1997 Chevrolet Venture: sudden loss of power

9 of the 431 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Venture describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 78,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2003
1
2002
3
2000
4
1999
2
1998
3
1997
9

What owners say

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Engine · 116,000 miles · TX

My vehicle a 1997 chevy venture, suddenly lost power while cruising on the highway. The temp light came on and I pulled off the highway. Luckily it happened to be the dealerships exit and I pulled right in to the service bay. They tell me I have a blown head gasket. When they took the engine apart the service manager allowed me to see the engine. The coolant channels are coated with a brown gummy substance and the cylinders were full of coolant. The service manager was given a sample of the substance and said he will give it to the gm rep when he comes in later this week. Cost will top $2500. Previously I replaced the intake manifold gasket and the water pump. This seems like faulty gaskets or coolant I don't know which. I'm just glad it didn't strand me out somewhere away from town.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Engine · 112,876 miles · PA

While driving between 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. When this occurred the vehicle lost power steering and brakes. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test which indicated that the engine had locked. The engine has to be taken apart to identify what caused the lock. The oil pan was full when this incident occurred.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Engine · 78,000 miles · NE

Own a 97 chevy venture during an oil change was told I had coolant in my oil, so I took van to a local chevy dealer. They informed my the intake gasket was bad and had to be replaced at a cost of 975.00, this was done and no mention was ever made that there could also be engine damage due to this leak. Five months later I was driving down a busy street during 5 o'clock rush hour traffic taking my sick child to the doctor when all of a sudden the oil light came on and I lost all power, I had to leave the vehicle in the curb side lane, get my sick child out and walk to a phone to call my spouse to come get us and the vehicle mind you this was late september and it was chilly outside. We had the vehicle towed to a local chevy dealer (the same one that diagnosed the gasket leak) who told me they did not know what was wrong with the vehicle and that it would be cheaper to replace the motor than to find out what happened, at a cost between $3000.00 to $5200.00 depending on what type of replacement motor I wanted, not being comfortable with this repsonse I had the vehicle taken to a different dealer, who at least could tell that the intake gasket had been replaced, but unfortunatly gave the same result replace motor. I did not have the funds to do this so the vehicle is parked in my garage and of no use to me. I had to go and replace the vehicle.

Filed Feb 16, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 40,000 miles · NY

From about 40000 milesproblems with the temp gauge indicating engine running hot when in fact it never was and coolant was adequate mechanic never able to figure out 60000 intake manifold replaced 90000 miles engine losing power and stalling engine block cracked possible and head gasket. Brakes noisy with a grinding feel in the pedal lights on dash on & off ABS and coolant low when no problem exists! Car pulls to left and hard to steer in a puddle horn almost impossible to activate. Directional and hazard lights flash when brakes applied.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 53,000 miles · CA

Two months ago I took my chevrolet venture(with 53,000 miles)to a certified chevrolet repair shop complaing that the low coolant light was on, and that my van was experiencing a loss of power. After having my car in the shop for 8 days I was told that they couldn't find any problems. I was charged 153.00 for the diagnostic test and an oil change. A week ago my car started to overheat. I again took the van to the shop. I was told that I need a brand new engine at a cost of $5,000. I just finished paying off this $27,000 van. Now it is worthless. I don,t understand. To add insult to injury I can not role up my window on the drivers side, as the power switch has failed

Filed Dec 8, 2003 · Steering · FL

Loss of power steering LED to the death of driver's infant daughter as stated by the consumer's lawyer. *la while driving the vehicle's steering locked up. The consumer lost control of the vehicle which then ran off the road and struck a tree. In january 2003 the manufacturer issued a recall for the vehicle's rack and pinion.

Filed Jul 14, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · TX

Loss of power steering and power brake assisted when going through shallow puddle. Battery light went on and off. Engine light went on and off. At the time of the incident, it was raining and the road was wet with some puddle in the road. When I have to use the right lane to make right or left turn, I have to go through some water that ponded along the gutter line, the steering seize on me and required forceful turn. Brake paddle was hard to press and did not stop the vehicle appropriately.

Filed Jul 1, 1999 · Steering · FL

When the accessory drive belt gets wet there is a very good chance that the power steering will stop working. My wife was making a right hand turn at an intersection and went through a puddle. She immediately lost power steering and almost crashed into another car. I have had it happen to me as I turned into my driveway. I have contacted chevrolet and was told that there are no recalls on my van. I took it into the dealer (not the one listed here) and they could find nothing wrong with it. Losing power steering in a mini van while making a turn can have serious consequences.

Filed Feb 8, 1999 · Steering · OK

Loss of power steering assist when going through shallow water.