Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1998 Chevy Venture. Rear brake line failure. Brake line was rusted through-midway from front to back on both rear brake line's. These lines are made of metal and have several 90 degree bends along the frame of the vehicle. There were no events leading up to equipment failure. I was backing the vehicle out of the driveway when the brake pedal went to the floor and lost all resistance. Should this have occurred while traveling at legal speed limit and proper following distance the results could be catastrophic for the vehicle occupants and other motorist involved. Stainless steel materiel should be used for equipment as important as this.
Anti-look brake system light came on and stayed on. Other lights are now flashing whem brakes are used. The main brake, signal and running lights have stipped working. The only brake lights working now are the LED lights on the rear door. System is acting like it has a short or grounding condition. Unable to use this vehicle and is parked. Unable to repair this due to being on a fixed income. Vehicle was inspected and past the last part of April 2004.
Air bag warning lights came on and stayed on. The consumer stated the air bag light illuminated shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The dealer repaired it, however two weeks later the light illuminated again. The consumer was told the air bag module on the passenger side was bad. Also the vehicle had brake problems.
The ABS system was inoperative. The rear ABS motor needed to be replaced. The ABS warning light cames on and stayed on. While driving the ABS light and brake light illuminated. When the brake pedal was applied it felt hard. The dealer indicated that the brake were fine buthte ABS was disabled.
The ABS light turns on continously. The dealer under GM assistance have fail to resolve the problem over a period of nine month. This Mini van is use to transport my 1 year son, my three year old daugther,and my wife. I am a mechanical engineer and I have asked for engineering assistance on this matter from both GM and jon hall Chevrolet, but the assistance has been denied. Please advised if my family is in any danger if transported by this vehicle under an ABS light signal. . The dealer's and manufacture don't seem to be regarding it as life threatning. The system code computer has recorded system failure in its code log. It does not seem to be a light relay getting stuck. Please advise. …
While applying the brake pedal the hazard lights turned on its own and the brake light failed. The ABS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The driver will contact the dealer in the near future. The right tail light did not work properly, when the right turn signal on the brake pedal was applied, the directional signal flashed twice as fast as normal, but when the brake pedal was released, the directional signal flashed normal, also when the brakes were applied, both directional indicators on the instrument panel stayed on until the brake pedal was released, the ABS and TCS warning light had come on and stayed on until it was reset, around the same time the blower for the heat and air conditioning lost both the first and second speeds, the door lock cycle was intermittent and the consumer was locked out of the vehicle, the power sliding door had become inoperative and the …
Since purchasing this van I have had numerous problems, with the most recent being an engine replacement. This problem stems from the bad design of GM's intake gasket which breaks down and causes anti-freeze to leak into the engine causing premature wear and/or replacement.
Steering rack and pinion fell off while driving, causing lost of steering control. The component from rack and pinion that fell on the ground was due to a manufacturing defect. The dealer removed and replaced power steering rack, also the brakes failed.
Can raise bucket seat in 2nd row on passenger side. However, seat would not be locked on track, in position. Also, whenever brakes are applied, they would move either up or down & then squeal. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have it checked.
Link thats holds brake pedal in place broke, leaving brake pedal hanging, and none responsive. Dealer has been contacted. The dealer found the clip was missing from brake pedal asselmbly.
Brake complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Venture, 6% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Venture brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Venture brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.