Model year record

1998 Chevrolet Lumina recalls & problems

The 1998 Chevrolet Lumina has 4 safety recalls and 223 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (59 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints223filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 6reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingOct 26, 2015

Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 15V7010001,003,556 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Fix: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engineÂs front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Components: Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe; Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Engine and engine coolingApr 8, 2009

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 09V1160001,497,516 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Risk: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINEÂS FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINEÂS PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

SteeringDec 11, 2003

Rack and pinion

Recall 03V527000750,283 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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

1998 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.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringRack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist system	59	0	0	0	88,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	35	0	2	2	91,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	35	3	0	0	98,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Horn	19	0	1	0	120,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	16	6	0	7	73,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)	13	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield	12	0	0	0	96,358 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	10	1	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Trunk lid	10	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Turn signal › Flasher unit	10	0	1	0	132,015 mi
Engine	10	0	2	0	116,500 mi
Vehicle speed control	9	2	0	7	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BWHEN THE VEHICLE IS SATIONARY AND IN TRANSIT. IT APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTEN AS WELL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN I AM BRAKING, BUT THEY SEEM TO INTERMITTENLY BE FAILING WHEN I USE MY DIRECTIONAL SWITCH (4 WAY). I HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON 3 OCCASSIONS, TWICE BY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. BUT THEY DO WORK EXCEPT WHEN THE DIRECTIONALS ARE ON. AFTER SOME RESEARCH WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT REPLACING THE 4 WAY SWITCH WILL RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MAY I NOTE THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS DEVICE FAIL IN ANY OF MY VEHICLES EVER. THAT REGARDLESS OF THE GES AND MAKES OF MY VEHICLCES THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO MAKE CERTAIN THE 4 WAY SWITCH WAS…
Feb 19, 2020 · 198,000 miles
Unknown or other
I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THIS COMPANY VEHICLE BY NEW TRANSPORTATION MANAGER, EVEN THOUGH I HAD ANOTHER COMPANY VEHICLE ASSIGNED TO ME TO DRIVE. FROM 11/9/2018 TO 11/13/2018 I WORKED OVERTIME PLUS MY REGULAR WEEK OF WORK. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME USING THE HEATER IN THIS VEHICLE AND I WAS WORKING LONG HOURS WITH THE HEATER ON BECAUSE THE WEATHER HAD CHANGED. ON 11/11/2018 AT ABOUT 0600, I STARTED HAVING A HEADACHE AND MY THROAT WAS IRRITATED BUT I WENT HOME AT 0800 AND CAME BACK TO WORK OVERTIME PLUS MY REGULAR SHIFT ON THE SAME DAY AT 2000. MY HEADACHE HAD INTENSIFIED AND I TOOK ALEVE FOR IT AND DRANK MILK FOR MY IRRITATED THROAT AND WEN HOME AT THE END OF MY SHIFT AT 0800 ON 11/13/2018. I WORKED…
Nov 12, 2018 · 178,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28-30 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST MADE AN OUT OF TURN LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR HIS INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE BACK, STOMACH, AND NECK. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
Jul 26, 2017 · 73,000 miles
Exterior lighting
WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED. AT TIME OF PURCHASE BRAKE LIGHTS APPEARED TO WORK. SAME EVENING, THE TWO REAR/SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK (THE THIRD/MIDDLE LIGHT WORKS). WE DID SOME TROUBLE SHOOTING, REPLACED BULBS, CHECKED FOR SHORTS. IN OUR RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT THIS IS IN FACT A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG GM SEDANS AND IS CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWITCH CONTACTS COMMONLY FAIL WHEN THE SWITCH BEGINS TO LOOSEN/DISINTIGRATE. THIS CAUSES A VARIETY OF ISSUES AMONG THE SYSTEMS THAT PASS THROUGH THAT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE IS ONE SUCH ISSUE, AND OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUES. YES, I KNOW IT'S AN OLD CAR AND YES I EXPECT TO HAVE TO MAKE REPAIRS TO IT, BUT…
Apr 7, 2017 · 130,000 miles
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RANDOM POWER STEERING LEAK. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE FLUID CONSTANTLY. WHEN A MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING PUMP, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT THE STEERING RACK MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE RECALL WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A REPAIR SOLUTION FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Feb 2, 2015
Air bags
TAKITA RECALL AIRBAG MAY BE THE CAUSE OF PASSENGER SIDE DASH EXPANDING OUTWARDS. UNSURE OF CAUSE. EXPANSION IS SLOWING COMING OUT OF SEM. HAVE NOTICED APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS ONGOING.
Feb 1, 2015
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY CAUSED OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VACUUM HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Dec 28, 2016 · 185,000 miles
Air bags
DASH AIRBAG IS PROTRUDING OUT. VECHILE STATIONARY. SEE PHOTOS.
May 8, 2015

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

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREClosedLed to recall 03V527000
GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BEARING DAMAGE RATES IN MOST OF THE VEHICLE APPLICATIONS THAT USED THE GENERAL BEARING COMPANY (GBC) BEARING.ALL OF THE VEHICLES COVERED IN THE EXPANDED RECALL HAVE THE 133 LB SPRING FORCE.THE 96 LUMINA/MONTE CARLO AND 97-98 CENTURY W-BODY VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION UTILIZE A LOWER…
EA03019 · opened Sep 15, 2003 · closed Dec 18, 2003
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREClosed
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED…
RQ03001 · opened Jan 2, 2003 · closed Sep 15, 2003
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 04V090000
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA02030 · opened Oct 22, 2002 · closed Mar 9, 2004