Owners have filed 132 complaints
about the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina with NHTSA between 1999 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Lumina. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 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
23.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
46.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
34.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
711.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1626.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
58.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1219.7%
150,000+ miles
1219.7%
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 1999peak 5Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
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 1999 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15 milesClarksville, INFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I TOOK MY CAR FOR A SERVICE REPAIR. (TUNE UP) ONLY TO DISCOVER ON THE WAYA AWKWARD SMELL AND MISFIRE. UPON ARRIVING I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE INTERNAL HOOD INSULATION BROKE FREE AND CRUMBLED IN CHUNKS ON TOP OF MY FUEL INJECTOR AND CREATED A HEAT THAT MELTED FOUR OF THE FUEL INJECTOR WIRES COVERS AND ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10970616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GM SAFETY RECALL COMPLAINT: I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY DROVE ABOUT HALF A BLOCK AND SMELLED SMOKE; RETURNED HOME, PARKED AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RAISED HOOD AND FOUND ENGINE OWN FIRE IN SMALL FLAMES. I PROCEEDED TO POUR A SMALL BUCKET OF WATER ON THE FIRE AND IT WENT OUT. COINCIDENTALLY, I HAD JUST RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 09047 FROM GM THE SAME DAY, STATING THAT THE CAR COULD CATCH FIRE STARTING WITH THE SPARK PLUG WIRES CHANNEL AND BEYOND. I CONTACTED THE CLOSEST DEALER ROBBINS CHEVROLET AND WHO TOLD ME TO CALL GM BECAUSE THE CAR HAD ALREADY CAUGHT ON FIRE. I PROCEEDED TO CONTACT GM WHERE I RECEIVED CLAIM NUMBER 71-100-902-8310 AND WAS THEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD GET BACK TO ME AND LET ME KNOW IF THEY WOULD EVEN PAY FOR SERVING OR EVEN AUTHORIZE A DEALER TO CHECK THE VEHICLE FOR CAUSE. THIS IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE LACK OF CONCERN FOR ME AS A CUSTOMER OR WHY GETTING THE VEHICLE CHECKED BASED ON THE RECALL WOULD BE IN QUESTION. MY COMPLAINT IS THE LACK OF CONCERN AND EXTREMELY LONG TIME FRAME INVOLVED IN GETTING AUTHORIZATION TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED BASED ON THE SAFETY RECALL. THE RECALL LETTER STATES "IF YOU NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR GM DEALER INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY."I FOLLOWED THE PROCEDURE ONLY TO BE TOLD POLICY DICTATES THEY HAVE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE LETTING ME KNOW IF THEY ARE EVEN WILLING TO HAVE THE DEALER CHECK THE VEHICLE. AND WHILE THIS MAY BE POLICY, 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS IS A LONG TIME WHEN YOU HAVE GO TO WORK AND THIS IS YOUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I AM DISAPPOINTED IN GM'S HANDLING OF THIS SITUATION AND I FEEL THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION ARE BEING HANDLED POORLY.
NHTSA complaint #10435695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,375 milesTucker, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE VENTS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,375.
NHTSA complaint #10279149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY 10 MINUTES AFTER I RETURNED HOME. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE BEFORE IT SPREAD TO MY HOME. FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL INJECTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10217681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,200 milesRIO Rancho, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY 10 MINUTES AFTER I RETURNED HOME. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE BEFORE IT SPREAD TO MY HOME. FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL INJECTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10217681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,400 milesPlymouth, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONCERN: 1999 LOW MILEAGE CHEVROLET LUMINA. PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. CORROSION OR DEFECTIVE WHEEL SENSORS CAN CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS. MY CUSTOMER EXPLAINED THAT HIS ABS LIGHT WAS ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. HE HAD DRIVEN THREW HIS FENCE AFTER TURNING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. HE MENTIONED THAT HE WOULD LOSE ALL BRAKING IF THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL UNIT WAS ACTUATING. IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IF THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON IN ALL VEHICLES THE ABS WOULD DROP OUT OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM RENDERING THE VEHICLE WITH CONVENTIONAL BRAKES. I GUESS THIS IS NOT TRUE WITH SOME LATE MODEL GMS. I HAVE LEARNED THAT DIAGNOSING INTERMITTENT WHEEL SENSORS AND WIRING IS A DAUNTING TASK. THE VEHICLE WE WORKED ON HAD A DEFECTIVE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SENSOR. WE SCOPED THE SIGNAL FROM THE SENSOR AND IT SHOWED PERFECT AMPLITUDE, VOLTAGE AND WAVE FORM. FURTHER TESTING SHOWED IT READ OPEN WITH AN OHMMETER. UNLESS THE CIRCUIT IS COMPLETELY OPEN OR SHORTED TESTING THE WHEEL SENSORS AND WIRING WITH AN OHMMETER OR A SCOPE IS USELESS AT TIMES. IN THE PAST FOLLOWING A GM TROUBLE CODE FLOW CHART WAS USELESS, THE FIX WAS TO REWIRE AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT PARTS. . I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES. OR AT LEAST OFFER THE REPLACEMENT PARTS INCLUDING A REPROGRAMMED TRACTION CONTROL/ABS CONTROLLER AT A REASONABLE PRICE. SEARCHING THE ARCHIVES I FOUND ONE OTHER LATE MODEL GM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS AND LOSS OF LOW SPEED BRAKING. 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM ENGINE: 2.4 L / 146 CID / 4 CYL / GAS / DOHC FUEL: FUEL INJECTION IGNITION: DISTRIBUTORLESS TRANS: 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (ELECTRONIC) MILEAGE: 95,000 MI VIN: [XXX] TIME. TODAY CUSTOMER COMES IN WITH A COMPLAINT OF CLICKING, LOSS OF PEDAL, AND NO STOP. CUSTOMER WAS IN TODAY WE GOT THE ABS TO ACTUATE AND HE SAID THATS WHAT IT WAS DOING.*JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
NHTSA complaint #10136111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 13,600 milesNanticoke, PA
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME AND IT SHUT OFF , NOW IT WON'T TURN BACK ON
NHTSA complaint #11243554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrillville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA LS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASS-KEY 11 SECURITY SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE STEERING AND BRAKING FUNCTIONS WHILE BEING DRIVEN.
NHTSA complaint #11150568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesAlamo, TX
STEERING
MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING AND I HAVE ALMOST CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLES AND BUILDINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11032846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesClarksville, INFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I TOOK MY CAR FOR A SERVICE REPAIR. (TUNE UP) ONLY TO DISCOVER ON THE WAYA AWKWARD SMELL AND MISFIRE. UPON ARRIVING I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE INTERNAL HOOD INSULATION BROKE FREE AND CRUMBLED IN CHUNKS ON TOP OF MY FUEL INJECTOR AND CREATED A HEAT THAT MELTED FOUR OF THE FUEL INJECTOR WIRES COVERS AND ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10970616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesQuincy, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 08/16/16*LJ UPDATED 08/17/16
NHTSA complaint #10881856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesKodak, TN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE HEAD GASKETS LEAKING WATER INTO THE PISTONS. THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10838554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
TIRES
DRIVING AT 70MPH THERE WAS A THERE WAS A LARGE INCREASE IN NOISE AND VIBRATION FOR A MINUTE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANG. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT AN EXPLOSIVE TIRE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. SEVERAL PLACES ON THE SIDEWALL WERE TORN AND THE TREAD HAD BULGES ON IT. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS REPLACED. 2 MONTHS LATER THE SAME BRAND AND MODEL TIRE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR STARTED TO RUMBLE - FORTUNATELY AT ONLY 45 MPH IN TOWN. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THERE WAS A BULGE ON THE TREAD SO THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. SINCE 2 PRIMEWELL TIRES ON THE SAME AXLE FAILED WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER, I BELIEVE THIS IS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT - NOT JUST A SIMPLE COINCIDENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10836662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesFeasterville, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHSTA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10824855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUGHT 99 CHEVY LUMINA USED 5-6 MONTHS AGO CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT, FOUND NOTHING SERIOUS WITH CAR JUST MINOR TUNE UP NEEDED AND NEW TIRES. GAVE CAR TO MY SON AS A GOOD FIRST CAR, LAST NIGHT TOOK HIM TO FILL UP GAS TANK AND SMELLED GAS, LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW A DRIP COMING FROM WHAT APPEARS THE GAS TANK. PARKED CAR AT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER CAR, NO LEAK THOUGHT MAYBE I SPILLED GAS, THIS MORNING HE LEFT FOR SCHOOL AND THERE IS A VISABLE PUDDLE FROM WHERE HE WAS PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #10661874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Sandusky, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT, THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE CONSUMER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THE HEAT AND A/C WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10632858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Sandusky, OH
STEERING
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT, THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE CONSUMER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THE HEAT AND A/C WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10632858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Sandusky, OH
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT, THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE CONSUMER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THE HEAT AND A/C WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10632858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Sandusky, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT, THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE CONSUMER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THE HEAT AND A/C WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10632858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Sandusky, OH
VISIBILITY
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT, THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE CONSUMER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THE HEAT AND A/C WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10632858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMacon, GA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WILL JUST SUDDENLY CUT OFF AND THIS OCCURS WHETHER STOPPED AT THE LIGHT OR WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VOLT LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR JUST CUTS OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER (YOUMAN'S CHEVROLET, MACON, GA) TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM BY RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, BUT COULD NEVER DETERMINE THE CAUSE. SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR, AND WONDERING IF THE PROBLEM COULD BE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR, I PARKED THE CAR AND PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR IN MAY, 2013. THE CAR IS STILL PARKED IN MY YARD. I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THING THAT IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER GM CARS BUT MY MODEL IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY 1999 LUMINAS STILL BEING DRIVEN AND YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10576171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMacon, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WILL JUST SUDDENLY CUT OFF AND THIS OCCURS WHETHER STOPPED AT THE LIGHT OR WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VOLT LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR JUST CUTS OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER (YOUMAN'S CHEVROLET, MACON, GA) TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM BY RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, BUT COULD NEVER DETERMINE THE CAUSE. SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR, AND WONDERING IF THE PROBLEM COULD BE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR, I PARKED THE CAR AND PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR IN MAY, 2013. THE CAR IS STILL PARKED IN MY YARD. I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THING THAT IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER GM CARS BUT MY MODEL IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY 1999 LUMINAS STILL BEING DRIVEN AND YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10576171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMacon, GA
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WILL JUST SUDDENLY CUT OFF AND THIS OCCURS WHETHER STOPPED AT THE LIGHT OR WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VOLT LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR JUST CUTS OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER (YOUMAN'S CHEVROLET, MACON, GA) TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM BY RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, BUT COULD NEVER DETERMINE THE CAUSE. SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR, AND WONDERING IF THE PROBLEM COULD BE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR, I PARKED THE CAR AND PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR IN MAY, 2013. THE CAR IS STILL PARKED IN MY YARD. I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THING THAT IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER GM CARS BUT MY MODEL IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY 1999 LUMINAS STILL BEING DRIVEN AND YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10576171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,528 milesRedding, CA
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING MY HUSBAND'S 1999 LUMINA. I STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION TO WAIT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE LIGHT CHANGED I PROCEEDED INTO THE INTERSECTION, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HOWEVER THE CAR PROCEEDED STRAIGHT. THE TIRES WOULD NOT TURN, HOWEVER THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FREELY BUT THE TIRES WOULD NOT TURN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC. AFTER HE EXAMINED THE CAR IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WELDS THAT HOLD THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE TO THE FRAME HAD FAILED. I HAD TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL WELDS REDONE COSTING ME $ 400.00 THEN ANOTHER $ 300.00 TO HAVE THE ENGINE RE-ALIGNED. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY THAT WE OFTEN TRAVEL WE WOULD HAVE DIED AS THAT ROAD HAS SHARP CURVES AND NO SHOULDERS ONLY DEEP CANYONS TO FALL INTO.
NHTSA complaint #10438879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GM SAFETY RECALL COMPLAINT: I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY DROVE ABOUT HALF A BLOCK AND SMELLED SMOKE; RETURNED HOME, PARKED AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RAISED HOOD AND FOUND ENGINE OWN FIRE IN SMALL FLAMES. I PROCEEDED TO POUR A SMALL BUCKET OF WATER ON THE FIRE AND IT WENT OUT. COINCIDENTALLY, I HAD JUST RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 09047 FROM GM THE SAME DAY, STATING THAT THE CAR COULD CATCH FIRE STARTING WITH THE SPARK PLUG WIRES CHANNEL AND BEYOND. I CONTACTED THE CLOSEST DEALER ROBBINS CHEVROLET AND WHO TOLD ME TO CALL GM BECAUSE THE CAR HAD ALREADY CAUGHT ON FIRE. I PROCEEDED TO CONTACT GM WHERE I RECEIVED CLAIM NUMBER 71-100-902-8310 AND WAS THEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD GET BACK TO ME AND LET ME KNOW IF THEY WOULD EVEN PAY FOR SERVING OR EVEN AUTHORIZE A DEALER TO CHECK THE VEHICLE FOR CAUSE. THIS IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE LACK OF CONCERN FOR ME AS A CUSTOMER OR WHY GETTING THE VEHICLE CHECKED BASED ON THE RECALL WOULD BE IN QUESTION. MY COMPLAINT IS THE LACK OF CONCERN AND EXTREMELY LONG TIME FRAME INVOLVED IN GETTING AUTHORIZATION TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED BASED ON THE SAFETY RECALL. THE RECALL LETTER STATES "IF YOU NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR GM DEALER INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY."I FOLLOWED THE PROCEDURE ONLY TO BE TOLD POLICY DICTATES THEY HAVE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE LETTING ME KNOW IF THEY ARE EVEN WILLING TO HAVE THE DEALER CHECK THE VEHICLE. AND WHILE THIS MAY BE POLICY, 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS IS A LONG TIME WHEN YOU HAVE GO TO WORK AND THIS IS YOUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I AM DISAPPOINTED IN GM'S HANDLING OF THIS SITUATION AND I FEEL THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION ARE BEING HANDLED POORLY.
NHTSA complaint #10435695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSouth Connellsbille, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. A GAS-LIKE FUME WAS COMING FROM THE VENTS AND WOULD SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 07/08/11 *BF THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/19/11
NHTSA complaint #10402993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSouth Connellsbille, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. A GAS-LIKE FUME WAS COMING FROM THE VENTS AND WOULD SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 07/08/11 *BF THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/19/11
NHTSA complaint #10402993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesRembrandt, IA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACTS OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT FROM THIRD TO FOURTH GEAR THE GEARS WOULD STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10402844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesWest Liberty, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 1999 CHEVY LUMINA - THE INTAKE GASKET, STARTED LEAKING, GRADUALLY, NOW IT HAS A BAD LEAK. I READ GM HAS OR HAD A RECALL ON INTAKE GASKETS.
NHTSA complaint #10362911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesHampden, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
FUMES OF EVAPORATED COOLANT FROM FAULTY GASKET WERE SUCKED INTO VEHICLES VENTILATION SYSTEM. GM NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10359925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WE OWN A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA LTZ WITH THE NATURALLY ASPIRATED L36 3.8L V6. THE VEHICLE HAS THE PROBLEM THAT IT LEAKS BOTH OIL AND ENGINE COOLANT INTERNALLY. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY PROFESSIONALS AND HAS BEEN PROVEN TRUE. THE PROFESSIONAL DISCOVERED THE ENGINE IS LEAKING ALONG ABOUT THREE SEALS, TWO ON THE FRONT AND ONE ON THE REAR OF THE MOTOR. WE MUST POUR COOLANT INTO THE RESERVOIR ONCE EVERY COUPLE WEEKS OR EVEN SOONER. THE OIL IS BURNED OFF AND USUALLY NEEDS FILLED BY THE TIME IT NEEDS AN OIL CHANGE (ABOUT ONCE EVERY 3000 MILES). ALL SYSTEMS ARE WORKING PROPERLY IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING, ONE CAN SMELL THE FUMES FROM BURNING OIL AND COOLANT. GENERAL MOTORS DID RECALL THIS ENGINE RECENTLY FOR ENGINE FIRES TO ONLY PREVENT THE SPREAD BY REMOVING A SPARK PLUG CHANNEL AND REPLACING TWO SPARK PLUGS. GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS WHAT'S CAUSING THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. GENERAL MOTORS CORP. HAS ALSO PLACED A RECALL FOR THE L67, WHICH IS THE "SUPERCHARGED" VERSION OF THE L36, FOR SIMILAR ISSUES SUCH AS ENGINE SEALS LEAKING. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY AGGRAVATING SITUATION. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT REPAIR OF THIS ISSUE COULD COST AT LEAST $1600. FROM LISTENING TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME MOTOR, THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS, SO IT'S NOT JUST OUR VEHICLE. GM MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND ACTION TO HELP OWNERS OR COMPLETELY PAY TO REPLACE THEIR MOTOR SEALS.
NHTSA complaint #10341270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.