEM RIGHT, I LET IT COOL DOWN AND THEN REMOVED IT. WHAT I SAW WAS THE CONNECTOR THAT HOLDS THE BULB WAS BLACK AND MELTED. IT ACTUALLY MELTED TO THE BULB ITSELF. I LOOKED AT THE BULB AND IT WAS STILL GOOD, OTHER THAN THE BOTTOM PLASTIC PART. THE WHITE SMOKE I HAD SEEN WAS EITHER THE CONNECTOR CATCHING ON FIRE AND MELTING OR THE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC ITSELF. I NEVER SAW ANY FLAMES. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE CONNECTOR, NOR WOULD I RISK MY FAMILY'S LIFE, SO I HAVE NO TURN SIGNAL. THEN WORSE PART IS THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT WAS DOING THE SAME THING AS THE PASSENGER, BUT IT HAS SINCE STOPPED AND IS WORKING PROPERLY NOW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BULB HAS BEEN REMOVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587966
100,000 miles · Mar 8, 2014
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureCrash
DRIVER WAS TURNING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AT LOW SPEED, 200 FT FROM HER HOME. WHEN TURN WAS COMPLETE, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RETURN STEERING WHEEL TO FORWARD POSITION, NOR WAS SHE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING BRAKE PEDAL, UNTIL THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER ONE PARKED ALONG THE STREET. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN HOW IT COULD HAP…
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DRIVER WAS TURNING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AT LOW SPEED, 200 FT FROM HER HOME. WHEN TURN WAS COMPLETE, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RETURN STEERING WHEEL TO FORWARD POSITION, NOR WAS SHE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING BRAKE PEDAL, UNTIL THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER ONE PARKED ALONG THE STREET. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN HOW IT COULD HAPPEN, AND THE ACCIDENT WAS CONSIDERED HER FAULT. HOWEVER, THE LATEST GM RECALL REGARDING WEAKNESS OF IGNITION KEY MECHANISM PROVIDES LOGICAL EXPLANATION OF THIS ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITION KEY FLIPPED TO "OFF" POSITION DURING THE TURN, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING WOULD BE GONE, AND WHAT DRIVER DESCRIBED WOULD MAKE TOTAL SENSE. ESPECIALLY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT AT THAT TIME THE DRIVER HAD SEVERAL ADDITIONAL KEYS ON THE KEYCHAIN. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE IGNITION MECHANISM MAY SUFFER FROM THE SAME PROBLEM AS ONES RECALLED BY GM? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567912
48,000 miles · Jan 15, 2014
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOT TANGLED UP IN EACH OTHER. ICE GETS ON THEM AND THEY BREAK INSTANTLY. I BELIEVE THAT CHEVY KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN BUT DIDN'T CARE. MY VAN IS A LEMON AND SINCE I BOUGHT IT IT'S BEEN A MONEY PIT. IT HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STINKS. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. I'VE ALSO HAD TO GET A HEAD GASKET AT THE T…
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WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOT TANGLED UP IN EACH OTHER. ICE GETS ON THEM AND THEY BREAK INSTANTLY. I BELIEVE THAT CHEVY KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN BUT DIDN'T CARE. MY VAN IS A LEMON AND SINCE I BOUGHT IT IT'S BEEN A MONEY PIT. IT HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STINKS. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. I'VE ALSO HAD TO GET A HEAD GASKET AT THE TENDER MILES OF 38,000. IT'S JUST A LEMON. IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN, OR SNOW IF YOU CAN'T GET YOUR WIPERS TO WORK. WISH THEY'D DESIGN THE WIPERS THEY ARE SHAPED FUNNY, AND THAT'S ONE THING THAT MAKES THEM NOT WORK WELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560122
113,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE BOTH TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE THERE WERE INJURIES REPORTED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED …
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TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE BOTH TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE THERE WERE INJURIES REPORTED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, KNEE, HIP, AND ARM INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. DR
NHTSA ODI #10552680
1,000 miles · Aug 30, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED AND THEN ACCELERATED. THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED AND THEN ACCELERATED. THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED, AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISABLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #10538037
106,000 miles · Aug 12, 2013
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10534893
190,000 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury
THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING FILED ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNER AND DRIVER. THIS CHEVY VENTURE WAS INVOLVED IN A TWO VEHICLE, HEAD-ON CRASH VS. A CHEVY SILVERADO. BOTH FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VENTURE WERE KILLED IN THE CRASH. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS IN THE VENTURE FAILED TO DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACT WAS SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO …
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THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING FILED ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNER AND DRIVER. THIS CHEVY VENTURE WAS INVOLVED IN A TWO VEHICLE, HEAD-ON CRASH VS. A CHEVY SILVERADO. BOTH FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VENTURE WERE KILLED IN THE CRASH. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS IN THE VENTURE FAILED TO DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACT WAS SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO CAUSE FATAL INJURIES. THE AIRBAGS IN THE SILVERADO DID DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524144
160,000 miles · Jun 13, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE GAS FUMES OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS A FUEL TANK LEAK BY THE INLET OF THE GAS INTAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFERENCED A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE GAS FUMES OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS A FUEL TANK LEAK BY THE INLET OF THE GAS INTAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFERENCED A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM; GASOLINE), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA ODI #10519668
168,000 miles · Mar 16, 2013
Exterior Lighting
BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. BULBS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. PANELS REPLACED TWICE. WHEN PANELS REPLACED, WILL WORK APPROXIMATELY 1-2 WEEKS. UPPER LIGHT BAR WILL ILLUMINATE. NO WARNING AS TO WHEN LIGHTS FAIL. NUMEROUS WARNINGS BY POLICE TO HAVE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503274
85,000 miles · Mar 14, 2013
Structure
THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR SILL IS RUSTING EVEN IF THE CAR IS WASHED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE FRAME HOLDING THE RADIATOR IS ALSO RUSTING,AND A RUST SPOT IS APPEARING ON THE PASSENGER DOOR SILL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502769
Official recalls
5Aug 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗