This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The headlight assemblies had to be replaced, due to the lens covers popping out and the headlamps blowing out, the problem was due to a defective venting system in the headlamps, and that the manufacturer was aware of the problem.
Drivers side, the lens of the headlight fell off. The bulbs keep breaking because of moisture. The dealer said its not covered in the extended warranty. The replacemment will cost app. $269. I have already replaced the bulb 5 times at $8.99 apiece.
I reported the headlights to the dealer while under warranty (under 36000 miles) (condensation on inside of both headlight's lens). They said it was normal. After the 36000 mile warranty was up (at 43,200 miles), the driver's side headlight cover fell off (exposing the inner workings). They said it would cost $275 for a new sealed beam headlight. I think it wasn't sealed under warranty and it failed (fell off because of a bad seal on the assembly).
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
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The passenger's side headlight lens cover fell off. Based on website searchs, this apparently has been a recurring problem with the headlights on the Venture, Pontiac Transport, and Oldsmobile sihouhette due to a breakdown of the adhesive material the retains the lens cover to the housing. This can cause the headlight to burn out if exposed to rain. GM issued a bulletin (#00-08-42-003) to help reduce the cost of repair but it is still significant (approx. $150). Due to the potential safety issue, I feel that this should be looked in to for a possible recall. Thank you.
The passenger's side headlight lens covers fall off, on 11/1/00 this cause the bulb to short out due to exposure to rain, shortly after, the driver's side headlights lens cover fell off, mechanic discovered glue that holds lens cover to headlight assembly failed.
The lens on both headlights have now failed. Evidently moisture leaks into the assembly and the heat of the light causes rapid expansion, blowing the lens off. The lens is only held in place with adhesive. Off course this only happens at night when you need lights.
Whenever it rains headlights fill up with water. Then, when turning on headlights and if water is there, they would blow out. This causes lenses to get moisture build up from inside, and cuts off visibility. Consumer has to use high beams.-
Cover of driverside's headlights came off while vehicle was in motion. It appeared to be improperly installed with poor adhesive materials. Passenger side also loose and showing condensation. Both head lights were replaced by the dealer.
Assembly collects water through faulty seals. Condensate reduces illumination. Eventually lens falls off, bulb explodes if hot and rain strkes it, causing headlight to fail.
When it rains residue/condensation buildup on headlight lens, causing visual difficulty which could result in a crash. Dealer was aware of the defect, and put out a tsb bulletin in which dealer will blowout the residue/condensation with a "airgun." But this problem is always occurring. The driver has to take the vehicle to the dealer every time it rains or weather is damp and wait 3-4 hours while the dealer blow ot condensation with airgum.
I spoke to customer service at Chevrolet and they said my car was not in for a recall for moisture being in the lights or the headlight front coming off. I noticed in ODI id 714982 someone had submitted a complaint on moisture in the lights. At this point my right head light front cover has come off. With close investigation it looks as if the adhesive had dried up and gone bad. About two months ago I noticed the left headlight had moisture in it. The moisture in the right headlight appeared about 6 months or so ago. I was told by the mechanic that it looks like the adhesive is going bad in the left headlight. I believe this is a manufacturer defect.
Excessive water vapor in headlights reduces light. Current fix was to drill holes. Excessive water vapor in front turn signals increases glare and confuses traffic when turning. No fix offered.
The headlight lens has moisture inside it. I feel this effects the lighting at night as it certainly must obstrict the light beam. The headlights on this vehicle are the worst I've ever had on a vehicle even without this defect. The car was purchased from wheels Inc. Leasing. I simply went to seif chev. To initiate the complaint and see if there was a fix. They referred me to a Chevrolet cust. Complaint nbr. 800 222-1020. Icalled this number and talked to a customer rep who took my complaint to investigate. He gave me a file nbr. 990559403. This call was made on 10/29/99. I did not hear anything further and on 11/18/99 I again called chev. Cust. Svc. And referred to the file number. The person put me on hold and called seif chev. He then came back to me and said there was nothing that could be done. It was a common occurrance to have moisture inside these headlight lens and it was felt by chev. That this was not a problem. I, as previously stated do feel it is a problem and it is caused either by bad design or poor manufacture. I think it should be looked into. Not only the chev Venture but also the olds silouette and Pontiac mini vans.
Night driving is dangerous due to the poor quality of the headlights. They lack the intensity needed to adequately light the road ahead for speeds in excess of 35 mph.
When driving the headlights will come on automatically when it gets dark or when driving in a garage. Owner wants to be able to operate the headlights manually, so that they can be switched off in parking garages where they are not allowed to be used.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jim Falls, WI, USA