Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2003 Chevrolet Venture: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Venture, most recently filed August 2007. Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 5campaigns 2 air bag · 1 fuel system · 1 latch Source: NHTSA Complaints 185filed Owner reports, 1996–2005 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 20mpg combined $3,266/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.4 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic 2 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 07V349000 Filed Aug 8, 2007

FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE WELD

Fuel system, gasoline · storage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported20,594 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V349000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V597000 Filed Dec 22, 2004

GM/POWER SLIDING DOOR

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported717,302 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V597000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V250000 Filed Jul 15, 2003

GM/FMVSS 225/OWNER'S MANUAL INFORMATION

Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,707,825 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V250000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V051000 Filed Feb 14, 2003

GM/DRIVER'S AIR BAG

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported130 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V051000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Venture. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V222000 Filed Aug 9, 2002

GM/AIR BAG INFLATOR

Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported133,221 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V222000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Venture years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Chevrolet VentureAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (185)

185 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The exterior lighting is mentioned most often.

19involved a crash
4involved a fire
34injuries reported
2deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Chevrolet Venture, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 185.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2003 compares with other Venture years

Best and worst Venture years →
2 432 409 349 350 222 220 185 124 42
1996199719981999200020012002200320042005
This year (2003)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg combined

20
mpg combined
17
city
24
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,350
CO₂ tailpipe
444 g/mi
EPA class
Minivan -

What it costs you to run

$3,266per year
$272per month
750gallons a year

Miles ÷ 20 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2003 Chevrolet Venture configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350444
3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2003 Venture for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Venture years

Where to next

Which Venture years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2004 Chevrolet Venture report124 complaints · 3 campaigns →2002 Chevrolet Venture report220 complaints · 3 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2003 Chevrolet Venture FAQ

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Venture have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 07V349000 (fuel system), 04V597000 (latch), 03V250000 (equipment), 03V051000 (air bag), 02V222000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Venture problems?

Owners filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. Exterior lighting (30), Structure (27), Engine and engine cooling (23) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2003 Chevrolet Venture get?

EPA rates the 3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 17 city, 24 highway and 20 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2003 Venture compare with other years?

Among the 1996–2005 Chevrolet Venture model years at least five years old, the 1996 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 1997 the most (432). The 2003 drew 185. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Report an errorMethodologyHow we use AI
Was this report useful?Report a data error
My Garage
Save this car and we'll flag new recall campaigns next time you visit.