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2002 Chevrolet Venture Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Chevrolet Venture has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank inlet and filler neck fuel leak.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Chevrolet Venture.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank inlet and filler neck fuel leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2004-11 → 2021-11

“THE CONTACT'S BROTHER, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE TANK WAS CRACKED AT THE INLET CHECK VALVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10980552
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE FUEL FILLER NECKS WERE FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10787669
“FUEL FILLER NECK CRACKED WHERE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE GAS TANK. FUEL LEAKING OUT OF NECK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11022916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel gauge reading full or empty

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2003-10 → 2016-07

“THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS. CHEVY REFUSED TO HELP. I HAVE CARRIED A NOTEBOOK IN THE VEHICLE SINCE THAT TIME, WRITING DOWN THE DATE, PLACE OF PURCHASE, MILEAGE, TOTAL COST, COST PER GALLON, AND HOW MANY GALLONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461997
“THE FUEL GAUGE EITHER SHOWS FULL OR EMPTY. IT WILL SHOW FULL WHILE DRIVING, BUT WHEN SITTING STILL, EVEN IF YOU JUST FILLED UP THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE GAUGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY. OTHER THAN SETTING THE TRIP, YOU HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10458497
“FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM ON 2002 CHEVY VENTURE. STAYS AT FULL WHEN DRIVING (NEVER MOVES), STAYS AT EMPTY (NEVER MOVES) WITH LOW FUEL LIGHT ON WHEN IDLING. THAT'S IT, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS NO OTHER AMOUNT OF FUEL. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY HAPPENED TO SIGNAL THE START OF THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10142333

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power sliding door opening, latching and release faults

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2003-07 → 2011-05

“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DOOR HAS OPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND CHILDREN WERE INSIDE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED MANY PARTS UNDER WARRANTY BUT NOW CLAIM THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR HAS CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION. *NM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10121469
“THE AUTOMATIC DOOR FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE INTERIOR AND A CHILD'S FINGER BECAME CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE A CROWBAR TO RELEASE THE CHILD'S FINGER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10026771
“NON-POWER DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT SECURELY LOCK WHEN IN OPENED POSITION. IF ON AN INCLINE THE DOOR WILL COME BACK ON YOU. THIS HAPPENED TO MY 6 YR EAR OLD DAUGHTER, KNOCKING HER TO THE GROUND AND CAUSING SCRAPES AND ABRASSIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10056956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air conditioner condenser and compressor failure

EQUIPMENT

7 NHTSA complaints · 2004-06 → 2008-05

“A/C CONDENSER FAILED. REPLACED WITH NEW PART. WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL OF THESE CONDENSERS(VERY COSTLY). *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10074631
“THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT IN FEB. OF 2007. THE SAME OLD STORY I HAVE HEARD FROM COUNTLESS PEOPLE ONLINE OWNING A CHEVY VENTURE. THE CONDENSER HAD A HOLE IN IT AND THE ORIFICE TUBE NEEDED REPLACING. WHEN IS CHEVY GOING TO REALIZE THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10189382
“3YR OLD COMPRESSOR (AIR CONDITIONER FRONT & REAR) )FOR 2002 CHEVY VENTURE LEAKS WHICH CAUSED US TO REPLACE ENTIRE UNIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10129251

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intake manifold and head gasket coolant leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2004-11 → 2020-12

“WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING COOLANT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10453016
“2002 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN WITH 77,000 MILES- FAILURE OF INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I NOTICED ANTI FREEZE SMELL EVERYTIME I SHUT OFF VEHICLE. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10257042
“COOLANT LEAKING. TURNS OUT GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS ONLY 47,000 MILES ON IT. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. COST APPROXIMATELY $750 TO FIX. I SEE WHERE GM KNOWS ABOUT PROBLEM AND ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, YET CONSUMER MUST PAY. GM SHOULD PAY. *NM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10181401

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake light bulb burnout and socket melting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2003-09 → 2015-01

“THE LEFT REAR (DRIVER'S SIDE) BRAKE LIGHT (UPPER MOST BULB/3057) KEEPS BURNING OUT. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BULB, THERE IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE (MELTING) ON THE MALE BULB CONNECTION. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10144906
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT BULB CONTINUES TO BLOW OUT. THE BULB BURNED THE PLASTIC COVER AND HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 66,392 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 02/01/08”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10196297
“THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT/UPPER TAIL LIGHT KEEP BURNING OUT. THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT (3057) WHEN REMOVED USUALLY HAVE MELTING ON THE BULB CONNECTION. CHANGING THE BULB DOESNOT CORRECT THE SITUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10082572

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS and all-wheel drive disabled by wheel sensor failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

17 NHTSA complaints · 2003-05 → 2012-05

“THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT ABS SENSORS HAVE CRACKED 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS ON OUR VEHICLE, WITH THE 5TH TIME OCCURRING THIS MONTH. WHEN THE ABS SENSORS (HUB ASSEMBLY) MALFUNCTIONS, IT DISENGAGES THE AWD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10103060
“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ABS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM. ABS BRAKES WERE REPAIRED AT LEAST 6 TIMES. CONSUMER STATED ALL WHEEL DRIVE BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED.*AK *MR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10060961
“ABS BRAKE FAILURE WITH AWD DISABLE. ABS LIGHT CAME ON WITH AWD DISABLE MESSAGE, BOTH ARE CONNECTED. WITH ABS FAILURE, AWD IS DISABLES. FAILURE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF PART. NO CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE IT WAS SUMMER AND NO SNOW, WINTER WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT STORY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10135981

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment without a collision

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2004-01 → 2015-12

“WAS DRIVING APPROX 45 MPH AND DRIVERS SIDE SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT WHAT SO EVER. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10558395
“THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT NO MORE THAN 5 MPH. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK AND DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 10/27/09”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10283849
“WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT A PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10097078

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

142 crashes 1990–2024

How the 142 occupant deaths break down

80

driver deaths

62

passenger deaths

142

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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