no report yet
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION WERE PRESENT IN A SITUATION WHERE STOPPING DISTANCES WERE SMALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
1996 Chevrolet LuminaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 245 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 19, 2010. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has problems
245 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
36Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
34Air bags19 crash/fire/injury
31Service brakes, hydraulic4 crash/fire/injury
30Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
24Power train1 crash/fire/injury
19Steering2 crash/fire/injury
17Visibility1 crash/fire/injury
15Seat belts
14Exterior lighting
6211 other systems9 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 36 | 1 |
| Air bags | 34 | 19 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 31 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 4 |
| Power train | 24 | 1 |
| Steering | 19 | 2 |
| Visibility | 17 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 15 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 62 | 9 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 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.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR THROUGH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF ONE-HALF OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM,…
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
1996 vs. every other Lumina 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 median. How we score
'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'08
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
1996 Chevrolet Lumina safety ratings
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, and the recalls they led to.
- POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURELed to recall 03V-527
- INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTNo recall
- INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTNo recall
- POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURENo recall
In owners' words
What Lumina owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHO REPLACED THE ENGINE EGR…
I LOVE MY CAR BUT THE ENGINE HAS BEEN GOING OUT FOR SOME TIME NOW AND THE PERSON WHOM I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HE KNEW OF THIS SITUATION AND HE DIDN'T TELL ME. THIS CAR IS MY FIRST CAR AND MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION SO CAN YOU ALL PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
OIL LEAK 1996 3.4 DOHC CHEVY LUMINA I DID MY RESEARCH THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE CARS THEN ITS COSTS A PRETTY GOOD PENNY TO FIX BY THE DEALERSHIP LIKE $2000. *TR
Own a 1996 Lumina?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.