Model year record

1990 Chevrolet Lumina recalls & problems

The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina has 9 safety recalls and 427 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (303 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints427filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 8reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths16 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, gasolineMay 19, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E04300088,303 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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).

StructureJul 11, 2000

Structure

Recall 00V189000713,435 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

StructureApr 8, 1997

Structure

Recall 97V058000676,535 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

WheelsJun 5, 1995

Wheels

Recall 95V11500022,361 vehicles

Problem: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

WheelsMar 28, 1995

Wheels

Recall 94V041000198,163 vehicles

Problem: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

Seat beltsOct 2, 1991

Seat belts

Recall 91V005000412,792 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Risk: WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.
Fix: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.

Exterior lightingOct 16, 1990

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 90V185000476,422 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Risk: A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.

Seat beltsMar 14, 1990

Seat belts

Recall 90V054000673,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Risk: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1990 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Lumina

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Lumina

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Lumina

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Caliper; Foundation components › Disc	303	15	1	8	—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Door	66	4	0	2	127,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	40	0	1	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system	39	4	2	1	149,400 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor	30	5	0	3	—
Electrical systemIgnition › Module; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	26	2	5	0	—
SuspensionRear › Shock absorber; Front	16	0	0	0	—
WheelsRim; Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	14	2	0	1	—
Parking brakeConventional; Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable	12	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield; Power window devices and controls	12	1	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	11	1	0	1	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights › Switch; Brake lights › Switch	9	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PANELS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES WERE EXPOSED. ALSO, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN ON FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO GET THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT ALL OF THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO WORK EXCEPT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT UPON MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN AND A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 91V005000 (SEAT BELTS) AND…
Mar 16, 2016 · 211,591 miles
Steering › Rack and pinion
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS IN THE UPSIDE DOWN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO A DRIVEWAY. UPON INSPECTION, THE SHAFT BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS OBSERVED TO BE DETACHED. WHEN THE RACK AND PINION WAS REASSEMLED IT APPEARED TO BE VERY LOOSE. THE CONTACT IS A PRIVATE MECHANIC BY TRADE.
May 29, 2006
Structure › Frame and members
I HAD COME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION STOP SIGN. I WHEN TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC WHEN THE FRAME OF THE CAR JUST FELL APART AND I HAD NO STEERING. I ENDED UP IN A PERSONS YARD. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN HEAVY TRAFFIC OF IF I HAD GOTTEN TO THE EXPRESSWAY AS I HAD PLANNED, THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE KILLED ME OR PASSENGERS IN MY CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND AT THIS TIME HAVE NOT MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. *JB
May 5, 2006
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE FILLING THE RADIATOR WITH ANTI-FREEZE A PUDDLE WAS NOTICED UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE PART. WHILE LOCATING A REPLACEMENT PART IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ORIGINAL RADIATOR WAS THE INCORRECT TYPE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED WITH A 1993 MODEL RADIATOR BY THE MECHANIC.
Sep 1, 2005 · 100,100 miles
Structure › Frame and members
DT:THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 00V189000 CONCERNING FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED, AND THE FRAME DROPPED TO THE GROUND. ALSO, THE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED AND BROKE. HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT COST. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THEY STATED THE REPAIR COST WOULD EXCEED THE COST OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 13, 2005 · 174,000 miles
Structure › Frame and membersCrash1 injury
VEHICLE: 1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA, [XXX] 1. OCTOBER 2, 2000: VEHICLE WAS EXITING SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT ON DUKE RD. IN CHEEKTOWAGA, NY. 2. VEHICLE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS FAIL, CAUSING STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM STEERING GEAR, VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND NEARLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH. 3. OCTOBER 3, 2000: VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY JIM MAZZ AUTO INC. IN BUFFALO, NY (ENGINE CRADLE, BOLTS, BUSHINGS, STEERING COLUMN) 4. NOVEMBER 2000: GM RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED FOR VEHICLE RELATING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V189000 5. NOVEMBER 2000 - PRESENT: SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FROM GM FOR PART FAILURE THAT OCCURRED BEFORE RECALL. ORIGINAL CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. CURRENT CASE NUMBER: [XXX].…
Oct 2, 2000 · 94,084 miles
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH, THE REAR BACK WINDOW/GLASS AND IT'S MOLDING EXPLODED OUTWARDS INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE WINDOW/GLASS WASN'T PROPERLY SEALED AT THE FACTORY. *JB
Oct 14, 2004 · 27,000 miles
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCrash2 injuries
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT ROLLED OVER TWICE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Sep 5, 2003

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

STRUCTUREClosedLed to recall 00V189000
There is no summary currently available
RP01001 · opened Nov 28, 2001 · closed Jun 13, 2002
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 00V189000
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
EA00011 · opened Apr 10, 2000 · closed Jan 12, 2001
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATIONOpenLed to recall 97V058000
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
RQ99002 · opened Mar 4, 1999
CRADLE BOLT FAILURESOpenLed to recall 97V058000
There is no summary currently available
RQ97017 · opened Oct 2, 1997
CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94063 · opened Aug 12, 1994 · closed Dec 21, 1994
WHEEL FAILURESClosedLed to recall 94V041001
There is no summary currently available
PE93085 · opened Sep 29, 1993 · closed Feb 28, 1994
STICKING THROTTLEClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA92024 · opened Jun 26, 1992 · closed Jan 31, 1994
APV FUEL LINE FIRESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92052 · opened Jun 4, 1992 · closed Oct 30, 1992
JACK FAILUREClosed
===
EA91049 · opened Nov 26, 1991 · closed Oct 28, 1992
JACK FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91107 · opened Aug 1, 1991 · closed Nov 26, 1991
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91072 · opened May 1, 1991 · closed Jul 8, 1991
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCHClosedLed to recall 90V185000
There is no summary currently available
PE90088 · opened Jun 11, 1990 · closed Oct 31, 1990
SPEED CONTROL FAILSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE90058 · opened Mar 15, 1990 · closed Jun 20, 1990
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RINGClosedLed to recall 91V005000
There is no summary currently available
EA90014 · opened Mar 12, 1990 · closed Feb 20, 1991
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RINGSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE90013 · opened Oct 25, 1989 · closed Jan 3, 1990