VehicleVerdict

1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV carries two red flags at once: 135 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.8× the Lumina APV norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION). It is one of the Lumina APV years to avoid. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 39 reports (29% of the total).

135

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

8

Investigations · 2 open

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Lumina APV years?

Lumina APV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted135 complaints1987: 1 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 135 complaints1991: 58 complaints1992: 89 complaints1993: 61 complaints1994: 79 complaints1995: 128 complaints1996: 40 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 4 complaints
Lumina APV NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lumina APV years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure3929%
Seats1511%
Steering1310%
Brakes1310%
Engine1310%
Seat Belts118%
Latches & Locks64%
Other54%
Tires & Wheels54%
Electrical System43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Transmission21%
Fuel System21%
Lighting11%
Speed Control11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

99I003000SeatsJune 8, 1999 · 187,459 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.

Consequence

THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

97V058000Body & StructureApril 8, 1997 · 676,535 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

91V046000Seat BeltsMarch 15, 1991 · 400 units

Defect

A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).

Consequence

THE INCORRECT RETRACTOR MAY CAUSE THE BELTS TO LOCK UPIF THE VAN IS PARKED ON A STEEP GRADE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE OCCUPANT COULDNOT EXTEND THE BELT FOR USE.

Remedy

REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.

89V164000SeatsOctober 2, 1989 · 343 units

Defect

THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.

Consequence

VEHICLES WOULD NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 207.

Remedy

REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ99002

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

RQ97017

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

There is no summary currently available

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE ROOF CAME OFF BEFORE THE ROLL OVER AND THE STEERING WAS GONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 26, 1994 · crash

“THERE IS A RECAL LISTED ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WE ALSO RECEIVED A RECAL NOTICE FROM MANIFACTURING. THEY NOW SAY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE BOLTS APPARENTLY LOOSEN AND CAN BREAK CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACK WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO US. AT LEAST WE WERE NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 10, 2002

“VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE OTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 10, 1997 · fire

“WE WERE AT A STOPLIGHT AND MADE A RIGHT TURN AND HEARD AN AWFUL CLUNK - WE PROCEEDED ABOUT 1/2 MILE AND TRIED TO PULL INTO OUR PARKING SPACE AND OUR STEERING WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD ONLY "SPIN AROUND". WE COULD NOT TURN THE CAR AT ALL - WE HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK - HAD IT TOWED ACROSS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 4, 2000

“CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE BRAKE SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE ROTORS/SHOES, ETC. SHE IS COMPLAINING THAT WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES PEDAL, THE BRAKES DON'T WORK PROPERLY. IT IS ALSO IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE FAMILY TO GET INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE USING THE DOOR HANDLES. FINALLY, THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 18, 1998

1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV — common questions

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 135 complaints put the 1990 model at #1 of 12 Lumina APV years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Lumina APV years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Lumina APV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (39 complaints), seats (15 complaints), brakes (13 complaints).

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Chevrolet Lumina APV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lumina APV years to avoid are 1990, 1995, 1992, 1994, 1991. The cleanest record among Lumina APV years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.