Owners have filed 276 complaints
about the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina with NHTSA between 1998 and 2020.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Lumina. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Chevrolet Lumina
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1213.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1415.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2022.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2831.8%
150,000+ miles
1213.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1998 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1998peak 8Mar 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03019Opened 15 Sep 2003Closed 18 Dec 2003STEERING
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 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...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
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 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 T...
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICL...
Recalls on the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V701000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
09V116000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Risk: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
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: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
03V527000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
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: 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 73,000 milesFulton, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28-30 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST MADE AN OUT OF TURN LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR HIS INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE BACK, STOMACH, AND NECK. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11011628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 245,000 milesSaint Louse, MOFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN THERE WAS FIRE COMING FROM THE FRONT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND THE UPPER MANIFOLD WAS CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FIRE OCCURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,000.
NHTSA complaint #10810738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE.WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10810147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMurtle Beach, SCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONSUMER STATED ABOUT 1/2 MILE AWAY FROM HER HOUSE, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND DECIDED TO WALK HOME. WHEN SHE RETURNED WITH HER HUSBAND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PUTTING OUT A FIRE FROM HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL # 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, A REPRESENTATIVE CONCLUDED THAT THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA DOES NOT REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AFTER 7 MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/04/09*LJ UPDATED 11/06/09.
NHTSA complaint #10286635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesNorth Collins, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER NOTICED A BRIGHT GLOW (FIRE)COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE REAR REFLECTOR LIGHT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FATHER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER FOUND RIGHT REAR MARKER LAMP HAD OVERHEATED.
NHTSA complaint #10111591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Otterbein, INCrash5 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONT END DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES OF CAR, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, KEPT INCREASING SPEED, SOMETIMES WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN BRAKE WAS TOUCHED, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD SHUT OFF BY ITSELF, LOST CONTROL OF CAR, FRONT END WENT INTO A DITCH & CAR WAS FLIPPED, AIR BAGS ARE STILL INTACT AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #742964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 198,000 milesLoganville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BWHEN THE VEHICLE IS SATIONARY AND IN TRANSIT. IT APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTEN AS WELL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN I AM BRAKING, BUT THEY SEEM TO INTERMITTENLY BE FAILING WHEN I USE MY DIRECTIONAL SWITCH (4 WAY). I HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON 3 OCCASSIONS, TWICE BY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. BUT THEY DO WORK EXCEPT WHEN THE DIRECTIONALS ARE ON. AFTER SOME RESEARCH WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT REPLACING THE 4 WAY SWITCH WILL RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MAY I NOTE THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS DEVICE FAIL IN ANY OF MY VEHICLES EVER. THAT REGARDLESS OF THE GES AND MAKES OF MY VEHICLCES THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO MAKE CERTAIN THE 4 WAY SWITCH WAS RELIABLE. MIGHT I ADD LINKING BRAKING WITH THE SWITCH MIGHT BE CONSIDER IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE ENGINEERS. HAS THE 1998 CHEVY LUMINA 4WAY SWITCH BEEN RECALLED!?
NHTSA complaint #11316828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesLoganville, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BWHEN THE VEHICLE IS SATIONARY AND IN TRANSIT. IT APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTEN AS WELL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN I AM BRAKING, BUT THEY SEEM TO INTERMITTENLY BE FAILING WHEN I USE MY DIRECTIONAL SWITCH (4 WAY). I HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON 3 OCCASSIONS, TWICE BY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. BUT THEY DO WORK EXCEPT WHEN THE DIRECTIONALS ARE ON. AFTER SOME RESEARCH WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT REPLACING THE 4 WAY SWITCH WILL RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MAY I NOTE THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS DEVICE FAIL IN ANY OF MY VEHICLES EVER. THAT REGARDLESS OF THE GES AND MAKES OF MY VEHICLCES THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO MAKE CERTAIN THE 4 WAY SWITCH WAS RELIABLE. MIGHT I ADD LINKING BRAKING WITH THE SWITCH MIGHT BE CONSIDER IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE ENGINEERS. HAS THE 1998 CHEVY LUMINA 4WAY SWITCH BEEN RECALLED!?
NHTSA complaint #11316828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesPleasant Hill, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THIS COMPANY VEHICLE BY NEW TRANSPORTATION MANAGER, EVEN THOUGH I HAD ANOTHER COMPANY VEHICLE ASSIGNED TO ME TO DRIVE. FROM 11/9/2018 TO 11/13/2018 I WORKED OVERTIME PLUS MY REGULAR WEEK OF WORK. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME USING THE HEATER IN THIS VEHICLE AND I WAS WORKING LONG HOURS WITH THE HEATER ON BECAUSE THE WEATHER HAD CHANGED. ON 11/11/2018 AT ABOUT 0600, I STARTED HAVING A HEADACHE AND MY THROAT WAS IRRITATED BUT I WENT HOME AT 0800 AND CAME BACK TO WORK OVERTIME PLUS MY REGULAR SHIFT ON THE SAME DAY AT 2000. MY HEADACHE HAD INTENSIFIED AND I TOOK ALEVE FOR IT AND DRANK MILK FOR MY IRRITATED THROAT AND WEN HOME AT THE END OF MY SHIFT AT 0800 ON 11/13/2018. I WORKED THE REST OF THE WEEK BUT MY HEADACHES CONTINUED AND ON 11/19/2018, I ASKED THE MECHANIC TO SMELL THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE AND AFTER SMELLING IT, HE TOLD ME TO PARK IT AND REPORT IT TO MY MANAGER BECAUSE IT HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK. ON 11/26/2018, I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE DOCTOR PLACED ME ON MODIFIED DUTY UNLESS I WAS NOT PROVIDED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND THEN I WOULD CONSIDERED TEMPORARILY FULLY DISABLED UNTIL 12/14/2018. ON 11/28/2018, MY MANAGER TOLD ME I WAS GOING TO BE DRIVING THE DIRTY VEHICLE AFTER I HAD ASKED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD MY SUPERVISOR SMELL THE CABIN AND HE GAVE ME HIS TRUCK TO DRIVE AND I DROVE IT FOR 2 DAYS. ON 11/30/2018, MY SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT OUR MANAGER HAD CLEARED THE DIRTY VEHICLE AND I HAD TO GO BACK TO DRIVING IT BUT I WENT HOME FULLY DISABLED INSTEAD. ON 12/4/2018, I WAS FORCED BACK INTO WORK AND I DROVE MY MANAGERS TRUCK. ON 12/5/2018, I DROVE THE DIRTY VEHICLE TO THE FIRE STATION AND IT TESTED POSITIVE FOR AN EXHAUST LEAK WITH CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CABIN. I HAD MY 2 DAYS OFF AND ON 11/8 AND 11/9/2018, I HAVE BEEN STAYING AT THE OFFICE BECAUSE THEY'RE FORCING ME TO DRIVE THE DIRTY VEHICLE AGAIN AND I CAN'T GO OUT TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11157200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFulton, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28-30 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST MADE AN OUT OF TURN LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR HIS INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE BACK, STOMACH, AND NECK. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11011628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHelena, MT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED. AT TIME OF PURCHASE BRAKE LIGHTS APPEARED TO WORK. SAME EVENING, THE TWO REAR/SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK (THE THIRD/MIDDLE LIGHT WORKS). WE DID SOME TROUBLE SHOOTING, REPLACED BULBS, CHECKED FOR SHORTS. IN OUR RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT THIS IS IN FACT A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG GM SEDANS AND IS CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWITCH CONTACTS COMMONLY FAIL WHEN THE SWITCH BEGINS TO LOOSEN/DISINTIGRATE. THIS CAUSES A VARIETY OF ISSUES AMONG THE SYSTEMS THAT PASS THROUGH THAT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE IS ONE SUCH ISSUE, AND OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUES. YES, I KNOW IT'S AN OLD CAR AND YES I EXPECT TO HAVE TO MAKE REPAIRS TO IT, BUT I DO NOT EXPECT OUR STUDENT DRIVER TO SUDDENLY BE WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY MANUFACTURE OF THIS COMPONENT. A SMALL AMOUNT OF RESEARCH MAKES IT APPARENT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON, VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. IT'S EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND BEYOND MOST PEOPLE'S DIY ABILITIES, BESIDES WHICH I WOULD NOT BE COMFORTABLE WORKING WITH ANYTHING THAT AFFECTS THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY GM HASN'T BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE'S NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10971179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haiku, HI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RANDOM POWER STEERING LEAK. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE FLUID CONSTANTLY. WHEN A MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING PUMP, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT THE STEERING RACK MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE RECALL WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A REPAIR SOLUTION FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10967578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newberry, SC
AIR BAGS
TAKITA RECALL AIRBAG MAY BE THE CAUSE OF PASSENGER SIDE DASH EXPANDING OUTWARDS. UNSURE OF CAUSE. EXPANSION IS SLOWING COMING OUT OF SEM. HAVE NOTICED APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS ONGOING.
NHTSA complaint #10955455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesHanford, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY CAUSED OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VACUUM HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #10939293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newberry, SC
AIR BAGS
DASH AIRBAG IS PROTRUDING OUT. VECHILE STATIONARY. SEE PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint #10936081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesOtis, LA
ENGINE
MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT RECALL # 15V701000, AND ALSO MY CAR STARTED LEAKING WATER INTO THE OIL SO I HAD TO PARK IT UP FOR A WHILE AND JUST BEEN WITHOUT A RIDE EVER SINCE ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #10907344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL NOTICE 15757. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS AN OIL LEAK, AND SHE WAS ADVISED NOT TO PARK IN A GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10869959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesLong Beach, CA
ENGINE
VEHICLE MAKING BANGING NOISE TOOK TO SHOP TOLD A BURNT VALVE, ( IT WAS DRIVEN IN/OUT OF SHOPS) SECOND SHOP WEEKS OF INVESTIGATING, SAME DIAGNOSIS. LACKED FUNDS TO REPAIR, TOOK HOME. READ ABOUT RECALL CONTACTED MANUFACTURER REFERRED TO LOCAL DEALER. DEALER SAID PARTS WERE BEING ORDERED BASED ON RECALL, BUT TOOK IT IN EARLIER THAN CONTACT. SERVICE PERSON INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF RECALL..THEY COULD DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR BUT COST IN THE THOUSANDS. I COULDN'T AFFORD THAT OR CONTINUE GETTING TICKETS (NOT ABLE TO MOVE IT BECAUSE BATTERY NEEDED A FULL CHARGE. I AM A WOMAN KNOW LITTLE ABOUT CARS, DID NOT WANT TO GET STUCK IF IT DEFAULTED. SECOND REPAIR SHOP ADVISED ME THAT I COULD DRIVE IT UNTIL IT JUST STOPPED, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT IN RECALL SO I DONATED TO KARS FOR KIDS. ON 3/8/16 GOT A CALL FROM SAME LOT TELLING ME MY RECALL PARTS HAD COME IN. PUZZLED & ALARMED TOLD CALLER ABOUT THEIR SERVICE DEPT. SHE SEEMED A PUZZLED SO I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. SHE CHECKED &TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF MY APPOINTMENT & SERVICE PERSON HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF ME. PUZZLED AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON? PAID AAA $60.00 FOR TOW PAID $35.00 FOR USED TIRE. TOW GUY SAID I COULD DRIVE CAR DEALER AND SAVE TOW FEE BUT I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING BROKE CAR SO I HAD HIM TOW.MY QUESTION IS HOW DOES A CONSUMER KNOW IF THEIR SPECIFIC CAR FALLS UNDER A RECALL? THE CAR WAS MY LANDLORD'S DYING GIFT TO ME. I DROVE HIM AND HIS WIFE TO CHURCH, TO THE BANK, TO THE DOCTOR, FOR OIL CHANGES, ETC. I NEVER RECALLED TAKING IT FOR A RECALL AND MY LANDLORD WAS IN HIS 90'S I DIDN'T KNOW IF HE HAD OVERLOOKED RECALL SO MY MOTIVATION TO CHECK. TALKED TO MGR. OF DEALERSH 3/8/16 HE SAID HE WOULD INVESTIGATE, SERVICE PERSON WAS EXPERIENCED AND HE WAS SORRY ABOUT MY VEHICLE. NOW I, A SENIOR CITIZEN HAVE NO MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10845748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moreno Valley, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND LATER INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10821269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLong Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS PROTRUDING AS IF IT WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10818652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLong Beach, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS PROTRUDING AS IF IT WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10818652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 245,000 milesSaint Louse, MOFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN THERE WAS FIRE COMING FROM THE FRONT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND THE UPPER MANIFOLD WAS CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FIRE OCCURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,000.
NHTSA complaint #10810738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE.WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10810147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 229,000 milesAmelia, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN UNUSUAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
NHTSA complaint #10650823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 229,400 milesAmelia, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTER WAS CHANGED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY IN THAT DIRECTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWELVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,400.
NHTSA complaint #10632125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesTacoma, WA
STEERING
DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. CONTACTED GM AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. CHARGED $100 AND TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V527000 DUE TO VIN. REPLACED RACK AND PINION MYSELF WHICH FIXED THE ISSUE. MY CAR SHOWS THE EXACT SAME SIGNS OF THE REASON YOU DID THIS RECALL. WHY WAS MY CAR NOT INCLUDED? I DEMAND AN ANSWER!
NHTSA complaint #10611260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHowell, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, SHE NOTICED A GRINDING AND BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesHarrodsburg, KY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RATTLED AND MADE A LOT OF NOISE UNTIL IT WARMED UP. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10509822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,800 milesLiberty Lake, WA
ENGINE
MY REPORT: ORIGINAL DIAGNOSTIC CODE WAS 3RD CYLINDER SPARK PLUG. SYMPTOMS WERE CONSISTENT WITH THIS. CAR DROVE FINE THAT EVENING UNTIL THE ENGINE HAD TROUBLE, SPUTTERED AND SHUT OFF. MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NO COOLANT AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THIS MODEL AND YEAR IS KNOWN FOR COOLANT LEAK INTERNALLY BY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAK EXTERNALLY PRIOR TO THIS, DIDN'T BLOW WHITE SMOKE OUT THE BACK, THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT DIDN'T GO ON, THE OIL WAS FULL, NO MILKY STUFF IN RADIATOR EITHER, THE CAR DROVE LIKE NEW, AND THE CAR ONLY HAD 76,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAD ONE PREVIOUS OWNER AND WAS WELL-MAINTAINED BY THAT OWNER AND MYSELF. I BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO WITH ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT. I LOOKED INTO WHY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WOULD LEAK AND FOUND 2 REPORTS. BECAUSE THIS WAS A DEFECT, I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH AND ENGINE OR MONEY FOR THE ENGINE FROM CHEVY: PROBLEM REPORTS: CHEVROLET LUMINA REPORT: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS MAY LEAK COOLANT OR ENGINE OIL MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 ENGINES AFFECTED: 3.1L V6, 3.4L V6, 3.8L V6 THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET MAY DEVELOP AND EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. IN SOME CASES, AN INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK MAY OCCUR CAUSING COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL. OUR TECHNICIANS TELL US THAT OPERATING THE ENGINE WITH A COOLANT/OIL MIX CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SHOULD CORRECT THESE LEAKS. UNFORTUNATELY THE 3.1 LITRE ENGINE HAS A MANUFACTURE FLAW. THE GASKET IS PLASTIC AND RUBBER. OVER TIME THE PLASTIC CRACKS DUE THE HEAT AND THE RUBBER SEAL FAILS. FELPRO HAS REDESIGNED THAT GASKET. INSTEAD OF BEING PLASTIC AND RUBBER IT IS STEEL AND RUBBER.
NHTSA complaint #10489267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesAvon, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES LINES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE METAL BRAKES LINES WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 08-09-12 *BF THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS COMPLAINT REMOVED. HE STATED WILL BE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH GM REGARDING THE ISSUE. UPDATED 08/09/12.
NHTSA complaint #10467825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMesa, AZ
WHEELS
INSTALLATION OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL RESULTED IN ONE OF THE FIVE WHEEL STUDS BREAKING OFF IN THE WHEEL NUT. WHEN THE WHEEL HUB WAS REPLACED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL NUT ENGAGEMENT ON ALL TEN OF THE FRONT WHEEL STUDS WAS ONLY 4 THREADS EACH. THE WHEELS INSTALLED APPEAR TO BE THE STOCK ALUMINUM WHEELS.
NHTSA complaint #10460327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.