1992 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 1992 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
- Brakes16140.3%
- Electrical369.0%
- Seat belts358.8%
- Engine307.5%
- Interior & seats225.5%
- Transmission194.8%
- Body & structure153.8%
- Fuel system143.5%
- Steering133.3%
- Suspension123.0%
- Other / unspecified123.0%
- Driver assistance92.3%
- Visibility71.8%
- Exterior lighting61.5%
- Powertrain (other)61.5%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
- Airbags10.3%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
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
1992 CHEVROLET LUMINA BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HIT A PARKED VEHICLE AND THE MEDIAN BARRIER. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
1992 LUMINA SEDAN BRAKE SPEED BLEEDERS WERE CHANGED 3 TIMES. *TS THE CONSUMER ORDERED BRAKE BLEEDERS FROM A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAN WHERE HE ORDERED THEM BEFORE, BUT WHEN HE RECEIVED THEM, HE NOTICED THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SEALER OR THREAD LOCKER ON THEM TO HELP PREVENT AIR AND/OR BRAKE FLUID FROM LEAKING. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER PARKED LESS THEN 2 HOURS. THE SPARK PLUGS WORKED FINE, WITH SUFFICIENT SPARK. THE COMPRESSION WAS AT A NORMAL LEVEL OF FUNCTION. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL INJECTORS TO BE STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN (FULL THROTTLE) POSITION. WHICH WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE FLOODED, PREVENTING IGNITION. AFTER A LONG DAY OF TRYING TO FIND A REASON, THE CAUSE WAS FOUND. THE PROBLEM WAS A METAL RETAINING BRACKET FOR THE WIRING SYSTEM THAT HAD WORN THROUGH THE COATING OF THE WIRE CONTROLLING THE INJECTOR POSITION/FUNCTION. THIS CAUSED IT TO GROUND ITSELF THROUGH THE METAL BRACKET, WHICH IS WHY IT STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE BRACKET THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM IS MOUNTED ON THE ENGINE ON THE SERPENTINE BELT SIDE, BEHIND THE BELT. BETWEEN AC COMPRESSOR AND ALTERNATOR. SOLVED PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE ON THE DAMAGED WIRES AND BRACKET. *TR
THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING WHENEVER CONSUMER TURNED WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION. NOT TAKEN TO DEALER. *AK
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RELEASED FROM IT'S BUCKLE WHILE DRIVING. LEAVING THE DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. *AK *NM
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SHOULDER BELTS HAVE LOST TENSION CAUSING THE BELT TO LIMP, GIVING NO RESTRAINT SUPPORT. ALSO THE BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *JB *SCC
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBFRAME WASHERS RUST AND FAIL WHICH CAUSED IN THIS CASE THE STEERING RACK TO DISCONNECT . I HAVE BEEN AUTO TECH FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MAKES HAVE VERY CONCERNING SAFETY PROBLEMS . THE NHTSA HAS FAILED IN MY EYES . THE STATE I LIVE IN USES SALT SO THE PROBLEMS SHOW UP FASTER HERE IN RUST AND COLD RELATED PROBLEMS . MY PERSONAL VEHICLE HAS 4 ITEMS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BUT ARE NOT . 1 OF THEM MAKES MY DRIVER AIRBAG INOP . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY HELP I CAN BE PLEASE CONTACT. *TR
THE VEHICLE CUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK *SC *JB
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PLASTIC COMPONENT OF HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE BROKE DURING COLD WEATHER. UNABLE TO CHECK/FILL COOLANT, WIPER FLUID ETC. ~$250 TO REPAIR. *AK
THE EXTERIOR DOOR LATCHES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. HOWEVER, WHEN ENTERING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE LATCHES ON THE INTERIOR WILL OPEN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONSUMER FOUND RECALL 91V214000, AFTER THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE REVERSE WORKED ON THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED, BUT IS NO LONGER WORKING. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN 1993. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THE MANUFACTURER DATE WAS TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE RECALL STARTED. THE TRANSMISSION WORKS IN ALL THE OTHER GEARS EXCEPT REVERSE. *JB
NAR 05/21/2003 *MR TRANSMISSION STALLED ON 1992 CHEVROLET LUMINA. *CB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBFRAME WASHERS RUST AND FAIL WHICH CAUSED IN THIS CASE THE STEERING RACK TO DISCONNECT . I HAVE BEEN AUTO TECH FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MAKES HAVE VERY CONCERNING SAFETY PROBLEMS . THE NHTSA HAS FAILED IN MY EYES . THE STATE I LIVE IN USES SALT SO THE PROBLEMS SHOW UP FASTER HERE IN RUST AND COLD RELATED PROBLEMS . MY PERSONAL VEHICLE HAS 4 ITEMS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BUT ARE NOT . 1 OF THEM MAKES MY DRIVER AIRBAG INOP . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY HELP I CAN BE PLEASE CONTACT. *TR
ENGINE FRAME BOLTS BROKE. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER PARKED LESS THEN 2 HOURS. THE SPARK PLUGS WORKED FINE, WITH SUFFICIENT SPARK. THE COMPRESSION WAS AT A NORMAL LEVEL OF FUNCTION. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL INJECTORS TO BE STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN (FULL THROTTLE) POSITION. WHICH WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE FLOODED, PREVENTING IGNITION. AFTER A LONG DAY OF TRYING TO FIND A REASON, THE CAUSE WAS FOUND. THE PROBLEM WAS A METAL RETAINING BRACKET FOR THE WIRING SYSTEM THAT HAD WORN THROUGH THE COATING OF THE WIRE CONTROLLING THE INJECTOR POSITION/FUNCTION. THIS CAUSED IT TO GROUND ITSELF THROUGH THE METAL BRACKET, WHICH IS WHY IT STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE BRACKET THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM IS MOUNTED ON THE ENGINE ON THE SERPENTINE BELT SIDE, BEHIND THE BELT. BETWEEN AC COMPRESSOR AND ALTERNATOR. SOLVED PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE ON THE DAMAGED WIRES AND BRACKET. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1992 CHEVROLET LUMINA. AFTER ADDING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE, THE GAGE INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, WITHIN THREE DAYS ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND DESTROYED IT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE PRIOR FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THERE WERE NO KNOWN INJURIES OR POLICE REPORTS FILED. REPORT NUMBER 71723371589 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBFRAME WASHERS RUST AND FAIL WHICH CAUSED IN THIS CASE THE STEERING RACK TO DISCONNECT . I HAVE BEEN AUTO TECH FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MAKES HAVE VERY CONCERNING SAFETY PROBLEMS . THE NHTSA HAS FAILED IN MY EYES . THE STATE I LIVE IN USES SALT SO THE PROBLEMS SHOW UP FASTER HERE IN RUST AND COLD RELATED PROBLEMS . MY PERSONAL VEHICLE HAS 4 ITEMS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BUT ARE NOT . 1 OF THEM MAKES MY DRIVER AIRBAG INOP . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY HELP I CAN BE PLEASE CONTACT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT SUB FRAME THAT CONTROLLED THE RACK AND PINION WAS CORRODED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL TURNED SIDEWAYS/INWARD OF VEHICLE AND WAS HELD ON BY BRAKE SYSTEM. VEHICLE WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT 15MPH AND HAD NO PRIOR WARNING. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.*AK DEALER FOUND THE REAR ROD ASSEMBLY HAD CAME OFF CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO BREAK. DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR REAR END LINKS. *TT
WHILE DRIVING BUSHING THAT ARE ASSEMBLED TO THE FRAME OF VEHICLE SNAPPED AND SHEARED OFF WHICH CAUSED THE FRAME OF VEHICLE TO DISENGAGE FROM BODY. THIS RESULTED IN ENGINE DROPPING FROM VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL TO DISENGAGE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BUSHINGS HELD MOISTURE IN BETWEEN THE FRAME AND BODY CAUSING THE ENGINE CRADLE FRAME TO ROT OUT. *YH
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPH DOWN A SIDE ROAD, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, DRIVER HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RIM ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 INCH OF METAL HOLDING THE TIRE TO THE CAR. OWNER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A BODY GARAGE. THE RIM HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *AK
THE RIMS ARE CRACKING . TT GM IS REPLACING ALL RIMS. *SLC
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE POST IN FRONT OF STORE. NO INJURIES. *AK
ENGINE JUMPS. RPM'S WILL RACE, AND VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE WIPER MOTOR, HOWEVER THE DEALER/ MANUFACTURER REFUSED ASSISTANCE. *TS *JB
TRANSAXLE LEAKING. NLM
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
DRIVER USED RIGHT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, SMOKE RISING FROM STEERING COLLUMN AND SMELLED BURNT PLASTIC. YH
FAULTY TURN SIGNAL SWITCH CAUSED ODOR AT FIRST AND SMOKE LATER. YH
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
SUBFRAME WASHERS RUST AND FAIL WHICH CAUSED IN THIS CASE THE STEERING RACK TO DISCONNECT . I HAVE BEEN AUTO TECH FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MAKES HAVE VERY CONCERNING SAFETY PROBLEMS . THE NHTSA HAS FAILED IN MY EYES . THE STATE I LIVE IN USES SALT SO THE PROBLEMS SHOW UP FASTER HERE IN RUST AND COLD RELATED PROBLEMS . MY PERSONAL VEHICLE HAS 4 ITEMS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE SHOULD BE RECALLED BUT ARE NOT . 1 OF THEM MAKES MY DRIVER AIRBAG INOP . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY HELP I CAN BE PLEASE CONTACT. *TR
TRANSAXLE LEAKING. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
PLASTIC WHEEL COVERS ARE BREAKING APART AND FALLING OFF WHEELS; COULD FLY OFF AND HIT OTHER VEHICLE(S). TT PLASTIC WHEEL COVERS ARE BREAKING APART .*JB
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
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES CONSUMER WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS DID'NT DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE ABOUT TO DEPLOY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR, AND IT ONLY COMES OUT OF THE TOP DASH VENTS AND THE FLOOR NO MATTER WHAT SETTING IT IS ON. IT NEVER BLOWS OUT OF THE FRONT VENTS LIKE IT IS SUPPOSE TO.
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 .