Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Began noticing harsh shifts in automatic transmission of 1999 Chevrolet Venture van in summer of 2003 when van had approximately 85,000 miles. In fall of 2003, harshness of shifting became more pronounced and van was inspected by a transmission repair faciilty. I was advised that my transmission was failing because of insufficient fluid pressure, and if left unaddressed, the transmission would soon fail, leaving me stranded at the location of transmission failure. I was further advised by the repair facility that such transmission problems are indicative of Chevrolet Venture vans and that they were surprised I was able to drive my vehicle for as many miles as I did before noticing a problem. …
I have had 3 main problems transmission, headlight moisture and airbag light illumination my 99 Venture has 79K miles on it and that transmission is shifting hard (dealer suggest a drain and flush) at 60K I had a valve in the transmission replaced for 800 dollars. I am afraid we will be replacing a transmission at 85000 miles. I can not believe it. The air bag light has been coming on since we bought the vehicle. We have had it in 7-9 times fixes ranged from clearing the code to tightening up a plug. The head light units have been taking on water and burning out lights for the last 20K miles. Sounds like a manufacturer defect. From what I have read on the internet a lot of people are having the same exact problems and I cannot believe GM would produce a vehicle like this and not stand buy there product.
Tl*- the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet ventura. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitates when shifting into second gear. She replaced the transmission, but the failure was still present.also there was a puddle of water on the frontal floor board. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility and a mechanic replaced the heater core. Immediately after the repair the engine overheated. The vehicle was re-inspected in which the mechanic concluded that the head gaskets failed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. The current mileage was 162,000.
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.
Transmission failure. Computer diagnostic at Chevrolet dealer indicates internal failure. Estimated cost of repair is $3000. The van shaked moderately during normal driving and the "check engine light" turned on. When the minivan was restarted (about 8 hours) the "check engine light" was off and the minivan was back to normal. However, the shaking symptom would reappear a week or two later. I have also noticed occasional hard transmission shifts during normal driving.
Venture with 89,800 miles has been hard, harsh shifting for some time, also whines. Dealer said possible pressure control solenoid epc needs replaced, no estimate. Dealer suggested to run vehicle until it becomes a real problem. Also discussed with tranny shop, they experienced many of these tranny problems, usually code 1811, replace pressure control solenoid (epc) but to correct problem tranny needs to be rebuilt, estimate $1,600 to $1,900 to do.
Vehicle will shift hard when driving in city (stop & go) conditions,to the point where you can feel the jolt in the floorboard when shift was made (actualy broke traction a couple of times) this vehicle has not been (dogged) or raced at these times of acurrance.once vehicle has been on the highway for a couple of miles (on the way to dealership) for service tech. To ride with to diagnose problem shifting is smooth again.
Bought at 1999 Chevrolet Venture van in summer of 2003. When the car warms up, the transmission slips and clunks. Bought without warranty; didn't do it until I had driven the car 30 miles. Problem due to defective bearing; should be recalled and fixed by GM!!!
Problems with transmission on 1999 Chevrolet Venture. The transmission was replaced and flushed when it shifted perfectly at that point. The consumer was told that problems with the transmission was common. The consumer received bulletin# 00 07 30 0028/replace the pressure control solenoid valve assembly. The consumer suggested that flushing the transmission damaged the pressure control solenoid valve assembly which caused poor shifting.
Upon making a left hand u turn, the vehicle, while under power, lost drive. The engine did not die, nor did it slip out of gear, after several engine rev's I coasted to the side of the road and stopped. After stopping power returned to the drivetrain. The danger was apparent as cars braked to avoid hitting a semi stalled car.
Transmission complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, 9% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Venture transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.