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2000 Chevrolet Venture: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 350 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Chevrolet Venture[1], and the power sliding door shows up in both the complaints and the recalls[2][3][4][5]. Five recalls are on file[6], so check that the recall work was done.
Most reported problems
Owners filed 350 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. 25 mention a crash[1]. 5 mention a fire, and 42 injuries are reported[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[8] | 84 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 59,500 |
| Structure[2] | 50 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 64,500 |
| Electrical system[9] | 44 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 63,506 |
| Air bags[10] | 31 | 14 | 0 | 24 | 83,000 |
| Fuel system, gasoline[11] | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 79,200 |
| Power train[12] | 27 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 67,000 |
| Seat belts[13] | 20 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 71,000 |
| Latches, locks, linkages[14] | 20 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 52,800 |
We read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of the first four groups. Here is what owners describe.
- Engine. In 7 of the 12 texts[8] the van stalled, lost power while driving or would not start[8]. In several of them the dealer could not reproduce it. 3 of the 12[8] describe knocking, ticking or whistling noises[8].
- Structure. 10 of the 12 texts[2] are about the passenger-side power sliding door. Owners describe it reopening, opening on its own, a lock that did not work, or a beeping sound. 4 of the 12[2] describe a gap at the base of the door that a child could slip into. Three of those four texts are identical[2].
- Electrical system. 6 of the 12 texts[9] describe a van that would not start, shut off or broke down. 4 describe flashing warning lights, a loose wire, burned wiring or a very hot circuit box[9]. Some of these texts appear twice in the sample.
- Air bags. 6 of the 12 texts[10] say the air bags did not deploy in a crash. 4 describe[10] an air bag warning light that stayed on or came on and off[10].
Air bags have fewer complaints than the engine, but they carry the most crashes (14) and injuries (24) of the groups listed[10]. The electrical system has the most fires (4) of the groups listed[9].
Recalls
NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year[6]. Newest first.
- Sliding door interior handle (04V597). Potentially affected units: 717,302[3]. On certain minivans with a power sliding door on the passenger side, a passenger who holds the interior handle while the motor opens the door can be pushed into the seat back or armrest. A wrist or lower arm injury can result. Dealers replace the passenger-side interior handle[3]. Until the repair, the recall notice says the driver should open the door with the switches or the key fob[3].
- Sliding door actuator (01V264). Potentially affected units: 248,737[4]. It applies to vans whose power sliding door was serviced in an earlier campaign in 2001, and to certain 2001 vans built early that year. Inadequate welds can let the actuator jam so the door closes without latching. The door can then open while the van is moving, and an unbelted passenger could fall out. Dealers inspect and, if needed, install a new actuator assembly[4].
- Sliding door latch (01V067). Potentially affected units: 477,011[5]. The power sliding door may close without latching and can open while the van is moving. An unbelted passenger could fall out. Dealers install a new unlatch actuator assembly. NHTSA says this recall continued under 01V264[5].
- Seat belt buckles (00V228). Potentially affected units: 156,305[15]. The base of certain seat belt buckles was not properly heat treated and does not meet the federal strength requirement. In a crash the occupant may not be held properly. Dealers check the buckle date codes and replace buckles if needed[15].
- Fuel tank rollover valves (99V268). Potentially affected units: 235, all extended wheelbase minivans[16]. Some may have rollover valves that do not work, so fuel could leak in a rollover. A fire could result if something ignites the fuel. Dealers inspect the vans and replace affected fuel tanks[16].
Three of the five recalls involve the power sliding door[3][4][5]. Ask for proof that the recall work was done.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the Venture with the 3.4L 6-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic[7] at 17 MPG city, 24 highway and 19 combined[7]. It runs on regular gas and is front-wheel drive[7]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,550[7]. EPA bases that figure on its current fuel price assumptions[7].
Safety ratings
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 2000 Venture as not rated[17]. That means there is no star score to compare. The recall and complaint records above are the safety information we have.
Engine and size
The EPA fuel economy listing is for a 3.4L 6-cylinder engine[7]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans.
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 432 | 6 |
| 1998 | 409 | 7 |
| 1999 | 349 | 4 |
| 2000 | 350 | 5 |
| 2001 | 222 | 9 |
| 2002 | 220 | 3 |
| 2003 | 185 | 5 |
| 2004 | 124 | 3 |
| 2005 | 42 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts for each Chevrolet Venture model year show complaints falling over time[6]. The 2000 model year has 350 complaints[6]. Only 1997 (432) and 1998 (409) have more, and 1999 is almost level at 349[6]. Later years are lower, from 222 for 2001 down to 42 for 2005[6].
For recalls, 2000 has 5[6]. Three years have more: 2001 with 9, 1998 with 7 and 1997 with 6[6]. 2003 also has 5[6].
These counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold. Treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2000 Venture?
The records show a van with a clear weak spot around the power sliding door, which appears in three recalls[3][4][5] and in 10 of the 12 structure complaint texts we read[2]. Air bag complaints are fewer, but they include the most crashes and injuries[10]. Before buying, confirm the recall work was done, test the sliding door many times, and check that the air bag light behaves normally. Stalling and no-start reports appear in the engine and electrical samples[8][9], and at 19 combined MPG[7] the EPA estimates a yearly fuel cost of $3,550[7]. A van this age needs a careful inspection, and our data cannot tell you about the condition of any single vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Chevrolet Venture?
- Engine is the largest complaint group with 84 of 350 complaints[8][1]. The power sliding door shows up in the structure complaints and in three recalls[2][3][4][5]. Air bag complaints have the most crashes and injuries[10].
- Does the 2000 Chevrolet Venture have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists five: sliding door interior handle (04V597), sliding door actuator (01V264), sliding door latch (01V067), seat belt buckles (00V228) and fuel tank rollover valves (99V268)[3][4][5][15][16].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2000 Chevrolet Venture?
- The EPA rates it at 17 city, 24 highway and 19 combined MPG for the 3.4L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic[7].
- What is the safest year for the Chevrolet Venture?
- Our data does not rank safety. By complaint count, later years have fewer, from 222 in 2001 to 42 in 2005, but counts are not adjusted for sales[6].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 350 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Chevrolet Venture (25 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 42 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 04V597, filed December 22, 2004: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V264, filed August 21, 2001: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V067, filed March 8, 2001: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Venture model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Venture FWD, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 84 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,506). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the air bags component group (14 crashes, 0 fires, 24 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the seat belts component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 00V228, filed August 7, 2000: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 99V268, filed September 29, 1999: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, VENTURE 4DR: length 187 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,770 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, VENTURE EXTENDED W/B 4DR: length 201 in, width 72 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,880 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, VENTURE EXTENDED W/B CARGO: length 201 in, width 72 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,426 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov