2001 Chevrolet Venture engine problems

Filed May 12, 2014 · Engine · 112,156 miles · OR

We were driving on the freeway and noticed the heat gauge starting to rise very quickly to the red zone. The engine stalled and once the temp came down we proceeded to an auto parts store. There we purchased a thermostat, radiator cap, and 2 gallons of premix dex-cool. We installed the new cap and filled system with the dex-cool. We drove about 7 miles to a lake for a day of fishing. The inaccessibility of the thermostat, I could not change the thermostat that day. After sitting (not running) we started for home (60 miles). We had only gone about 10 miles when it overheated for the first time. We could only go about 10 miles before we'd have to stop and let the van cool down and add more coolant and water. It took 6 hours to get home. Over the next couple of days the overheating problem continued. On 28apr2014 we had the van towed to a local (reputable) auto shop. The next day we were informed that the intake manifold was leaking and would have to be repaired before they could pressure test the system to check the other components (radiator, radiator cap, etc.) the cost of just the intake repair was estimated at $1500-$2500. I have been researching the issue online and found that this is a common issue with these vans because of the dex-cool being a plasticizer and an aluminum corrosive. Also found out that gm has known of this problem but have chose not to fix the problem. I have had recalls on other vehicles (for a less problem) because the manufacturers said ok we have this problem so to keep our customers we'll fix it, but not gm. It wouldn't be so bad if gm even tried to fix this issue. We are middle-class and have a hard time making ends meet and can't afford this kind of expense.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 266,000 miles · FL

Car will speed up on its own and accelerate. The venture will also over heat after running for 10 min. Or so. This van likes to stall while driving and you must keep your foot on the brake or gas to prevent this from happening while driving. Transmission has been slipping since I got the car. Only owned it less than a year, now it made a loud clanking noise last night and now it will not go in drive only in reverse. You have to shift gears on the steering column only and even then it's debatable if it will run.

Filed Dec 8, 2011 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CO

Heater suddenly stopped functioning on very cold day was initial indication there was a problem. After having extensive diagnostics done and many repairs later temperature gauge still goes into red and no heat coming into cabin when heater turns on. This seems to be a widespread problem as I have done much research, and people seem to be stuck with high repair bills just like me because they made the unfortunate decision to purchase a vehicle that came off the assemble with a flawed design in the cooling system/ head gaskets.

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MI

2001 chevy venture with 150k miles. Car gets hot very quickly...within few mins of driving the hot temp coolant light goes on and the needle in the red zone. Replaced temp sensor, thermostat, radiator cap and hose. Took to three mechanics and chevy dealer for a diagnostic test. Head gaskets needed to be replaced. Researched year, make and model and many listed for same issue.

Filed Oct 9, 2009 · Engine · 111,571 miles · CA

Our 2001 chevrolet venture's intake manifold gasket has failed, allowing coolant into the engine oil. We started having trouble with it in january 2007. The check engine light came on and we took it in to our mechanic. He checked the cooling system and found the thermostat was not working properly. It was replaced. In june 2008, we noticed a loss of coolant. We took it in to our mechanic again. He did a coolant system check and found nothing wrong, replaced possible leaking hose. Once again we were losing coolant. We took into our mechanic again (third times a charm). Could fine nothing wrong with cooling system, did diagnostic and found a leak in the intake manifold gasket. We had no warning, no check engine light, no over heating since earlier time. The main problem is the coolant was going inside the engine, no outside leaking to warn us. The car stalled and died on us, luckily it was at a stop light. It could have caused a major accident if I was driving on freeway going 65. It has been parked at my house, non-op with dmv. Gm has admitted to me during more than one call that they have known about this problem for some time, but refuse to fix it. They say they are waiting for the federal safety agency to put out a mandatory recall before they will fix any problems. There are thousands of people with this same problem. The 3.1ll and 3.4l v-6 engines were put in all body types and different gm makes and models. Now some v-8's and newer models are coming down with the same problem. According to internal memo's from gm, they have known about this problem since 2000. Dex-cool seems to be the culprit. It is a known plasticizer (softens plastic) and is corrosive to aluminum. The gasket on the intake manifold is made of plastic and the some of the manifolds and or parts are made of aluminum. Dex-cool degrades hoses, gaskets and also rusts aluminum, causing a sludge to build up into the engine. Why would any one put this corrosive material into an engine on purpose?

Filed Mar 1, 2009 · Engine · 50,000 miles · MI

Bad/leaking manifold gasket...... Coolant leaks....causing water pump to burn out...replaced twice already....and coolant to get in with oil. *tr estimated repair cost > $700

Filed Aug 22, 2008 · Engine · 63,000 miles · IL

Our vehicle is a 2001. Has 62,000 miles. The condenser went on the vehicle. We were told that alot of the condenser are going in the 2001 chevrolet venture. Have you done any investigating or recalls, or reimbursement ? Thank you

Filed Jul 16, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

The chevy venture fails to maintain fuel levels at appropriate intervals. This constitutes frequent stops and panicking over when and where to get the next tank of gas, resulting in loss of income and causing wide spread hunger.

Filed Mar 31, 2008 · Engine · 130,000 miles · IL

Vehicle cooling system is faulty. My research and experience proves this point and chevy needs to be held accountable! At approx 120k, the engine overheats and the vehicle cannot be driven like that. Mechanical replaced intake gasket for $1100 and recomended changing the head gasket for an additional $1000 but could not afford that. 1 year later, same problem, overheating and cannot drive with that, mechanic tests and finds faulty head gasket, $2000+ estimate, will not pay that for a faulty cooling system. Legal resolve to be sought, please contact me if you can to assist or join a potential class-action suit!

Filed Feb 15, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 96,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet venture. The contact stated that the brake pedal extended to the floor when depressed. The vehicle was taken to a brake shop (all tune and lube) and they replaced the brake pads, cylinder, and rotors. The contact also stated that the temperature gauge would move to hot. The contact had the vehicle inspected and was informed that the manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the repair was performed. The transmission was also slipping gears. The contact had the transmission fluid flushed, but that did not correct the failure. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.