1997 Chevrolet Venture Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 76about this part
- Share
- 18%of 432 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture, 18% of the 432 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering rack broke. Driving down highway steering wheel can assume positions anywhere between 10 to 2 o'clock while still going straight. Steering action is not positive. At turns, more steering movement is needed and vehicle does not response as before. Found out there is a recall NHTSA #02v286000 for the steering rack lower pinion bearings that the dealer would replace the lower pinion bearing or replace the steering rack. We took the car in 5/28/05 for this recall and I believe the lower pinion bearing was replaced. Contacted Chevrolet customer service 1/17/05. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107620, filed 2005-01, 102,500 miles“On 28 july 2003, the chevy dealership replaced the lower pinion bearing in my 97 chevy Venture under a recall scheme. I should have taken it back in, since they left the vehicle with the steering offset to the right by about 15 degrees, but it was such a hassle dealing with them that I didn't bother. Around the start of february 2006, I started to experience intermittent problems when steering to the right. It was as if the power steering wasn't working. When I drive the van, I have to be constantly prepared to wrestle the wheel with both arms, although the fault is still intermittent. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151201, filed 2006-02, 83,000 miles“I made a left hand turn onto the street I live on, the steering wheel locked up and released. It ripped out of my hands and sent me right on onto someone's front lawn nearly missing a tree. I regained control just in time and got it back on the road. I limped it home and parked it. I called the dealer I bought it from and did not believe me and would not help, so I started looking for a different vehicle with help from my parents. Found a dealer ship 3 cities away and said bring it in and we'll help you. They called in saginaw steering plant rep. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023960, filed 2003-06, 82,000 miles“Steering locked up on '97 Venture van while being operated at 70 MPH on a straight highway. Vehicle had to be towed, rack and pinion and steering pump replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11013139, filed 2017-08, 58,000 miles“Needs replaced frontend hubs ,tierod,pinion repairs/recall this van needs a new owner!!! Nothing but costly repairs chevy needs to recall all them ventures.”
NHTSA complaint #10261898, filed 2009-03, 120,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Chevrolet Venture 1997–1998, Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998 +4 more
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Venture
85 complaintsExterior lighting
62 complaintsElectrical system
53 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