Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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, engine light came on, pulled over engine tapping & smoking. No oil light or change in temp, gauge observed. Had to walk on interstate 1.2 miles took ride from unknown couple, had van towed. Diagnoses was: intake gasket collapsed, causing connecting rod to go through engine. Dealership & GM customer care refused any assistance. Overwelmed by severity of this gasket problem readily available on the internet. We replaced our engine with a used one, that is all we could afford. It definitely was the faulty gasket that caused our engine to be replaced. When this first happened, no dummy light came on, nothing to even tell me there was a problem, such as low oil or service engine. The mechanic who replaced our engine told us he has seen several Chevy Venture vans with the same exact problem we had. …
(1)windshield wiper control failure. Wipers failed to operate / operated erratically during rainstorm at night. Wipers work at times, not at all at others. Turning them off, then back on May get them working again, or maybe not. (2) had to pull off of the interstate. Was only able to get the wipers running on intermittent mode. Continued driving to destination with caution (white knuckle driving all the way). (3) problem has not been diagnosed yet. Will not drive in the rain, until problem is successfully diagnosed / repaired.
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.
The drivers side window regulator on my van as broken several times. It starts by just coming of track and you have to push the window to get it to close and seal and eventually the regulator brakes all together and the window slams down or you hear a loud metal pop and the window goes forward and the corner that is in the upper left is now in the center of where the window should be. It came real close to shattering the window. We replaced the regulator and it is doing it again.
While driving at high speeds antifreeze was mixed in with the oil. This caused the vehicle to vibrate. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. This caused the transmission to break. The sliding door on the driver's side rubber trim had fallen off, water would get into the trunk when it rained, and the rear windshield did not work properly.
The windshield wipers intermittently stopped while in operation or not work at all during inclement weather. This caused poor visibility while driving, which could lead to a vehicle crash. The dealer informed the consumer that the windshield wipers were not covers under a recall. Recall# 98V072000.
Windshield wipers intermittently go off by themselves when hitting a normal bump in the road, and when the front/rear heater or air conditioner controls are used. In addition, driver's information message center in the extended overhead console has never worked properly. Temperature gauge increases at least 1/8 to 1/4 inches and stayes there. Air bag wires are still exposed to rea rpassenger's seat. Drover's/passengers door locks failed. Headlights go off by themselves every 10 seconds. Finally, evaporative emission canister failed prior to recall. 780180 dup of 533715; posted on 09-07-1999.
When it rains it goes into vehicle where dome light and electronic computer were mounted on the ceiling which May cause an electrical short. Also, on middle rear seat both seatbelts jammed and would not lock in place, which wont protect child in event of a crash. Dealer replaced passenger's side seatbelt, and fixed driver's rear seatbelt. Finally, rear middle window pin kept falling, which allowed the windows to stay open. Dealer fixed the problem 3 times, but on the fourth time, they replace the whole unit. Please provide further information.
Intermittent operation of windshield wipers. In addition, all electronics on dashboard goes on and off/headlights go off by themselves every 10 seconds/driver's controls for door locks failed/evaporative emission canister vend solenoid valve assembly failed prior to manufacturer's recall/poor idling and vehicle is sluggish/driver's information center fails to work properly, and air bag wires are still exposed to rear passengers' feet.
Rear windshield wiper goes off when shutting the automatic passenger door/all electronics an dashboard goes off when using headlight controls/headlights goes off by themselves every 10 seconds/driver's control for door locks has completely gone out/evaporative emission canister vend solenoid valve assembly failed prior to recall, van is not idling properly.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger Mini vans equipped with traction control systems. The windshield wiper linkage arm can contact a brake line which is connected to the traction control system modulator valve. This contact can chafe the brake line resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will install a brake line clip to ensure proper clearance. Also the brake lines will be inspected to any damage caused by this condition and will replace any damaged lines.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Chevrolet Venture, 5% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Venture window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-072 (linkages, Apr 7, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Venture window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 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.