1997 Chevrolet Venture Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 12%of 432 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture, 12% of the 432 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1997 Chevrolet Venture was in the driveway no one in it and not running when the passenger air bag suddenly deployed. I was told it was a wiring defect and would cost more than the car was worth to fix it!! Apparently water got into the wire harness. How is this my fault? Thank god my kids were not in the car!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10031143, filed 2003-08, 96,000 miles“I have had to replace the left rear brake lamp in my 1997 Chevrolet Venture van a total of three times and the right rear once. After removing the bulbs, I noticed the base of the bulbs were charred and melted. I have serious concerns about the charring/melting eventually causing a fire. If the bulb assembly is pulling enough power to melt the base, shouldn't the fuse blow? The last incident occurred when my wife was driving home after work when another motorist told her she had no brake lights. After I checked the van, I determined that both brake lamps were charred and melted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030983, filed 2003-08, 60,000 miles“Travelling ~40 MPH, applied brake, engine stalled. Restarted immediately. Proceeded one quarter mile, applied brake to turn right, engine stalled, restarted immediately. Repeated multiple times. Took to independent mechanic; could reproduce problem but not locate source. Took to dealer: unable to reproduce problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10037299, filed 2003-09, 140,000 miles“After starting the vehicle in driveway a burnt odor was smelled followed by black smoke. Within a few minutes the vehicle caught on fire from under the dashboard. Local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Black smoke came gushing out by the airbag. Soon after the dash board exploded in flames. Explosion caused all the windows to blow out. Vehicle was a total loss as flames engulfed the entire body.”
NHTSA complaint #10094752, filed 2004-11, 62,000 miles“Consumer complained about a multitude of problems: 1. Headlights came on and off intermittently; 2. When hitting a bump in the road, headlights came on; 3. Engine overheated due to leaking radiator , and 4. Electrical problems, such as ignition and power door locks malfunctioned regularly. The vehicle was hard to start. The door panels were loose. The windshield leaked. The anti theft alarm malfunctioned. Rear window washer malfunctioned.”
NHTSA complaint #10057204, filed 2004-03, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10017152Oct 26, 2005Power door lock inoperative.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 12% |
| 2004 | 37 | 30% |
| 2003 | 17 | 9% |
| 2002 | 20 | 9% |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% |
| 2000 | 44 | 13% |
| 1999 | 21 | 6% |
| 1998 | 31 | 8% |
| 1997 | 53 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture
85 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsExterior lighting
62 complaintsBody and structure
44 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
32 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsTires
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology