1991 Chevrolet Lumina Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes18344.4%
- Body & structure5212.6%
- Engine368.7%
- Seat belts286.8%
- Electrical235.6%
- Steering204.9%
- Tires & wheels102.4%
- Interior & seats102.4%
- Other / unspecified92.2%
- Transmission92.2%
- Fuel system92.2%
- Suspension71.7%
- Visibility51.2%
- Driver assistance41.0%
- Exterior lighting30.7%
- Powertrain (other)20.5%
- Airbags20.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
LTR FM NORMAN PARKER (MI). LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING OPERATION DUE TO ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURE. *PH
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
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS SUFFER FROM CLEAR-COAT FAILURE AND LOSE LUSTER AND LARGE WHITE SPOTS APPEAR ON THEM. *JB
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS (NOT ALL THE TIME), UPON COMING TO A STOP (I.E., WAITING AT TRAFFIC AND OR WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN GREEN) THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT, AGAIN RESPOND TO "D" POSITION, EVEN UPON PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL (IT JUST REVS UP). THEN SUDDENLY, THE TRANSMISSION WILL ENGAGE TO THE "D" POSITION THUS ENABLING THE CAR TO MOVE IN A VERY QUICK AND OR SNAP MOTION. I BELIEVE THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. SOME TIME AGO, I HAD THIS PROBLEM CHECKED OUT BY A CAR REPAIR SHOP AND THE ATTENDENT INDICATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS SITUATION IS NOT NORMAL AND MAY REQUIRE FURTHER REVIEW. I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE.*AK
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A SIDE STREET, APPLIED BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HE ENDED UP INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, SUBFRAME FELL IN THE STREET.*AK. CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME MODEL OF VEHICLE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED, ALSO THE REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, A STARTER, 2 ALTERNATORS, 2 WATER PUMPS, A BAD CRANKCASE OIL LEAK, 2 SERPENTINE BELTS, THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, A NEW THERMOSTAT, A FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, TIE ROD END, THE REAR STRUT FELL APART, THE STEERING JOINT BECAME COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE SUBGRAME, THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A SIDE STREET, APPLIED BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HE ENDED UP INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, SUBFRAME FELL IN THE STREET.*AK. CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME MODEL OF VEHICLE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED, ALSO THE REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, A STARTER, 2 ALTERNATORS, 2 WATER PUMPS, A BAD CRANKCASE OIL LEAK, 2 SERPENTINE BELTS, THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, A NEW THERMOSTAT, A FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, TIE ROD END, THE REAR STRUT FELL APART, THE STEERING JOINT BECAME COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE SUBGRAME, THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW WHILE . DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING OPENE DREAR WINDOW AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WINDOW LATCH BROKE, CAUSING WINDOW TO FLIP OUT. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE THROTTLE STICKING IS VERY HAZARDOUS AND UNSAFE. ALSO THE CONTINUING OF OVERHEATING DUE TO A MANUFACTURED ITEM IS OF GREAT CONCERN TO ME. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND DO NOT WANT TO BE LEFT BY ROADSIDE SOMEWHERE AT NIGHT DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 TO 45 MPH VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. SOMETIMES IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP, AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES 15 TO 20 MINUTES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND REPLACED TTC SOLENOID ONCE, BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. DEALER SAID THAT OWNER WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN COMPLETELY TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A SIDE STREET, APPLIED BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HE ENDED UP INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, SUBFRAME FELL IN THE STREET.*AK. CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME MODEL OF VEHICLE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED, ALSO THE REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, A STARTER, 2 ALTERNATORS, 2 WATER PUMPS, A BAD CRANKCASE OIL LEAK, 2 SERPENTINE BELTS, THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, A NEW THERMOSTAT, A FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, TIE ROD END, THE REAR STRUT FELL APART, THE STEERING JOINT BECAME COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE SUBGRAME, THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM TURN SIGNAL INSIDE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO FAULTY WIRING INSIDE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH .*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CV BOOT REPLACED. *TW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .