1990 Chevrolet Lumina
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Lumina › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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).
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Webbing separation could occur without prior warning andincrease the risk of injury to belted front outboard occupants in a high energycrash.
Remedy
Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Install an improved design stoplamp switch.
Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.
Owner complaints
427 complaints24 involved a crash8 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Seat belts · Steering · 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…
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 90v054000 (seat belts). An independent dealer was notified of the failures and indicated that the vehicle needed to be inspected, but did not confirm that an inspection was completed before selling the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 211,591.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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
- 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.
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector · 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…
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
- Structure › Frame and members
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.…
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]. 6. May 2001: vehicle traded in to gillogly chevrolet, west seneca, ny for purchase of 1998 chevrolet malibu. *Js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- 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
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
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
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
The brakes lights did not work, the cruise control would not release. the manufacturer stated the case was closed. Recall 1990. the consumer was informed that the recall was more than 10 years old. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
With engine cold, the throttle accelerates on it's own. Unfortunately this only occurs with the transmission engaged and usually in reverse backing out of a parking space at my work! This IS extremely dangerous and can be predicted!*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Twice I've had to replace the brakes in under 2 years due to rr caliper wearing outside pad. My mechanic said sliders free, hose IS good and e-brake not sticking on. He said this IS due to a defective caliper that these cars are known for.*ak
- Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I feel dupped by the chevy corp. There are so many luminas in my area alone that have this peeling problem I have never seen anything like it. This IS not an aging problem as chevy IS trying to convince everyone, it does not have any thing to do with the age of the car because the paint that IS…
I feel dupped by the chevy corp. There are so many luminas in my area alone that have this peeling problem I have never seen anything like it. This IS not an aging problem as chevy IS trying to convince everyone, it does not have any thing to do with the age of the car because the paint that IS remaining IS new looking and very shiny. I have seen aging paint that cracks. This IS a bubble & peeling problem, mostly in a verticle direction. It IS a distinct look. In one week I saw 3 white luminas with the same problem. How dare chevy not take responsiblity for an inferior product. A simple paint job would service all complaints. I happen to like my lumina but I would never buy a chevy product ever ever again and my peeling lumina IS a advertisement for an inferior product. I hope everyone that sees my car gets a clear message of what type of product chevy makes. Your company IS certainly aware of this paint problem because I see many cars in my area alone with this exact problem. What a disgrace for chevy to get away with this. I am embarassed to ride in my car!!!!!!!
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving rear cradle bolts corroded and snapped off. rear of the vehicle looked like it snapped in half. Only the front cradle bolts were repaired under a recall 00v189000. vehicle was not drivable.*ak
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector · Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle IS experiencing a defect with the rear cradle where 1 or both rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. As a result, the engine cradle IS no longer supported by the engine mounting, and the steering intermidiate shaft separated from the steering gear, causing sudden loss of steering. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
While braking at 15 mph, the brakes intermittently failed. The pedal went to the floor, which caused extended stopping distance and subsequently the consumer rear ended another vehicle.*ak the consumer stated the brakes were defective due to a design flaw, the spent $1500.00 in repairs with no success. *Cb the consumer stated there was a design flaw with the brake calipers. *Jb
- Steering
While turning in any direction at various speeds there would be a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. Consumer stated vehicle was having the same problems as indicated in recall 97v05800, but the dealership mechanic would not repair this vehicle because the vin was not included.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning vehicle would lose power steering. Dealer notified. *ak
- Seat belts · Structure
My wife was driving her car at approximately 40 mph when there was a loud thud. she then tried to steer the car to the shoulder, but had no control of the steering wheel. she got out and looked under the car to see what happened. the engine cradle had broken and was resting on the road. had she…
My wife was driving her car at approximately 40 mph when there was a loud thud. she then tried to steer the car to the shoulder, but had no control of the steering wheel. she got out and looked under the car to see what happened. the engine cradle had broken and was resting on the road. had she been going 60 mph on the freeway, she would have been in a major accident. I contacted a chevrolet dealership. they said there were two recalls on her vehicle: one for the engine cradle bolts, and one for the seatbelts. the vehicle IS a 1990 chevy lumina sedan. vin # [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
While traveling 50-55 mph and when depressing the brakes vehicle went into extending stopping distance. Consumer depressed brake pedal to floorboard and vehicle would not stop. *ak
- Structure
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the right craddle bolt broke causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle. dealer IS aware of the problem.please fill in additional information. *Ak
- Structure
I own a 1990 chevrolet lumina 3.1L sedan and had the rear cradle bolts fall out while I was driving, causing the steering shaft to disconnect so that I lost steering control. I called 2 dealers and the chevrolet customer assistance line and all of them denied that there was a recall on my car. I…
I own a 1990 chevrolet lumina 3.1L sedan and had the rear cradle bolts fall out while I was driving, causing the steering shaft to disconnect so that I lost steering control. I called 2 dealers and the chevrolet customer assistance line and all of them denied that there was a recall on my car. I looked online and found a gm document that stated the vehicles that were covered in the recall and mine fit right into the range of vin numbers listed. after calling them again, they said they had found the list that I had, but since my car was not listed in the visc that they would not repair my vehicle. *nlm
- Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
I had numerous problems with the rear brakes on my 90 chevrolet lumina . The calipers and pads both have been replaced too many times. My parking brake system has been totally replaced and still will not work right. Also the clear coat has been peeling off for years.*jb
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belts did not lock upon impact. Ts. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer states that vehicle began to shimmy and went to the side of the road. consumer looked at tire and noticed the right front tire was laying outward away from vehicle. Please provide any further information. mr
- Structure
Engine cradle broke. Dealer replace just one bolt since the frame was cracked. recall ID 10946-00-v-189000 03-jul-2000. *ak *yh
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Structure
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cradle separation
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
- Engine cradle separation
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…
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.
- Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
- Corroded rear disk brakes
There is no summary currently available
- Wheel failures
There is no summary currently available
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
- Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
- Jack failure
===
- Jack failure
There is no summary currently available
- Steering wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
- Failure stop lamp switch
There is no summary currently available
- Speed control fails
There is no summary currently available
- Safety belt cut by d-ring
There is no summary currently available
- Safety belt cut by d-rings
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10007559No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 41064Recall 90-c-39a - supplemental letter adding vehicles to the original recall 90-c-39.
- 39080Rear strut related thumping/squeaking noise.
- 39072ABS warning light IS on.
- 39065Supplement to product safety campaign 90-c-39.
- 37955ABS wire harness for the right front wheel may rub on the brake line causing the ABS warning light to come on.
Every Chevrolet Lumina model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.