Four problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The power steering failed. She had received the recall notice concerning steering and had the remedy work performed. However, the problem persisted.
The power steering system failed preventing the steering wheel from turning and unable to control the vehicle. This was not a case of the power steering failing and it was hard to steer. The steering could not be turned and I could feel the power steering preventing me from turning the wheel. This happened in a parking lot, at slow speed, where I could pull over and have the car towed. The car could not be driven safely.
When the accessory drive belt gets wet there is a very good chance that the power steering will stop working. My wife was making a right hand turn at an intersection and went through a puddle. She immediately lost power steering and almost crashed into another car. I have had it happen to me as I turned into my driveway. I have contacted Chevrolet and was told that there are no recalls on my van. I took it into the dealer (not the one listed here) and they could find nothing wrong with it. Losing power steering in a Mini van while making a turn can have serious consequences.
Loss of power steering assist when going through shallow water.