7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,590
Average Mileage:
89,750 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. fix lifters that pulled out of head (1 reports)
  3. replace rocker arm assembly (1 reports)
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problem #8

Sep 022012

Venture ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,124 miles

I can't believe it when we first purchased this venture it ran good for about 3 months then they had to fix the head as coolant was leaking into the head, after we got it back we drove it a bit the the engine light was on so we took it in for service so they said the head has a problem & they tried to make me pay for it again, which i refused and after a long conversation we left with no out of pocket expense, drove it 2 months engine light comes on, sensor bad, drove it 2 weeks engine light comes on again, so we took it to pep boys for free engine analysis they said it needs a full tune up which would cost about $580.00 wires plugs, etc, my dad was a cert mechanic & body man i was backyard mechanic body man, etc just by the sound i don't think it is a tune up & do not have the $ to spend to get it fixed especially if it is not what they say it is, so 2 days later after calling 4 other mechanics the Chevy Dealer next block over has diagnostic test so we drove it over, they say that the #3 cylinder has no compression and that there is internal motor problems and they guesstimate the cost to be over $2000.00 i definitely do not have even close to that kind of $ the van is gorgeous looks as i just pulled it off he showroom floor, we love this van, this is my mobility vehicle that has the power chair lift that i take to my doctor appointments as i am a paraplegic with a spinal cord injury unable to walk if anyone can help me out here i will greatly appreciate it i am in dire need of getting this running again. Thank you

- bigmang, Williamstown, NJ, US

problem #7

Feb 132011

Venture 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,134 miles

The engine has always had a tick. Finally, I can explain why. The rocker arm assembly mounting bolts have a defect either in the design, torque or threading. What finally happens is the tick will become very loud and your engine will start missing. This is because the rocker arm assembly bolts have striped out and come loose. Had the one head and bolts replaced and the ticking was almost gone, but still had a slight tick when engine was cold. That tick is now gone since the other rocker arm assembly came loose while on vacation just two weeks after getting the one side repaired. The van is now going to be sold as is or donated to Good Will. No more GMs for me after only owning Chevy for 30 years. I will enter my complaint about my Silverado separately.

- freddiemac, Fairfield, OH, US

problem #6

Apr 082011

Venture V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,659 miles

My venture started tapping real bad and losing power. I took it to a mechanic he said I had a dead cylinder and I need a new engine. I could not afford it so I pulled the valve cover off and the lifters on the number 2 cylinder had pulled out of the head.So don't always trust your "TRUSTING" mechanic.

- James B., Collinsville, OK, US

problem #5

Aug 032010

Venture LS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

My engine taps too!!! I have read all of the complaints about our Ventures, and we ALL have the same issues. I have some issues that are not listed here, but overall, the issues that are mentioned are ones that everyone of us have!!!! GRRRRRRRR

- badpesta, Fenton, MI, US

problem #4

Nov 052009

Venture LT 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Tapping from engine on start. Eventually quiets down. have switched to High Mileage Oil. Sounds like a rocker arm or lifter.

- Sandra D., Bristol, VA, US

problem #3

Dec 102009

Venture LS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,016 miles

what the hell is wrong with these engines?? I took to dealer and they said this is normal for the 3.4. I may be an idiot but how the hell is it normal for an engine to tap??

- Chad J., Lancaster, OH, US

problem #2

Mar 052007

(reported on)

Venture LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,896 miles

I'm absolutely livid that GM is aware of this problem. The local Chevy dealership told me that "They've developed a new type of gasket now that doesn't leak." Isn't that special. Meanwhile, my 4 year old van is sitting here with an "Intake lower coolant leak" which will cost ME $800 + to have fixed.

- Lesley M., Farmington, MO, US

problem #1

Oct 272005

(reported on)

Venture LS

  • 37,000 miles

chevy says that a tapping sound in the engine is normal that there is no problem there but i think it is only because the extended warranty runs out in about a 1000 miles

- Curtis A., Garner, NC, US