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 1999 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When entering an intersection after leaving a stop sign the traction control light and ABS light on the dash came on and the van began jerking and lurching in intersection unable to move through intersection for atleast 10 seconds before the lurching stopped. Always happens when coming from a stop such as a red light, when entering street from side road. Happens intermittently, more often when engine is cold. Have come close to being hit many times, other drivers have had to slam their brakes to stop from hitting me because it can lurch and jerk not going anywhere for up to 30 seconds at times while van is in intersection or entering a road. ABS motor was found to be weak, but mechanic cannot find problem with the traction control system in order to fix it.
My 1999 Chevrolet Venture minivan has had numerous problems. The one I am most concerned with is the automatic transmission. The transmission makes the car jerk when I either slow down or stop in heavy traffic. This happens when I press on the accelerator to gain speed again. It doesn't happen every time but more often than not. There are also times when driving down the road it whines. Also have a problem with what I figure is electrical. Sometimes the ABS light stays on and then eventually goes off. Also, the air bag light comes on intermittently.
While driving 15 MPH had a frontal impact in which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, and did not protect the occupants in the crash. Front end was totaled. Also, emergency parking brake malfunctioned which not slow vehicle down in the crash. Manufacturer admitted there was a problem with the emergency parking brake. Please provide further information.
While driving outside brake pad on the left rotor fell off. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who found the left rotor and inside pad were rusted. The mechanic installed anew left rotors and pads. Right pad and rotor was replaced. Mechanic stated the rust on the left pad and rotor was normal, consumer disagreed.
I was parking my car at a mall, I put on the brake and hit brake pedal and accelerator pedal together, the accelerator almost took my car into the cement parking bollard, but I managed to stop the car 1 1/2 " from damaging the car. I have complained in the past about this problem of the height of the pedals to Chevrolet dealer with no satisfaction. "that's they way they are built, there is no defect". This situation has caused me problems in the past, almost hitting a curbstone and the like. I could be blamed for hitting a pedestrian because the accelerator takes over before the brake pedal if both are pushed simultaneously. The brake pedal should be mounted so that it will be pushed first so as to stop the car and not allow the accelerator pedal to be pushed. I got no help from the dealer. I am afraid that I could get into a serious accident because of this situation. …
I have had so many problems 1. The inner brake pads wore down to the steel ruining the inside of both rotors about 3,000 miles. Under warranty. But the brake pads. 2. Battery acid is corroding about 4,000 miles the dealership pay all still under warranty 3. Battery again but it turn out to be the alternator about 6,500 the dealership pay under warranty. 4. The tread completely separated from the sidewall. P215/70r15, fire stone on all four tires. Dealership did not cover tire have no warranty on new vehicle 7,000 miles 5. Water leak, and carpet is wet every time it rains I feel it is coming from the windshield. Warranty does not cover. 8,000 still does it at 50,256. 6. Lighter keep shorting out and ac keep mess up under the warranty 7. While driving the check oil light and the battery line came on. The vehicle shut off, loosing all power the intake manifold under warranty 38,000 miles. …
Female driver in near vicinity of atm machine at local bank when another vehicle pulled out, requiring quick reaction and applying hard braking action. The brake pedal reacted with a sudden loss of pressure and a spongy feel. Driver attempted to drive 4 miles to home and resulted in a total loss of brake pressure with pedal traveling to floor. Visual observation by vehicle owner discovered chaffing contact and subsequent failure of brake line with windshield wiper drive bar located under hood. The brake line chaffed is one of four lines leaving the master brake cylinder and contact made with drive bar of wiper system in the area of brake line containing metal braid on a small flexible length. Hose diameter approximately .50. …
Coolant level kept dropping and the brakes felt spongy. Took to local dealer and found that mainfold gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced and the rear cylinders were leaking and needed to be replaced. Repair cost $1078.00 for both. This van only has 56,000 miles. Good to see that others are having problems with these components, maybe the manufacturer needs to recall and fix these problems. A vehicle owner shouldn't have to spend this kind of money(for these kind of repairs) and risk their family on the roadside on vehicles with this few of miles and age. I've also had an air bag warning light on for most of the time that I've had the vehicle. It was worked on a couple of times during the warranty period. The dealer said it was an air bag sensor problem. This vehicle has front and side air bags. I hope the air bags deploy in case of an accident.
Intermittently while driving braking system will activate without the occupant's request, causing the van to feel like "pulling on a load". Dealer replaced master cylinder. However, problem still occurring. Also, replaced the ABS braking system, and resurfaced the brake rotors. Presently, the brakes feel spongy, and cause extended stopping distance.
Consumer states that after dealership repaired the recall for the sliding door for the 3rd time,the door slide open, and child fell out off vehicle.dealer/manufacturer contacted.they are not helpful, do not want to take responsibility. Mr also having problems with steering, ABS brakes lights are on and the Firestone tires blew out.
Brake complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, 9% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Venture brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, though it has 4 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 1999 Chevrolet Venture brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.