1997 Chevrolet Lumina
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Lumina › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
347 complaints34 involved a crash8 involved a fire28 injuries7 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
I'm driving and my steering IS tight and when turning while in motion and while its park. You can also smell like some thing burning
- Air bags
Dashboard cover on passenger side airbag has detached/pulled away and buckled up from the foam air bag casing. gm/chevrolet was notified of the problem via phone. the response given by gm/chevrolet representative was that the car was too old to warrant their attention/repair. this does not…
Dashboard cover on passenger side airbag has detached/pulled away and buckled up from the foam air bag casing. gm/chevrolet was notified of the problem via phone. the response given by gm/chevrolet representative was that the car was too old to warrant their attention/repair. this does not answer the question, if the air bag will deploy properly. the chevrolet dealership stated that they would replace and paint it at cost and04/16/2012 labor paid by customer. auto insurance has referred the problem to the manufacturer. This problem has been progressive in nature, beginning approximately 4 years ago.
- Steering
Key stuck in on position will not allow engine to be turned off in either park or neutral. Will turn towards start. Car will drive but unable to turn car off unless power IS unplugged from steering column. Was at work with no way to turn car off had to leave running till power was disconnected.…
Key stuck in on position will not allow engine to be turned off in either park or neutral. Will turn towards start. Car will drive but unable to turn car off unless power IS unplugged from steering column. Was at work with no way to turn car off had to leave running till power was disconnected. Upon research found that this was a common issue reported for the 97-98 chevy lumina believe that this should be a safety recall
- Air bags
My son was in a bad accident that totaled the car and the air bags did not deploy.
- Structure › Body
While driving home one day another driver hit the side of the car close to the headlight on the driver side this hit caused me to no longer be able to drive the vehicle. The airbags in the vehicle did not deploy.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. While driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 228,890.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Steering
Lost control of the vehicle driving home. Crashed. Police report IS identical to steering recall. Which never was repaired. The vin number I have at home. Neither airbag deployed even though I smashed into a culvert. *tr
- Air bags · Steering
I was driving home veered off the left side of the road lost control the power steering went out spun in circles until finally hitting a concrete culvert neither airbag deployed. I broke 4 vertebraes 7 ribs and received a traumatic brain injury. Couldn't even recall my parents foe months or even…
I was driving home veered off the left side of the road lost control the power steering went out spun in circles until finally hitting a concrete culvert neither airbag deployed. I broke 4 vertebraes 7 ribs and received a traumatic brain injury. Couldn't even recall my parents foe months or even they lived together . Laid in the car til paramedic found me about an hor later. The airbag was designed to prevent head injury. The 1997 chevy lumina failed horribly. Plus tendays in a coma lost a $50 k yr job and sent to a nursing home to spend my 33rd,thanksgnd christmas in until I was released from guardianship. 12/30/13 please help! How IS the 1997 malibu different than all the luminas recalls? same year. Gm istrying to cut there costs oh but they messed up. *tr
- Air bags · Service brakes · Steering · Vehicle speed control
I was traveling home. Lost control and could not turn. The steering went out, and fuel system. I was left in a coma for ten days. My airbag did not deploy like it was developed to do. I received a traumatic brain injury because of the lack of it deploying broke 11 bones. 7 ribs and four…
I was traveling home. Lost control and could not turn. The steering went out, and fuel system. I was left in a coma for ten days. My airbag did not deploy like it was developed to do. I received a traumatic brain injury because of the lack of it deploying broke 11 bones. 7 ribs and four vertebraes. spent a month in lester e cox hospital (south), 4 months in the university or missouri brain injury unit was awarded a state guardian, [xxx] , and spent 3 months in maries manor located in vienna missouri. the state guardian cleaned me out of all assets even though I had two insurances. one cigna and one medicaid. so none of my money went to medical care but to pay his 3 attorney fees. my traumatic brain injury I deal with every day. it does not go away. For life. Your firm covered up nearly 15 years of another recall that does not deploy the airbag in many vehicles. no more! 11 months IS too long. Please investigate my accusation. I am a member of thr missouri brain injury association. and all my medical care can and will be verified. you have my contact info updated 09/05/14*lj updated 09/12/2014 *js *tr
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the headlight illumination was extremely low dim. The contact activated the high beam headlights in order to see the roadway. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed small fractures in the headlight lens. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the headlight illumination was extremely low dim. The contact activated the high beam headlights in order to see the roadway. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed small fractures in the headlight lens. The contact cleaned the headlight lens but continued to experience low visibility and would have to activate the high beam headlights. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. updated 5/11/12 *cn
- Steering › Rack and pinion
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. The contact was attempting a left turn at 15 mph when the power steering failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the failure would only occur when making a left turn. The contact checked the brake fluid…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. The contact was attempting a left turn at 15 mph when the power steering failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the failure would only occur when making a left turn. The contact checked the brake fluid levels which were adequate. He was able to locate a recall for the failure (nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v527000- steering: rack and pinion) but was advised by the manufacturer that his vin was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 110,000. Updated 11/03/10. *Lj updated 11/04/10
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled completely losing all power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to a local mechanic who stated that the tire rods were defective, the engine mounts had fallen out, and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled completely losing all power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to a local mechanic who stated that the tire rods were defective, the engine mounts had fallen out, and there were electrical problems. The mechanic repaired the tie road and engine mount. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was 199,876.
- Steering · Wheels
My husband was driving to work when an elk ran out infront of him. He swerved left to avoid the elk, the car or wheels or steering wheel locked up and the car was thrown to the right causing it to roll 4 to 5 times. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine fire causing the vehicle to burn completely. *Tr
- Electrical system
Twice now when trying to start my 1997 lumina lights come on and car won't turn over. something must be going on with the electrical system. after getting out of the car and leaving the key on, the car kicked over. any reason for this type for behavior. granted I know the car IS getting older, but at 87K miles it makes me uneasy to go on any long jaunts. *Tr
- Electrical system
I was driving my car one day, and when shutting it off briefly in a friends driveway, it refused to start. I had accessory power, but the starter would not crank. After checking that there was a good connection with the battery, there was still no ability to crank. After trying for about 5 minutes…
I was driving my car one day, and when shutting it off briefly in a friends driveway, it refused to start. I had accessory power, but the starter would not crank. After checking that there was a good connection with the battery, there was still no ability to crank. After trying for about 5 minutes multiple times, the car finally turned over and started. I immediately drove it home, which took about 1 hour, but the security light kept intermittently coming on and turning off. The consequences of this was that I almost stranded an hour away from home, and now I cannot rely on my vehicle to start, and so I feel it cannot be relied on to drive. when looking in forums and searching for answers to this question, I have found that a lot of users are experiencing problems with their pass lock systems, and we do not feel that this system should be failing. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure
I know of several owners of chevy lumina where paints IS peeling and engine failure IS there anything I can do to start an investigation. *tr
- Tires › Valve
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, he noticed that the front driver side tire had become flat. he began changing the tire and noticed that the valve stem was defective. a week prior to the failure, the contact had the rear passenger side…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet lumina. when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, he noticed that the front driver side tire had become flat. he began changing the tire and noticed that the valve stem was defective. a week prior to the failure, the contact had the rear passenger side tire repaired for the same defect. the vehicle has been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 74,000. updated 07/08/08. *bf four tires and valve stems were replaced in may 2006. They have since been replaced again in june 2008. Updated
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
I noticed the smell of gasoline. initial searches for the source of the leak were unsuccessful, but after1 - 2 weeks it got worse and I was able to find it easily. the pressure regulator was leaking. I checked for a related recall and found that universal pressure regulators (upr's) produced…
I noticed the smell of gasoline. initial searches for the source of the leak were unsuccessful, but after1 - 2 weeks it got worse and I was able to find it easily. the pressure regulator was leaking. I checked for a related recall and found that universal pressure regulators (upr's) produced after 1/9/07 had been recalled, but mine, I believe, IS the original equipment pressure regulator. nevertheless, it may have a design defect. the car has about 161,000 miles on it. the dealer indicated that failure of a part with that many miles on it would not be subject to a recall, even though it IS a safety-related failure. I sought out the nhtsa site to try to find out if that IS the case, or not. the "incident date" noted below IS the date I found the leak. no damage was done, and there were no injuries. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1997 lumina has loud lifter noise. lifters replaced once by dealer, but noise IS especially loud now that the weather IS cold. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
'97 chevy lumina with a defective intake manifold gasket which gm will not cover repair. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Brake light failure detected before any incident. center light functions while signal/brake combination lights fail. failure caused by multi function switch located in steering column. this part cuts off the brake light when the signal lights are activated. this problem IS intermittent, which…
Brake light failure detected before any incident. center light functions while signal/brake combination lights fail. failure caused by multi function switch located in steering column. this part cuts off the brake light when the signal lights are activated. this problem IS intermittent, which makes it difficult to identify at first. through internet research, I have found many references to this problem. although my car IS 1997, it only has 64K miles, thus I would not expect this type of failure related to moderate usage. if not fixed, brake light failure may result in rear-end collision. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated there was a loss of consciousness while driving 65 mph. as a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. during pre-impact braking the front end of the vehicle lowered and went underneath the vehicle in front. the hood and radiator…
Dt*: the contact stated there was a loss of consciousness while driving 65 mph. as a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. during pre-impact braking the front end of the vehicle lowered and went underneath the vehicle in front. the hood and radiator were pushed back however there was no damage to the front bumper. although seat belts were in use, head and chest injuries were sustained. there was a police report filed at the scene. the manufacturer and insurance company are sending representatives to inspect the vehicle.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The driver side window will not roll down on the chevrolet lumina 4DR. I had the window fixed for about $400.00 and 90 days later the window did not roll down again, just after the warranty on the work was over. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Airbags did not deploy during crash. The car was totaled and neither airbag deployed at crash impact. *jb
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.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10017542Revised front wheel speed sensor replacement procedure.
- 10013031Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
- 10007559No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e.
- 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.
- 6088901Conditions with inaccurate fuel gauge / fluctuates, premature low fuel chime.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 623615Information regarding extra clips in the 4t65e transmission. *Slc
- 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.
- 619369A condition may exist in which the fuel gauge reads incorrectly / fluctuates, low fuel chime sounds prematurely.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Lumina model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.