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1990 Chevrolet Lumina APVProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 99 owner complaints about the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

43
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.3× the Lumina APV median · #2 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints9912 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage107kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 4, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV has problems

99 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure351
Seats143
Steering121
Seat belts110
Service brakes, hydraulic101
Engine and engine cooling91
Latches/locks/linkages60
Tires40
Visibility30
8 other systems131

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1990 vs. every other Lumina APV year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lumina APV median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
8 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATIONEA00011 · closed Jan 12, 2001
    Led to recall 00V-189
  2. APV FUEL LINE FIRESEA92035 · closed Nov 30, 1993
    No recall
  3. FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSEEA97019 · closed Jun 8, 1999
    Led to recall 99I003000
  4. WHEEL FAILURESPE93085 · closed Feb 28, 1994
    Led to recall 94V-041
  5. ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATORPE96065 · closed Apr 8, 1997
    Led to recall 97V-058
  6. FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSEPE97016 · closed Sep 30, 1997
    No recall
  7. CRADLE BOLT FAILURESRQ97017 · still open
    Led to recall 97V-058
  8. ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATIONRQ99002 · still open
    Led to recall 97V-058
In owners' words

What Lumina APV owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 97V058000 CONCERNING REAR CRADLE BOLT FAILURE. THE PROBLEM RECURRED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE. *AK
Complaint 10083703 · Jul 28, 2004
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY HE HEARD ALOUD BANG. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING CONTROL AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED 360 DEGREES NON STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE AND RACK AND PINION TO…
Complaint 10037614 · Oct 1, 2003 · 107,351 miles
WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK, STEERING FELT TIGHT, THEN SPUN FREELY. MECHANIC DETERMINED SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY BOLTS SNAPPED OFF ON BOTH SIDES, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME DETACHED.*AK
Complaint 8007422 · Apr 11, 2002

Own a 1990 Lumina APV?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.