1996 Chevrolet Lumina
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Lumina › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
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.
These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition were present in a situation where stopping distances were small, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Risk and remedy
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, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.
Owner complaints
245 complaints24 involved a crash2 involved a fire36 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that he noticed a recurring failure within the turn signal switch which would suddenly stop functioning, causing the brake lights to stop working. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the vehicle was repair. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that he noticed a recurring failure within the turn signal switch which would suddenly stop functioning, causing the brake lights to stop working. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the vehicle was repair. The failure occurred two additional times and was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The current mileage was approximately 308,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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…
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 valves. on a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the identical failure and repaired. in addition, the brake system was cleaned, which contributed to a loud squeaky noise. the front driver's side automatic window mechanism was inoperative and has not been repaired at this time. the failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 157,000. updated 04/24/09. *lj the egr valves were replaced. updated 04/28/09.*jb
- Suspension › Rear
In august 2008 I purchased a clean white 1996 chevy lumina with less than 100,000 miles on the dash. it seemed to be running pretty well at first but I noticed the car had a little skip every now and then in deep curves. then on november 1, 2008 the front left axle broke a loose from the main…
In august 2008 I purchased a clean white 1996 chevy lumina with less than 100,000 miles on the dash. it seemed to be running pretty well at first but I noticed the car had a little skip every now and then in deep curves. then on november 1, 2008 the front left axle broke a loose from the main port as I was leaving my yard which was strange and uncommon. on november 8, 2008 a licensed mechanic was hired and fixed the broken axle on the front driver side tire. after the repair the car was test driven and seemed to be running as good as new. later on that night while my son was going through a curve the car loss control and started fishtailing in the middle of the curve. as he was straightening the car back out into his lane something malfunctioned in the rear and sent the car spinning sideways and out of control. the car stopped itself after running in a ditch and smashing it's side into an embankment injuring him and totaling the car. rear right side wheel came completely off from where traction bar broke. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Air bags
I was driving on a highway and came up to a intersection where I had the right of way. The other person had a stop sign. This person thought that I had a stop sign also so she proceeded into the intersection and I smashed into her making her truck fly across the highway and flipping over. my…
I was driving on a highway and came up to a intersection where I had the right of way. The other person had a stop sign. This person thought that I had a stop sign also so she proceeded into the intersection and I smashed into her making her truck fly across the highway and flipping over. my airbag did not deploy and because of that I feel that I was injured more than if my airbag would have deployed. my car was totaled. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Purchased 1996 chevy lumina W/3.1 liter engine. vehicle has been well maintained and currently has 115,000 miles. the vehicle has never been involved in a car accident. the issue IS that the camshaft has broken. why would a vehicle that has had regular oil changes and maintenance experience…
Purchased 1996 chevy lumina W/3.1 liter engine. vehicle has been well maintained and currently has 115,000 miles. the vehicle has never been involved in a car accident. the issue IS that the camshaft has broken. why would a vehicle that has had regular oil changes and maintenance experience this problem? it seems an extreme problem for a well-cared for vehicle. this was a former police vehicle (first 96,000 miles). my son's girlfriend also owns a lumina (1999, no vin available) and she too has had the camshaft replaced in her vehicle at 170,000. *tr
- Unknown or other
Exterior paint , peeling , flaking , rusting . I realize this car IS now 11 years old , but this problem started when the vehicle was only about 5 years old . The paint has peeled off in large patches in many areas of the car , revealing the dull gray primer . *jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Brake lights don't always work on 1996 lumina due to faulty turn signal switch, I've notice this on several other 1995 -2001 luminas as well. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet lumina. the contact's vehicle has three rear brake lights. the lower two lights fail to illuminate. when he changed the bulbs, they illuminated briefly and then quickly burned out again. the current mileage IS 135,000 and failure mileage was 115,000.
- Unknown or other
The paint job IS horrible. The paint IS completely peeling off of my lumina. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the engine's intake manifold was leaking antifreeze. the non service dealer determined the top of the motor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not taken to a service dealer.
- Vehicle speed control
I turned on my car and put it in reverse to back out of a parking space. I had four friends in the car. I waited for my friends to get situated in the car and took my foot off the brake. The car did not roll back as it normally did when in gear. Suddenly, the car lurched backward and starting…
I turned on my car and put it in reverse to back out of a parking space. I had four friends in the car. I waited for my friends to get situated in the car and took my foot off the brake. The car did not roll back as it normally did when in gear. Suddenly, the car lurched backward and starting accelerating toward a concrete wall that was about 45 feet behind us. I did not have my foot on the accelerator. I quickly put my foot on the brake to tried to slow the car down. Nothing happened, so I quickly took my foot off the brake, just in case I had accidentally hit the accelerator. The car continued to accelerate towards the wall. I remember picking up both my feet just to make sure I was not touching the pedals. We hit the wall going about 25-30 mph. Four of us were fine, but my friend in the rear passenger side seat broke her cheekbone. The car was totaled. I was not able to find anyone willing to inspect the car to determine the cause of failure. The car was salvaged for parts. *jb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights
1996 chevrolet lumina, brake lights not working except for in the rear window. If that bulb were to burn out, I would have no brake lights at all. I have discovered, and I am sure, that you are aware that this IS a very common problem. Why has this not been corrected? *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine started knocking around 100K miles and getting worse ever since. The piston pin IS going bad. I found out that gm knows about this problem by a certified gm technician. He told me that all 3.1L engines have this problem and gm wont fix it. I feel shafted and will never by a gm product again. *nm
- Unknown or other
The chevrolet lumina, 1996; poor paint job. the paint lasts approximately four (4) years and then it starts to chip and peel off. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving to work one morning on a highway, the intake manifold head gasket blew, mixing the oil with the water, causing the motor to need replacing. I had the motor replaced at a cost of $2680.07. We had an extended warranty of 6 years 50 thousand miles, the motor blew at 6.5 years and 52,091…
While driving to work one morning on a highway, the intake manifold head gasket blew, mixing the oil with the water, causing the motor to need replacing. I had the motor replaced at a cost of $2680.07. We had an extended warranty of 6 years 50 thousand miles, the motor blew at 6.5 years and 52,091 miles. Nothing was done to help me the consumer. I called the dealer( burtness chevy,303 e.beloit st. Orfordville,wi.53576), and they said it was my fault for not trading in the car before the warranty was up. Then I called gm(central office p.o.box 33170, detroit, mi.48232-5170)and they said a warranty IS a warranty. I just now came across your web sight, and I feel I need to let you know about this problem. hope they can come up with a better reason in the future for other consumers. thanks you, cheryl phillips. *Jb
- Tires
1996 chevrolet lumina tire blew out. *ts the passenger side front tire blewout damaging the right front fender and door (ohio traffic crash report). *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
Dt: the contact stated while driving the frame came out around the bolts. this caused the engine to fall onto the ground and the steering to pull out of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealership, but they have not inspected the vehicle. the manufacturer was suppose to send out a representative to inspect the vehicle.*ak updated 2/7/2006 - *nm
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Turn signal switch in chevrolet lumina causing brake lights to not work. (except 3RD brake light) from my research, this IS a well known issue. for whatever reason the main brake lights go through that switch. the defective switch IS causing them not to work. the 3RD brake light IS not…
Turn signal switch in chevrolet lumina causing brake lights to not work. (except 3RD brake light) from my research, this IS a well known issue. for whatever reason the main brake lights go through that switch. the defective switch IS causing them not to work. the 3RD brake light IS not affected because it's not wired through that switch. I know switches go bad, but this switch has went bad on a lot of vehicles causing no main brake lights and should be recalled. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Dt: the contact stated the accelerator cable frayed. The contact took vehicle to local mechanic for diagnosis. Upon inspection, the mechanic determined that the cable was frayed and unraveling. The mechanic was in contact with the manufacturer several times. The part needed for repairs was not…
Dt: the contact stated the accelerator cable frayed. The contact took vehicle to local mechanic for diagnosis. Upon inspection, the mechanic determined that the cable was frayed and unraveling. The mechanic was in contact with the manufacturer several times. The part needed for repairs was not available. The contact has been waiting three weeks for the availability of the part. Currently, no repairs have been made. *Ak updated 12/27/05. *Jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact stated the passenger's side door will not open from the outside. It IS possible to open it from the inside of the car, but with great difficulty. She IS afraid the driver's side door will experience the same problem and she will not be able to open it. The driver's side door came…
Dt: the contact stated the passenger's side door will not open from the outside. It IS possible to open it from the inside of the car, but with great difficulty. She IS afraid the driver's side door will experience the same problem and she will not be able to open it. The driver's side door came open while she was driving the vehicle. she heard a loud popping sound prior to the sliding door falling off its hinges. The windshield wipers work intermittently. The mechanic told her he thought the windshield/wiper motor was bad.*ak updated 12/7/2005. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The intake gasket rotted. therefore, antifreeze leaked into the oil. this has happened to me twice. the same exact problem. *nm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On 7/20/03 the battery was replaced in my 1996 chevrolet. Lumina. upon starting the car, while still in park, the gas pedal pulled to the floorboard & the car lunged forward out of control. the brakes failed. while dodging people, homes, and vehicles, I tried stopping the car by turning off the…
On 7/20/03 the battery was replaced in my 1996 chevrolet. Lumina. upon starting the car, while still in park, the gas pedal pulled to the floorboard & the car lunged forward out of control. the brakes failed. while dodging people, homes, and vehicles, I tried stopping the car by turning off the ignition to cut power to the motor but this only opened the throttle. the last thing I remember was a loud whine, screaming & blacking out. I awoke from a concussion crashed into a tree with facial, brain, and spinal injuries. gm investigated and stated there was not a problem and will not release the investigation report to me. I cannot find an attorney to sue them. this was not due to driver error. The car was in perfect working order prior to the battery being changed correctly. the 2004 olds alero was recalled for a sticking accelerator. the mph at the beginning of the malfunction of the car, 0 (zero); when the car plowed into the tree splattering me into the windshield head first like a bug, 60+ estimated by witnesses. insurance totaled the car & sold to salvage even though they were holding it for me while undergoing emergency medical treatment. I tracked down the salvage yard for gm and an investigator examined the car but will not tell me what he found out. *Jb
- Tires
Dt: had a flat tire, and the dealer told the consumer had dry rot, and should change the tires. They are 70,000 miles on thre tires, and they have been used for 3 years and 28,000 miles. Yokohama tires.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
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…
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 spring force and are not included in the recall.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
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…
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 vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to…
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.an engineering analysis closing report IS included in the public file.
- Inappropriate air bag deployment
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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10007559No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e.
- 10001917Installing a new air pump to correct emission control systems which may fail to operate and cause the male function indicator lamp, malfunction indicator lamp (mil), to illuminate. 8JB
- 10001240Air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump system failures.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 615083Some operators of vehicles equipped with land mobile communcation systems, such as those utilized by law enforcement agencies, may comment on fuel pump related radio frequency interference during vehicle operation.
- 615074Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension scrunch / popping type noise coming from the front of vehicle that IS apparent during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 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.
- 609669A malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating on the vehicle's instrument panel after a long deceleration with the transmission typically in the overdrive position. Yd
- 608372Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 607522Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 53009Conditions containing engine overheating and/or loss of engine coolant.
Every Chevrolet Lumina model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.