Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 128 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Lumina APV year — the 1995 model ranks #2 of 12 Lumina APV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.
Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 45 reports (35% of the total).
128
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 45 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 13 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 5% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
3 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
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THROTTLE CABLE SUPPORT BRACKETS THAT COULD CONTACT THE THROTTLE LEVER SYSTEM AND INHIBIT THE THROTTLE RETURN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE THROTTLE MAY FAITL TO RETURN QUICKLY CAUSING THE ENGINE SPEED TO NOT DECREASE TO A LEVEL ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET.
Defect
IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE PEDAL ARM CAUSES THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM TO FRACTURE DURING BRAKING.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE OPERATION INCREASING BRAKING DISTANCE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL SUSPECT BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLIES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FREQUENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WIPERS TO BE INOPERATIVE WHEN IT GETS "WET". CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT CAUSE WAS A BAD SOLDERED GROUND CONNECTION ON PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, CONNECTION COULD VIBRATE TO MAKE AND BREAK CONTACT,…”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, AND HIT A LARGE BOULDER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING 75MPH CAR SHUT OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING.*AK THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF IN THE IDLE POSITION OR WHEN MOVING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED GM AND FILED A SAFETY REPORT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY CHECKED. *JG”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FOUR CAR COLLISION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS FELL BACK WHEN VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND. DRIVER COULD NOT SEE IN FRONT OF HIM WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT. ALSO, NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. *AK”
“THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR WHEN OPENING, THE DOOR WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT'S ARM TO BE PINNED IN BETWEEN THE DOOR, RESULTING IN INJURIES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ORDERED PARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 128 complaints put the 1995 model at #2 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 visibility & wipers (45 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina APV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.