Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Van caught on fire driver's side rear (by the gas tank) while we were travelling about 65 MPH, at night time, on a crowded freeway. There was no warning, the only indication I had that something was wrong was that the ABS light came on. Other people on the freeway were honking etc because they could see what I could not. By the time I got down to about 40 MPH, all the lights went out. I got it over to the side of the road. Smoke filled the passenger compartment. We got out and ran. A wrecker driver put out most of the fire before the fire dept. Got there. I had the van picked up and brought home. I contacted general motors and asked that they come take a look at this thing. They declined to be responsible and refused to send anyone. I took it to an electrical shop and they determined that the fire started at the plug in the back where you can plug in a tv or whatever. …
I have experienced numerous electrical problems, including the ABS, TCS, and air bag lights coming on intermittently, and the dealer has said there's nothing wrong and reset it. My electric passenger side door would open for no reason when I'm trying to shut it. Now, my brake light was out, so I replaced the bulb. That did not solve the problem. My husband then looked at it and determined that the wire pins/plugs are burnt and exposed on both sides. Now I have no brake or tail lights, no blinkers, no reverse lights, and at night the top brake light is the only light and it stays on all the time. When I put the brakes on the dash lights dim and the radio lights turn off, the emergency lights come on, and the blinker goes at different speeds. When I called the dealer, they told me to call GM. …
Numerous intermittent electrical problems. The air-bag light indicator on the instrument panel would stay on after starting, but only intermittently. Instrument panel air-bag light would intermittently stay on. I took the vehicle to a Chevrolet service center on 3 different occasions. Onboard computer was replaced at my expense, left rear tail light was replaced at my expense.battery corroded and was replaced at my expense. Problems went away briefly after service but came back instrument panel ABS & TCS (traction control system) lights will come on and stay on after vehicle has been driven for 5 minutes or so, but not on every trip only intermittently. Also when applying the brakes the emergency flasher / turn signal lights will come on. Vehicle has 55K miles and is no longer under warranty, this vehicle is dangerous in my opinion.
This will be a list of most of the problems. I have complained of smelling anti-freeze since I purchased the van new. It currently has 94K on it and I have done all scheduled maintenance on it. I think the clock work oil changes is the only reason it still runs. Manifold gaskets, intake, head...have been replaced twice and need it again, really bad. But I just do not have 5-800 bucks laying around to do a gasket job again since I just did it a year ago. The anti-freeze diluting the oil has messed up a couple pistons. They slap very bad OK here is my list (I have dealer invoices for everything fixed the first time and receipts for parts and labor the second time, or my husband got sick of paying for the same crap so he would fix things) (he is in the automotive testing and design field)
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Venture. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH when she smelled a burning odor. She then noticed white smoke emitting from the front driver side door. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The contact and passengers immediately exited the vehicle. The contact waited fifteen minutes to allow the door to cool down before accessing. The inner door panel was detached. The plastic parts inside of the door panel were melted and other inner components were severely damaged. The vehicle resumed normal operation and was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer regarding the safety hazard. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Venture. The contact lost her key to the vehicle and attempted to use the pass key to move the vehicle. The vehicle started, but then shut off. She made three attempts to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The contact found the original key and attempted to start the vehicle. The wheel would not move and she was unable to start the vehicle. She inserted the key and heard a beeping sound, which indicated that the battery was functioning. She called several dealers and mechanics, who stated that they could not assist with the issue. The current and failure mileages were 97,585.
Day of purchase, major engine failures replacement of nearly everything then some. Continues to ARC electrical sparks under the hood. Electrical shorting of all components within the van internal engine issues not correctable just bandaiding fuel issues with oil coolant and arcing constitutes a fire and possibly death. I have all serviced repair documents if one should need to view them.
The passenger power sliding door of my 1999 Chevy Venture stopped working in the closed position. When this happened the horn quit, and the low coolant light blinks on frequently. A local mechanic said that there was a bulatin out to reprogram the computer on this vehicle, and that it was a programming error. I am disabled and I depend on this door for my wheelchair ramp, etc.
While driving there was an electrical fire behind the instrument panel. Driver was able to exit safely. Fire was put on by the owner. Fire department did respond. Vehicle will be towed to the dealership. Not sure if vehicle will be totalled. Please provide any further information.
Windsheild wipers come on by there self at random,and on different settings. Headlights will work at random. I keep hearing a popping sound coming from under the dash,but of course service tech cannot find a problem with this vehicle.
Electrical complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, 6% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Venture electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.