44 problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Venture. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine failure due to leaking intake manifold gaskets which allowed dextrol coolant to mix with oil. Complete engine failure requiring engine replacement. Appears to be an issue with this engine, but no assistance from general motors. Dt.
At 60,000 miles my Chevrolet Venture started to leak coolant and I took it to my local Chevrolet dealer and they said that the intake manifiold gasket needed replacement. Cost approx. $800. 00 including cooling system flush and tax. Dealer said that gm was not paying for all or part of the repair and in fact they have not commented to it's dealers about the failure of the intake manifold gaskets at all. Obviously gm does not want to admit a problem with the 3. 4l engine. My research finds that this is a very common and costly problem with these vehicles.
After much research with area gm dealerships and your website, it appers that the 1998 Venture Mini-van's intake manifold gasket develops a leak at 80000 to 90000 miles. I had this replacement in may 2002. Since my van was out of warrenty by 1000 miles (it was shy 2 weeks of being 4 years old). I spoke with gm's customer service and they stated there was nothing they could do about it. Even though I have maintained my vehicle on schedule for all tune-up/oil changes/tire rotations, etc. I ended up paying $575. 00 to have the intake manifold gasket replaced. Since then my van has never been the same. It is now in the shop in need of a whole new engine with only 82000 miles. It seems a piston rod spun and damaged the crank shaft. After much investigation, I was told that the problem with the intake manifold gasket could have caused all of this. Now I am faced with replacing the whole engine with an used engine with 4,000 miles for $2400 + tax, getting a remanufactured engine for $3865 or trading in the car. I do believe an investigation in the leaking of the intake manifold gasket should definately be pursued. I would really appreciate any assistance. For the headlight, my headlight lens fall off while I was driven on a highway going about 55 mph. I never could found the lens and lucky the lens flying off did not cause a crash. I contacted the gm assistance program and once again was told there was nothing could be done to assist us. This wasn't a known problem. After investigating again, I see this is a known problem. Replacing the lens meant replacing the whole headlight unit at the tune of $328. 03. What is the consumer to do??no safety defect listed.
January 2002 low coolant light came on. Contacted dealer who advised that if no leaks visible to add specific coolant if needed and recontact if further illumination of light occurs. Small amount of coolant( type specific as per owners manual) was added. Approx. One week ago light again illuminated. Small amount of coolant added. On 3/26/2002 coolant system pressurized and found to have leak from engines intake manifold gasket. Have been told by numerous sources that the gm 3. 4l engine has had numerous failures of intake manifold gaskets. Nlm.
Rear window on vehicle blew out. In 2001 the rear window had to be replaced because it had blown out. In 2003, the same window had blown out again which was the original from gm. There was no seal around the original window. The lower intake manifold seal had to be replaced by gm in which they covered half the cost. There were other Chevrolet's with the same problem. (the cracked sealed leaked coolant into the engine) the consumer felt that gm should reimburse the insurance company.
Vehicle taken in for routine oil change at 39000 miles. Mechanic informed us that there was a manifold intake leak that would cost $600+ to fix. I did not do the repair, but have since been informed that there is damage to the engine and that not repairing could cause sudden engine failure. Something known and common like this is shameful for a car 3000 miles out of warranty. I suspect the problem was present at the oil change prior to 36k.
While the consumer was changing the oil noticed engine coolant intake manifold head gasket developed a crack.
1998 Chevrolet Venture manifold leak. The coolant level was down quite often.
While driving temperature gauge started fluctuating from high to low, and vehicle overheated due to the intake manifold leaking anti freeze onto the engine.