Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Lumina APV year — the 1992 model ranks #3 of 12 Lumina APV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 32 reports (36% of the total).
89
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
4
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 32 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 18 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 13 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Consequence
VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
Defect
VEHICLE FAILS TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SAFETY BELT OF THE LEFT THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE SIX PASSENGER VAN AND THE CENTER SECOND ROW SEAT OF THE SEVEN PASSENGER VAN MAY LOCK UP AND CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE AFFECTED BELT. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
OWNERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THEIR VEHICLES TO DETERMINE IF THE SUSPECT RETRACTOR EXHIBITS A LOCKUP CONDITION. BASED ON THIS INSPECTION, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE BELT LOCKS UP. REPLACEMENT OF THE SUSPECT SAFETY BELT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN BRAKES ARE TO THE FLOOR THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MOVE, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE INTO ANOTHER. *AK BOTH DRIVERS EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH AND BAD BRUISING DUE TO ACCIDENT. *SLC ”
“DRIVER'S SIDE REPLACED 4/99 SAME PROBLE GM NOTIFIED AND FIXED FREE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM; NOW THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS 90,000 MILES ON VEHICLE; AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED IT IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. I HAD 64,000…”
“DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE AND COLLAPSED BACKWARDS WHILE TRAVELING UP AN INCLINE AT 30 MPH. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WAERE NOTIFIED,AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST. WAS INFORMED VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY/ NOT COVER UNDER A RECALL. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK”
“DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FINDINGS: WHEN ELECTRIC LINE TO RADIATOR BECOMES INOPERATIVE THERE IS NO FUSIBLE LINK. *AK”
“BOTH OF THE FRONT DOOR HANDLES BROKE WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. THE REAR SLIDING DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE AND FEELS LIKE THE OTHER TWO DID JUST BEFORE THEY STOPPED WORKING. WHEN THIS ONE GOES, MY ONLY WAY TO GET INTO MY VAN WILL BE THRU THE REAR HATCH. THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL OPEN FROM THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 12 Lumina APV years. It is one of the Lumina APV years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (32 complaints), seat belts (18 complaints), seats (13 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.