NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 233 owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (43) and service brakes, hydraulic (29). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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).
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET VENTURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 04/19/2016.*JB”
“ON THE WAY TO TAKING MY SON TO WORK, I NOTICED A LOUD BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2002 CHEVY VENTURE VAN. UPON CHECKING THE DASHBOARD FOR A WARNING SIGNAL, THERE WEREN'T ANY WARNING LIGHT'S DISPLAYED.I JUST RECENTLY HAD REAR BRAKE WORK DONE AND I'M NOT SURE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A LOUD PITCHED WHISTLING SOUND THAT STARTS AT ABOUT 20 MPH AND STOPS AT ABOUT 45 MPH. THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE THAT ACCOMPANIES THE WHISTLING SOUND WHEN THE CAR IS IN ACCELERATION. *TR”
“TEMP GAUGE TRYS GO HOT HAD CHECK NOTHING ENGENE MISFIRE HAD CHECK 7 TIMES NOW. REPLACE MASS AIR TEMP SENSORE TWICE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS. PLUGS AND WIRES TWICE IN ONE MONTH HAS WIRE SHORTAGE FOR AC AND WE HAVE PAID OUT ALOT OF MONEY FROM DAY 2 OF OWNING THIS WAS GOING SELL BUT I WOULD SELL THIS CRAP TO NO ONE.. NOW SAYS O2 SENSORE LEFT WHEEL SENSOR AND MUCH MORE CODES JUNK LIKE THIS DONT NEED TO BE SOLD..”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venture FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Venture AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 233 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (43), service brakes, hydraulic (29), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Chevrolet Venture at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).