Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | ||||||||||||||||
| 08E050000 | K2 MOTOR CORPORATION | E (Equipment) | 1921 | 12/17/2008 | OVSC | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 08/11/2008 | 08/14/2008 | 571 | 108 | ||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement equipment and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by honda, ford, or chrysler llc. customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||||
| 3170E | 10019186 | Ipc, interior lights and/or headlamps flicker. *ak fb2 | 02/16/2006 | ||
| 3136 | 01/01/2004 | 10010026 | Daytime running lamps (drl) disable official government vehicles only. *tc | 11/03/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 04/19/2012 | 168000 | ||
| Both brake lights fail to illuminate. bulbs replaced numerous times. panels replaced twice. when panels replaced, will work approximately 1-2 weeks. upper light bar will illuminate. no warning as to when lights fail. numerous warnings by police to have fixed. | |||
| 04/07/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed through the reflection of another vehicle which had been driving extremely close, that both of his rear tail lights failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both tail light bulbs were replaced. the failure recurred which required the replacement of the tail light bulb continuously. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. pmb | |||
| 04/07/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed through the reflection of another vehicle which had been driving extremely close, that both of his rear tail lights failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both tail light bulbs were replaced. the failure recurred which required the replacement of the tail light bulb continuously. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. js | |||
| 08/13/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. the contact stated that the rear brake lights were not functioning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the technician advised that there was condensation and moisture throughout the front headlights and the rear brake lights. the technician stated that the headlight cover would have to be replaced but advised that the failure would continue to recur. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. | |||
| 08/13/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. the contact stated that the rear brake lights were not functioning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the technician advised that there was condensation and moisture throughout the front headlights and the rear brake lights. the technician stated that the headlight cover would have to be replaced but advised that the failure would continue to recur. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. kmj | |||
| 08/13/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. while stopped the contact was informed the rear brake lights were not functioning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. the technician stated there was condensation and moisture build up throughout the front headlights and the rear brake lights. the technician stated the headlight cover would have to be replaced but stated the failure would continue to occur. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. da | |||
| 12/14/2011 | |||
| We own a 2003 chevy venture and i have replaced the front driver signal bulb three (3) times and the rear brake/tail lights four (4) times already. i just changed both brakelight bulbs 03/19/12 and yesterday another motorist pulled around me to inform me that my brakeligts are out. once again i opened the brakelight housing and noticed the bulb housing is melting. could someone please advise. | |||
| 12/04/2007 | 51676 | ||
| Problem with the the rear right break light assembly socket board burning out & condensation or water leaking into the assembly also related to cause. multiple times electrical problems reported & replaced on this vehicle & again on 09/2011 & 12/2011 for same rear break issue. | |||
| 08/01/2009 | |||
| I have a 2003 chevy venture with brake light issues. the bulbs are always going out and when i replace it with a new bulb it will only last a day to a few weeks before going out again. when i take the bad bulb out you can see that the plastic is melted on the bulb. this is seems like a safety issue seeing that they go out so often you never know if you have brake lights. someone is going to get in an accident that can be avoided if chevy would recall this vehicle and fix the problem. i know a lot are having this issue. i have replaced bulbs and the circuit board hoping that would fix it but it only lasted a few months before the lights started going out again. | |||
| 01/01/2008 | |||
| Tail lights stop working, upon removing the bulb the socket and plastic on the bulb is melted. after cleaning up the bulb and replacing it, it will work from anywhere between 1 day to a couple weeks before stopping again. tail light circuit board has been replaced with an oem part and has the same results. this problem has resulted in many stops by police as you can never tell just when the lights will stop working. upon searching the internet this seems to be a very common problem with this and similar gm models. it is also a very dangerous problem as no one behind you can see you braking if the lights are not working. this problem has been ongoing since the van was purchased in '07. | |||
| 04/03/2011 | |||
| 2003 chevy venture brake lights continue to stop working. have already replaced the bulbs numerous times. the socket the bulbs plug into melted and i replaced that....bulbs are out again. | |||
| 02/01/2009 | 70000 | ||
| For the past 2 years, both rear brake lights continue to fail without any detectable reason. i have researched many fixes ranging from replacing blown circuit boards, bending prongs for better connection and greasing the connections. the dealership said replacing the bulbs would fix the issue, only to fail within the following week. an independent garage cleaned the components and bent the prongs holding the bulbs in place to give a better connection. the circuit boards have been replaced, but that didn't help either. iall of these solutions have worked for 2 weeks at the longest. there is no evidence of melting components, mositure or residue within the circuit boards or brake bulb connections. i have found, if i bang on each brake light prior to driving it might remain working until i get to my destination. i have 2 small children in the car with me almost 99% of the time, i'm scared of getting rear ended because the person behind me didn't know i was stoping because my brake lights didn't work. i'm hoping i'm one of many who have voiced their concern to your agency. | |||
| 03/26/2011 | 84000 | ||
| The brake lights on both sides stopped working after failing many times over. upon checking the bulbs and the voltage with a meteor....it was discovered that they do work as long as the sliding door is in motion, hardly acceptable while driving on the road. anything we can do about this? | |||
| 01/05/2011 | 51000 | ||
| Rear main brake lights always replacing and burn out frequently with no reason now rear ended .if my kids were sitting in the back seat they may be dead right now. i hear it is a problem nation wide | |||
| 01/02/2010 | 183000 | ||
| Tl. the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. the contact stated the headlight covers are fogged over impairing the contact vision while driving at night. the contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer. the contact has replaced the covers on the headlights. the contact stated the fogged headlights can cause a crash because it's difficult to see while driving. the failure mileage was 183,000. jo | |||
| 10/07/2009 | 75000 | ||
| We bought our 2003 chevrolet venture last year and have had constant problems with the brake light which do not work 80 % of the time. the circuit boards that hold the bulbs burn up the plastic and the bulbs which causes them to not light up when i press on my brakes. this is a consistent problem and even though i i have had the boards replaced twice and the connector to the boards replaced i still have the same problem. i have spent well over 500 dollars to try to correct this problem. i have read on several forums that this is a constant and consistent problem among hundreds of owners of the chevrolet venture of various year models, and i am sure there are more owners of this make and model out there with the same issue. one of these days i am going to get rear ended because i have no way of knowing if my brake lights are out. i am going to get hit and then either have myself or one of my three children end up in the hospital because of a defect on chevrolet's part. this is shameful that they have had various complaints about this problem but have yet to recall this defect because of saftey issues. | |||
| 01/18/2010 | 99600 | 1 | |
| All rear lights don't burn out they just short out the bases are melted and im afraid this will cause a electrical fire we just purchased the van on the 18. *tr | |||
| 02/01/2005 | 6 | 03/14/2004 | |
| Flashing of lights and fuel gauge floats drastically constantly. *bf the vehicle also experienced problems with low brake fluid, the door ajar, the rear hatch ajar, and the brake light remained on. *sc | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | |||
| 09/01/2008 | 65000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. he stated the brake lights were inoperable. upon attempting to change the light bulbs, he noticed the socket and the circuit boards were melted because of irregular electric flow. the risk of vehicle crash is increased if the ability to signal intentions to other drivers is not available. the failure mileage was 65,000 and the current was 72,000. the vin was not available. | |||
| 07/13/2005 | 41500 | 2 | 04/19/2004 |
| On my 2003 chevy venture extended i have had to replace both tail light braking bulbs. my concern is that the bulbs elements inside the bulb didn't burn out they shorted out at the socket on both drive and passenger side melting the bulb to the socket. i'm afraid that this is gooing to create a electrical fire. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS - SWITCH | |||
| 06/10/2006 | 83900 | 1 | 10/16/2003 |
| Except for center brake light, my brake lights do not work and at the same time took out my cruise control. i have done some research and it appears to be a faulty 'brake light switch' and i have seen many complaints about the same thing. *jb no brakes mean definite accident waiting to happen and i current have no brake lights. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||
| 05/25/2007 | 37000 | 2 | 05/26/2003 |
| The headlight & turn signal assemblies on the van continued to accumulate condensation in them. this has been going on for about 2 years now. the dealer will not fix it, stating it was cosmetic, and did not interfere with safe operation of the vehicle. we took it friday to get it inspected and it failed inspection. the cause of failure was contaminated light assemblies. we contacted the dealership from whom we bought the van, and was informed they would not do anything about it. the did admitted that they had several others with the same problem. they suggested we contact you. i removed the water from the headlight assemblies and got the van inspected again today. it did pass, but i felt certain condensation will be back again soon. i realized this may not appear to be a substantial problem, but it did interfere with the night vision capabilities. as i said earlier, this was not the first time i have removed water from the headlight assemblies on this van.*ak | |||
| 03/27/2007 | 1 | ||
| I filed a complaint already on a similar problem, odi number 10177955 on 1/5/2007 in which i had problems with condensation on the inside of my headlamps, making it difficult to see at night. the condensation now led to the driver's side halogen bulb exploding inside the headlight housing due to water accumulating inside the assembly splashing onto the bulb. there is no way to remove the glass from the exploded bulb from the inside of the headlight housing and there is no way to stop the condensation. i had to pay $180 for a new driver's side headlight housing. the passenger side headlamp has condensation forming inside. i am certain that i will have to replace the housing on the passenger side as well. *jb | |||
| 12/29/2006 | 56000 | 1 | 11/16/2003 |
| Both headlights have condensation forming on the inside. this will cause the headlights to be less effective. *jb | |||
| 06/14/2003 | 10 | 1 | 06/14/2003 |
| Left front headlight fills with water and fogs up the lens cover thus hindering the beam of the headlight. water literally stands in the light so much that when you bring the vehicle to a stop with the lights on, the beam is like an ocean wave. i have returned it to the dealership but they say they all do that and there is no remedy. we have been told to drill a hole in the casing to drain the water. my vehicle was bought new in june 2003. this has been a problem from the beginning. it is getting progressively worse. water is now standing inside the lens. what happens when the freezing temperatures come? will my light freeze and burst? 2 of my family members also own ventures and this seems to be a problem for them also. i have noticed other ventures parked in parking lots and some of them also have a fogged up left headlight lens. i truly feel that gm should fix this problem. it has been this was since i drove it off the lot brand new. surely a company with as much technology as gm has they could come up with a remedy for this leaking light. it really hinders your vision using the headlights. its like having a headlight out. standing water is also hard on the headlight bulbs. will this eventually cause an electrical short or possibly a fire at some point? *nm | |||
| 08/21/2006 | 55000 | 3 | 06/01/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated condensation built up inside the headlights causing the bulb to blow. the contact has replaced the bulbs three times. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - CONCEALMENT DEVICES | |||
| 03/27/2007 | 1 | ||
| I filed a complaint already on a similar problem, odi number 10177955 on 1/5/2007 in which i had problems with condensation on the inside of my headlamps, making it difficult to see at night. the condensation now led to the driver's side halogen bulb exploding inside the headlight housing due to water accumulating inside the assembly splashing onto the bulb. there is no way to remove the glass from the exploded bulb from the inside of the headlight housing and there is no way to stop the condensation. i had to pay $180 for a new driver's side headlight housing. the passenger side headlamp has condensation forming inside. i am certain that i will have to replace the housing on the passenger side as well. *jb | |||
| 12/29/2006 | 56000 | 1 | 11/16/2003 |
| Both headlights have condensation forming on the inside. this will cause the headlights to be less effective. *jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH | |||
| 01/23/2007 | 75000 | 2 | 03/29/2003 |
| Tl*- the contact has a 2003 chevrolet venture in which he had to replace the climate control switch because the fan switch stayed only on the low position, allowing for only one setting. the contact bought the replacement part and replaced the climate control switches on his own. while replacing the switches he noticed that the old unit had melted the plastic around the wire harness. the contact also had to replaced the left rear tail light assembly because it had completely corroded which made it inoperable. the contact is looking for reimbursement for the parts. the contact spoke with the manufacturer who stated that they wouldn't be able to consider any type of reimbursement because he didn't take the vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired. the failuer and current milage were 75000 miles. | |||