1991 Chevrolet Lumina

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 352 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Lumina years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Lumina years to avoid →

Most common 1991 Chevrolet Lumina problems

170 of the 352 complaints (48%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · brakes42
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes33
501
Structure · body and frame25
202
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes23
102
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum · brakes20
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor16
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes15
100
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame14
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads · brakes11
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine11
000

1991 Chevrolet Lumina brakes problems

48% of all complaints

170 of the 352 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks21% · 35
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 7

Share of the 170 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
100,000 mi
median of 3 reports
Peak year of filing
1995
87 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
9 · 0 · 5
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. This caused the driver to loose control of the vehicle and hit a concrete barrier. Both air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger sustained neck and head injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The vehicle was totaled. *jb”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 23, 2004
“Consumer applied brakes at 10-20 MPH, pedal went to the floor, no braking action. Mechanic stated brake master cylinder was too close to exhaust manifold. This caused brake fluid in brake line to get hot, causing brake failure.*ak the vehicle over heated because of fluid loss. *jg”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 6, 2002

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1992: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'921993: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'941995: 114 complaints, 87 about the brakes1996: 63 complaints, 41 about the brakes'961997: 29 complaints, 18 about the brakes1998: 19 complaints, 9 about the brakes'981999: 26 complaints, 3 about the brakes2000: 21 complaints, 3 about the brakes'002001: 19 complaints, 3 about the brakes2002: 27 complaints, 2 about the brakes'022003: 12 complaints, 2 about the brakes2004: 8 complaints, 2 about the brakes'042005: 6 complaints, 0 about the brakes2006: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes'062007: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2008: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'082009: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes'102011: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakesRecall 92V003000 (seat belts)Recall 97V058000 (body and frame)Recall 00V189000 (body and frame)Recall 06E043000 (fuel system)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation RP01001NHTSA investigation EA00011NHTSA investigation RQ97017NHTSA investigation PE94063NHTSA investigation PE93085NHTSA investigation EA92024
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1991 Lumina peaked in 1995, with 114 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 48% of the complaints. In 2011 owners filed 1 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Structure00V189000
Filed Jul 11, 2000713,435 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Risk. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Structure97V058000
Filed Apr 8, 1997676,535 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Seat Belts92V003000
Filed Jan 10, 1992347,866 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.

Risk. THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy. INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 9 name the 1991 Lumina.

STRUCTURERecall petition RP01001Closed
Opened Nov 28, 2001Closed Jun 13, 2002Led to recall 00V189000body and frame

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA00011Closed
Opened Apr 10, 2000Closed Jan 12, 2001Led to recall 00V189000engine

The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control

CRADLE BOLT FAILURESRecall query RQ97017Open
Opened Oct 2, 1997Led to recall 97V058000body and frame

There is no summary currently available

CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKESPreliminary evaluation PE94063Closed
Opened Aug 12, 1994Closed Dec 21, 1994brakes

There is no summary currently available

WHEEL FAILURESPreliminary evaluation PE93085Closed
Opened Sep 29, 1993Closed Feb 28, 1994Led to recall 94V041001suspension

There is no summary currently available

STICKING THROTTLEEngineering analysis EA92024Closed
Opened Jun 26, 1992Closed Jan 31, 1994throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

APV FUEL LINE FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE92052Closed
Opened Jun 4, 1992Closed Oct 30, 1992throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

JACK FAILUREEngineering analysis EA91049Closed
Opened Nov 26, 1991Closed Oct 28, 1992equipment

===

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE91072Closed
Opened May 1, 1991Closed Jul 8, 1991steering

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

10 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1991 Lumina. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 4suspension 2engine 2brakes 2
435012AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 1995brakes

ABS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. *TW

435012Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 1994brakes

ABS WIRE HARNESS FOR THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY RUB ON THE BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *TW

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 7, 201198,000 milesMS

MY CAR KEEPS STALLING OR DYING EVERYTIME I TAKE OFF OR APPLY THE BRAKES IT'S ALMOST AS IF IT'S NOT GOING INTO GEAR. IT WILL DIE ON ME GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IF I HIT MY BRAKES. *LN

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 22, 201075,000 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 35 MPH WHEN I HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR AND AT THAT POINT I LOST ALL STEERING AN WAS TRAVELING TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO STOP BUT STILL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WHEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED...WE FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNTS HAD BROKEN AND SNAPPED THE STEERING. THIS WAS A 1991 CHEVY 2 DOOR LUMINA AND WHEN I LOOKED IT UP... THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. SOMEHOW THE NHTSA AND GENERAL MOTORS MISSED MY VIN NUMBER IN THE RECALL. HAD I BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR..WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ONLY SOME VEHICLES WERE IDENTIFIED IN THIS SAFETY RECALL WHEN SO MANY MORE ARE EFFECTED? *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 18, 2010131,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE REAR CRADLE RETAINER PULLED THROUGH AND THE STEERING DISCONNECTED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE SUB FRAME DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT. HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V189000- STRUCTURE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000.

Structure
Filed Jun 18, 2007168,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA. DURING AN INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME BUSHING WAS MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REFERENCED RECALL # 00V189000 (STRUCTURE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE SERVICED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2007127,000 milesMI

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT LOST POWER STEERING WHILE AT A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS HAVING OCCURRED DUE TO A MISSING CRADLE BOLT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL 097V05800 & RECALL 00V189000 WERE ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. *AK

Structure
Filed Dec 14, 2006127,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #00V189000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE.

Steering
Filed Dec 14, 2006127,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 00V189000 INDICATING THE VEHICLES WHO OPERATED IN SALT BELT STATES WERE AFFECTED DUE TO CORROSION. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE OPERATED IN MICHIGAN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED, WHO CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 22, 2006OH

1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER GETTING BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT BURNED ALONG WITH THE RIGHT REAR BUMPER AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUNK. *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 29, 2005170,000 milesIN

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 97V058000 CONCERNING THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLING THROUGH THE RETAINER DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 20, 2005170,000 milesMO

DT: CONSUMER HAS A PRINTOUT OF THE NHTSA RECALL SHEET AND WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. THE BACK ENGINE CRADLE RETAINERS CAME OFF THE BOLTS. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GM AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A RECALL. CONSUMER WAS TOLD AFTER PROVIDING THE VIN, THAT THERE WERE NO RECALL THAT CAME UP ON THERE SCREEN. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT. NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THE CAR IS SITTING AT A GM/CHEVEROLET DEALER RIGHT NOW. THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL, BUT TURNED AND OFFERED A $1,000.00 CASH OR TOWARDS ANOTHER VEHICLE. YESTERDAY, ONE OF THE SALES PEOPLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND OFFERED TO SALE CONSUMER ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT THE BOLTS IN THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE, IT IS THE RETAINERS THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 1, 2005MO

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA. HE STATES THAT THERE WAS RECALL 00V189000 CONCERNING ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. THE SAME PROBLEM CONTACT ENCOUNTERED. THE RECALL STATED, THAT ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS. THE PROBLEM THE CONTACT HAD WAS THAT HIS RETAINERS ACTUALLY FELL OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLISION BECAUSE HIS WIFE LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. THE CONTACT CALLED CHEVROLET, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Apr 18, 2005199,000 milesTX

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE 15 MINUTES AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE ALSO DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GARAGE, AND AN UPPER ROOM. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ONE OF TWO THINGS, EITHER FUEL LEAKAGE OR ELECTRICAL. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK VEHICLE HAS HAD FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM REPAIRED IN 2001 AND 2002. RIGHT SIGNAL REPAIRED IN JAN. 2004, HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH REPAIRED IN APRIL FOR TEXAS INSPECTION. THEN VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN MAY. *BF *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 6, 2005IL

CRADLE WHICH HOLD THE CRADLE. *JB LOOSE RETAINERS AND BOLTS AROUND THE ENGINE CRADLE. REAR CRADLE BOLTS/WASHERS/BUSHINGS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER CAUTIONED CUSTOMER NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TT

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 28, 2005NY

WHILE DRIVING THE CRADLE BOLT DISENGAGED, CAUSINGTHE ENGINE TO COM DROP OUT. RECALL NUMBER 97V058000/CRADLE WAS ISSUED. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 27, 2004147,000 milesMI

RECALL 00V18 000 CONCERNING CRADLE BOLTS. WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND THEN THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE CONSUMER'S SON, WHO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT CRADLE BOLT BROKE. THE LOCALE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH CONTACTED, AND BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 13, 2004WI

INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW WHILE . DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Steering
Filed Aug 17, 2004256,000 milesMI

1. STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. 2. LOUD THUD FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND TOTAL STEERING LOSS. 3. NOTHING. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 8, 200489,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 - 30 MPH ENTIRE FRAME AND THE MOTOR COLLAPSED ONTO THE ROAD. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE FRAME BUSHING RUSTED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODEL VEHICLES.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed May 21, 2004110,000 milesNV

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 23, 2004DE

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 16, 2004MI

BOTH REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. *MR DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. THIS CAUSED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR. *SC

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 15, 2004110,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE CRADLE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SNAPPED THE STEERING. *AK *JB *NM

Structure
Filed Nov 24, 2003MI

THE VEHICLE'S REAR CRADLE BOLT RUSTED OUT. THE RUSTING CAUSED THE CRADLE MOUNT TO FALL INSIDE THE ENGINE AND PULLED OUT THE STEERING SHAFT, WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL # 97 V 058 000 ON CRADLE BOLTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 18, 2003100,000 milesDE

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. *AK

Structure
Filed Oct 21, 200380,000 milesIL

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS REAR CRADLE BOLTS AS STATED IN RECALL 00 V 189 000. BUT, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS AN OBVIOUS OVERSIGHT SINCE HIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT. *PH *NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 15, 2003100,000 milesDE

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD, AND THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDERS OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK

Structure
Filed Aug 14, 200389,000 milesIL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF, ILLINOIS, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.*AK

StructureCrash
Filed Jun 30, 200310,000 milesMI

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS CRADLE BOLTS AS STATED IN RECALL 00 V 189 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jun 30, 2003MN

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING OPENE DREAR WINDOW AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WINDOW LATCH BROKE, CAUSING WINDOW TO FLIP OUT. *AK

Structure
Filed Apr 25, 2003MO

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CRADLE BOLT WAS LOOSE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 14, 2003MI

LTR FM NORMAN PARKER (MI). LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING OPERATION DUE TO ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURE. *PH

Wheels
Filed Mar 23, 2003100,000 milesMI

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS SUFFER FROM CLEAR-COAT FAILURE AND LOSE LUSTER AND LARGE WHITE SPOTS APPEAR ON THEM. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 5, 200338,000 milesNE

FAULTY DESIGN ON REAR BRAKES. *JB

Structure
Filed Feb 24, 2003MN

THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. *JB. *AK

Steering
Filed Nov 5, 2002MI

CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT FOR THE CRADLE BOLTS AS STATED IN RECALL # 00 V 189 000. BUT VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED BY IT'S VIN NUMBER. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 29, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND IN A CIRCLE AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. DLR DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE CRADEL BOLTS BROKE. CURRENT RECALL 00V189000 DOES NOT INCLUDE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. TS

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Oct 22, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, CONSUMER SUDDENLY LOSS ALL STEERING ABILITY. STEERING WHEEL TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND WITH OUT STOPPING. NO WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Structure
Filed Oct 17, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME FELL APART, THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. TS *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Sep 11, 2002CA

THE RADIATOR FAILED AT SEAM IN THE PLASTIC AT THE TOP WHERE THE UPPER HOSE ATTACHES, AFTER FAILING I CONSULTED OTHER LUMINA OWNERS WHO ENCOUNTERED THE SAME EXACT LEAK IN THE SAME PLACE, I WENT TO THE JUNK YARD TO FIND EVERY LUMINA HAD THE SAME LEAK, I THINK THIS IS MANUFACTURE FLAW. THE OIL LEAK THAT HAPPENED WHEN THE OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT GAVE WAS VERY BAD. I CONSULTED OTHERS THEN AND FOUND IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS KNOW BY ALL MECHANICS KNOW ABOUT. IT IS NOT IF IT WILL GIVE, IT'S WHEN.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Sep 10, 2002IN

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN MY HOOD NOW SINCE IT BROKE FROM THE FLOOR AND THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT BACK IN TO ITS COMPARTMENT. IT IS DANGEROUS SINCE THE BELT JUST HANGS THERE WITHOUT PROPER FUNCTIONING RETRACTOR.*AK

Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2002SC

CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING THAT WAS CAUSING THE LIGHTS NOT TO GO OFF, THE DEALER ALSO DISCONNECTED THE RADIO TO TRY AND REMEDY THE SHORT IN THE WIRING, ALSO THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED.*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 15, 2002MI

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I KNOW OF OTHER OWNERS OF THE CHEVORLET/LUMINA MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT IS MY CONCERN AS A BUYER WHEN SAFETY IS OF CONCERN. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ME BY CREDIBLE RESOURCES I WOULD NOT BE DOING THIS. SAFETY IS A FACTOR. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS THAT 1ST GEAR SLIPS. YOU HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO DRIVE WHEN YOU STOP TO GET FIRST GEAR TO DEPLOY. CURRENTLY MY VEHICLE IS IN A DEALERSHIP AT THIS MOMENT AND HOPE THAT THEY WILL WORK WITH ME ON THIS. IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THAT I CAN RETRIEVE...CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME THE INFORMATION? I...AS A CONSUMER...WOULD LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECTS.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Aug 6, 2002IN

CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AT 10-20 MPH, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO BRAKING ACTION. MECHANIC STATED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS TOO CLOSE TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS CAUSED BRAKE FLUID IN BRAKE LINE TO GET HOT, CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE.*AK THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED BECAUSE OF FLUID LOSS. *JG

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2002OH

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER PROPERLY DUE TO BROKEN ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT AND REPLACED THE BROKEN SWITCH, RECONNECTING THE STEERING RACK ALSO. *YH

Structure
Filed Jul 11, 2002IA

CRADLE BOLTS ARE DEFECTIVE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALLS 00V189000 AND 97V058000. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 10, 2002IA

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY DEFECTS IN THIS CAR INCLUDING: A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THAT FAILED, FRONT HOOD ASSEMBLY FAILED, NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES--MECHANIC SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN, REAR STRUTS FAILED, SPEEDOMETER IS FAULTY AND READS 5-10MPH UNDER ACTUAL SPEED. *AK

Structure
Filed Jun 26, 2002OH

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ENGINE FELL OUT OF ITS CRADLE DUE TO FAULTY BOLTS. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 1, 2002IN

MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE NOW BECAUSE I CANNOT FIX IT. I HAVE TO TIE THE SEAT BELT INTO A NOT TO HOLD THE EXTRA PART OF THE BELT IN PLACE FOR IT TO BE SAFE TO WEAR. IT HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN AUG 2000 ALONG WITH THE CALPERS WHICH I REPLACED. THE WHOLE CAR HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS: THE HEATING SYSTEM, THE JUMPINESS FROM THE BELTS ON THE MOTOR, REAR SUSPENSION. OVER $1000.00 HAS BEEN PUT IN IT FOR THE PAST 1.5 YRS I HAVE HAD IT.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 31, 2002WI

WHEN TURNING AT 10MPH ENGINE MOUNT BROKE, ENGINE DROPPED, SNAPPED STEERING COLUMN, WHICH CAUSED STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETELY AROUND, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed May 28, 2002MI

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON THE VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, SEAT BELT WAS TAKEN OUT, AND THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO PLACE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 352, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20081000Routine
20020100Routine
200121400Routine
200030600Routine
1999103341Fatalities reported
1998223460Above average
1997347287Fatalities reported
1996245323Fatalities reported
1995492786Fatalities reported
1994126220Routine
19932433130Above average
19923424110Above average
1991 — this page352692Fatalities reported
1990427980Above average

Compare every Lumina year →

1991 Chevrolet Lumina: questions buyers ask

Is the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina a good car?

It is not among the Lumina years to avoid. Owners filed 352 complaints, against about 245 for a typical Lumina year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (48%).

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina?

The brakes: 170 of the 352 complaints (48%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (21%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (4%). The typical report comes at 100,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 00V189000, covered 713,435 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1991 Chevrolet Lumina problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 110,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 100,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina?

Yes, 9 times. The latest, RP01001 ("STRUCTURE"), was opened Nov 28, 2001 and closed Jun 13, 2002.

Are there service bulletins for the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina?

The manufacturer filed 10 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (4), the suspension (2) and the engine (2). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.