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 1999 Chevrolet Venture owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I noticed a smell of hot antifreeze. Also it would make a lot of noise when starting up. The thermostat never showed anything overheating. Oil didn't show anything on the dipstick. We change the oil every 3000 miles. The dealership that tore into it had said we did not change the oil ever by the looks of the internals. We bought this used 1999 Chevy Venture lt , August 2000 having 34,000 miles on it already. The previous owner bought this van in October 1998 brand new. How could a vehicle have to have a motor dropped in with only 57,000 on it and have had done everything possible to keep everything in working order. This is not our first Chevy, our whole family buys chevys. Just to brag we have 13, and all of them maintained well. One even having over 200,000 miles on it,1995 Chevy astro. Anyway, I watch the gauges very closely and never did I see anything wrong.
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)
As I closed the tail gate the rear windscreen explded outwards resulting in minor cuts and abrasions on face,neck and arms. The whole windscreen just shattered for no reason. When safelite came to replace the glass their technician advised that this is a known issue with Chevy ventures, I believe that GMC should pay for this repair and not the consumer, costing $184.
Water pump failed -- fog filled car when pump failed. I was completely fogged in and could not see. I had to use my daughter's sweatshirt to wipe inside of windshield. Intake manifold gasket failed power window drivers side failed 2x shattered when it fell from track the second time
Heater fan does not operate on the two lower speeds. Bottom inside of tailgate is rusting from the inside. Power locks will not operate from door switches, only from the remote or when activated by putting vehicle into gear.
The windshield wiper pawl will cease to function and break while using in snowy conditions. Owner had to replace the entire windshield wiper system due to this small plastic piece breaking every year since ownership.
While driving north bound on I-71 in northern kentucky, my driver side window blew out. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and dialed "911". Within minutes, the kentuck state highway patrol was on the scene. As we evaluated the situation and condition of the vehicle in question, I had concerns that the window was shot out. The officer assured me that it was not for the projectile would still be in the vehicle. We further discussed other projectiles hitting the window and that too was ruled out for the same reason as previously stated. Also, the majority of the glass blew outside the vehicle. Glass fragments were inbedded into the paint on the driver side and additional chips were discovered in the rear window (same side) as well. The sound of the window shattering is similar to a shot gun blast. It scared the *&%&*% out of me, my wife and my children. …
6/99:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 2/00:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 5/01:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 9/01:replace passenger side doors power window switch. 12/01:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 6/02:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 10/02:replace passenger side doors power window switch. After repair the passenger side power lock switch stopped working. 3/03:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed. 5/03:automatic,power sliding door does not stay closed.
I was driving on the hwy and the side window next to the drivers seat exploded. There was no warning. It is supposed to be safety glass. It shaddered into thousand of pieces and they flew all over the van. It is my understand that safety glass is supposed to hold the glass together. This did not happened. It was like if the glass had been frozen and then shaddered. It was very dangerous and almost cause me to crash. Please advise me if this has happened to other Chevy vans.
When using windshield wipers there is a smear present that causes poor visibility. Dealer has replaced the windshield wipers, and problem still exists. Windshield presents a hazar d on the road at night because of the glare from on coming lights and in the day time when it rains.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Venture years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Venture?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, 8% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Venture window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.