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.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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, 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 to $5200 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.

- Omaha, NE, USA

We own a 1997 Chevy Venture and I am fearful that I will be stranded on the side of the road with my children because the transmission light keeps coming on and we already had to replace the head gasket. This nearly happened at October of 2003. Now there is a ticking noise. This has been in the shop many times. We bought the vehicle new and have had nothing but trouble.

- Carmel, IN, USA

The intake gaskets on my wife's 1997 Chevrolet Venture failed, leaving her and my two daughters stranded on the interstate.

- Hartselle, AL, USA

Our 1997 Chevy Venture van with 65,000 miles on it just lost its second engine in less than two years. My wife and I are the original owners, and it began at 50 something thousand miles when the dealer stated the head gasket leaked and the engine had damage from the coolant. Now, on Nov 18th, 2003 the engine died and the mechanics say that it is the cam shaft undoubtedly from the original coolant damage. Information from the internet would indicate that this is a well known problem. Two engines in less than two years and I still owe on the loan.

- Roseville, MI, USA

While driving at 30 mph and without warning engine would stall, causing the consumer to pull over. Also, brakes were not working properly.

- Cicero, IL, USA

1997 Venture 3.4L V6 engine (37,000 mi), engine abruptly stopped while vehicle is running (one lane each way with middle turn lane). Complete loss of engine power, power steering, and power brakes. Problem traced to a well known problem withthese engines (3.1L and 3.4L V6) having internal coolant leakage that causes camshaft to break. Luckily, no other vehicle was following and I was able to pull off the road safely. Just worry that others may not be as fortunate.

- Troy, MI, USA

I own a 1997 Chevrolet Venture with 71000 miles. That has been maintained in accordance with the owners manual. Van started to over heat, took it to the dealer and was told there was engine damage due to coolant in the cylinder and engine oil. A leaky manifold gasket is the suspected cause. This appears to be a prevalent problem with this manufactures 3.4L engine.

- Loudon, NH, USA

Coolant leak at intake. Venture had 40,000 miles only.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

I took my 1997 Chevy Venture van to the dealer today for a previous recall for steering and to my supprise I was informed that my lower intake manifold gasket is bad and will cost approximately $600 to fix. Not everyone has that kind of money including me. I did some investigating on the internet and found that thousands of similar complaints have been filed. How many complaints need to be submitted before a recall is issued?

- Mooresville, NC, USA

Vehicle had a blown head gasket with significant engine damage at 56K miles. Engine had to be replaced.

- Centreville, VA, USA

Dealer said engine block cracked but engine had not previously overheated.

- Arlington, VA, USA

Manifold gasket cracked resulting in the vehicle overheating. Nlm

- Henry, IL, USA