Tail Light Switch problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Venture

We own a 2003 chevy Venture and I have replaced the front driver signal bulb three (3) times and the rear brake/tail lights four (4) times already. I just changed both brakelight bulbs 03/19/12 and yesterday another motorist pulled around me to inform me that my brakelights are out. Once again I opened the brakelight housing and noticed the bulb housing is melting. Could someone please advise.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Venture. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed through the reflection of another vehicle which had been driving extremely close, that both of his rear tail lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both tail light bulbs were replaced. The failure recurred which required the replacement of the tail light bulb continuously. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Pmb.

Tail lights stop working, upon removing the bulb the socket and plastic on the bulb is melted. After cleaning up the bulb and replacing it, it will work from anywhere between 1 day to a couple weeks before stopping again. Tail light circuit board has been replaced with an oem part and has the same results. This problem has resulted in many stops by police as you can never tell just when the lights will stop working. Upon searching the internet this seems to be a very common problem with this and similar gm models. It is also a very dangerous problem as no one behind you can see you braking if the lights are not working. This problem has been ongoing since the van was purchased in '07.

I purchased the 2003 Chevrolet Venture van new and have had continuous problems with the brake/tail lights burning out. Spoke with gm and if I recall correctly the first time they bulbs were replaced was in June 2004. Since then I have replaced the bulbs 2-4 times per year trying different manufacturers and types. I have searched for solutions on the internet and tried replacing the circuit boards and this still does not mitigate the issue. . Read more...