Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (172 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2005
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed to negative, with a strong consensus on poor long-term reliability and high maintenance costs.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Slipping, harsh shifts, complete failure requiring replacement; noted as a primary weak point.
- Very frequentElectrical system issues
Random no-start conditions (ignition/starter not engaging), parasitic battery drain, melted light sockets causing shorts, malfunctioning power sliding doors.
- RecurrentABS system malfunctions
ABS activating erroneously during braking, particularly when turning; ABS warning light illumination.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine stalling under load
Vehicle sputters and dies when accelerating or climbing hills, often linked to fuel delivery or catalytic converter problems.
- RecurrentBrake system problems
Soft pedal, master cylinder failures, issues persisting after component replacement.
- RecurrentGeneral poor build quality/reliability
Described as having "almost as many issues" as other problematic models, with multiple systems failing.
- IsolatedIntake manifold gasket failure
Cited as a known weak point for the engine.
- IsolatedRust
Mentioned as a potential issue.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific model year or trim is recommended. Discussions focus on the condition and maintenance history of individual used examples rather than advocating for a particular version.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Pontiac Montana, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Buick GL8, Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.
Is the Venture right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed to negative, with a strong consensus on poor long-term reliability and high maintenance costs. The vehicle is acknowledged for its practicality as a spacious, 8-10 seater minivan with a durable 3.0L V6 engine known for potential longevity if well-maintained. However, owner experiences are dominated by recurrent and severe mechanical failures, particularly with the automatic transmission, electrical systems, and ABS. The vehicle is frequently described as a source of ongoing problems, with several owners reporting it "sucked" or was a "nightmare." Positive remarks are isolated to its functional space and, in one case, its towing capability after a transmission replacement. The overarching sentiment is one of frustration and recommendation to avoid unless purchased very cheaply with a known service history.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a mainstream, value-oriented minivan sharing its platform and components with other GM siblings (Pontiac Montana, Oldsmobile Silhouette). It is noted as being the Chevrolet version of the Buick GL8 sold in China. Compared to contemporary competitors like the Dodge Caravan, it is not favorably regarded in terms of reliability based on the available feedback. It is seen as a basic, functional people-mover with known, widespread weaknesses.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configurations. One owner recommends the second-row seats from the Venture for 8-passenger seating in a related vehicle, but no configuration advice is given for the Venture itself.
General recommendations
Only recommended as a used purchase under very specific conditions: must have a verifiable and meticulous service history, particularly for the automatic transmission. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with GM vehicles is considered essential. Purchase price should be very low (e.g., ~$1,600 USD for a 2004 model in the Philippines) to budget for imminent repairs. Not recommended for owners seeking reliability or low cost of ownership. Suitable only for those needing maximum seating capacity on a minimal budget who are mechanically inclined or have access to affordable repair services.
Remarks
The provided data primarily covers the first generation (1997-2005) of the Chevrolet Venture. The model is part of GM's U-body platform, sharing major components with the Pontiac Montana and Oldsmobile Silhouette, which aids in parts interchangeability. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around evaluating high-mileage (130,000+ km/mi), 15-20 year old examples for purchase, indicating the vehicle exists primarily in the used market. The durable 3.0L V6 engine (a variant of the GM 60-degree V6) is highlighted as a potential strength, with claims it can last 300,000-500,000 miles with proper care, but this is overshadowed by the pervasive transmission and electrical faults. Analysis is based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and problem reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2005Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 42 | 3 | fuel system |
| 2004 | 124 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2003 | 212 | 8 | exterior lighting |
| 2002 | 235 | 6 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 | 228 | 12 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2000 | 384 | 8 | engine and engine cooling |
| 1999 | 368 | 7 | engine and engine cooling |
| 1998 | 449 | 10 | engine and engine cooling |
| 1997 | 477 | 9 | engine and engine cooling |
| 1996 | 2 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices68 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2005 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2005 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 04V597000
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.
2005 · fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devicescampaign 07E021000
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
2004 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2004 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 04V597000
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.
2004 · fuel system, gasoline:storagecampaign 07V349000
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).
2004 · fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devicescampaign 07E021000
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
2004 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 04V177000
CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE TEXT AND FORMATTING ON THE WARNING LABEL ATTACHED TO THE AVAILABLE SECOND-ROW INTEGRAL CHILD RESTRAINT AS SPECIFIED BY AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARD.
2003 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2003 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 08E050000
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
2003 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 04V597000
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.
2003 · fuel system, gasoline:storagecampaign 07V349000
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).
2003 · fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devicescampaign 07E021000
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
2003 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 03V250000
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.
2003 · air bags:frontalcampaign 02V222000
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.
53 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.4 i V6
3.4L 6-cylinder · 188 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2001–2005