VehicleVerdict

1990 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina carries two red flags at once: 615 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.2× the Lumina norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION). It is one of the Lumina years to avoid. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 52% of all reports (319 of 615), far ahead of body & structure at 66.

615

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

15

Investigations · 2 open

38

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Lumina years?

See all Lumina years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Lumina problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes31952%
Body & Structure6611%
Engine407%
Steering396%
Seat Belts305%
Electrical System264%
Tires & Wheels173%
Suspension163%
Visibility & Wipers122%
Seats112%
Lighting91%
Fuel System81%
Other81%
Speed Control61%
Transmission41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

00V189000Body & StructureJuly 11, 2000 · 713,435 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Consequence

IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

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.

95V115000Tires & WheelsJune 5, 1995 · 22,361 units

Defect

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

94V041000Tires & WheelsMarch 28, 1995 · 198,163 units

Defect

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.

91V005000Seat BeltsOctober 2, 1991 · 412,792 units

Defect

FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.

Consequence

WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.

Remedy

INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.

90V185000LightingOctober 16, 1990 · 476,422 units

Defect

BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.

90V054000Seat BeltsMarch 14, 1990 · 673,000 units

Defect

FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.

Consequence

SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.

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.

WHILE BRAKING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WHICH CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, THE SPENT $1500.00 IN REPAIRS WITH NO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 3, 2003 · crash

THE REAR BRAKES ALWAYS FAILED ON THIS CAR. THE CALIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING, THAT AND THE CRADLE BOLT FALLING OFF CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL IN A TURN AND SMACK A CURB WHICH RESULTED IN THE STRUT HOUSING BE BENT ALONG WITH THE RIM. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 15, 2000 · crash

WHEN TRAVELING CONSUMER NOTICED A CLOKE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MOUNTS WHICH SUPPORT THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION BROKE, CAUSING THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT FORWARD. ALSO NOTED THE ISSUANCE OF RECALL 97V058000 INVOLVING THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 1999

HAD INSTALLED AN ALARM SYSTEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER IT WAS SHORTING OUT, AND BLOWING FUSES. REPLACED FUSES. COUPLE DAYS LATER AFTER REPLACING FUSES, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 31, 1999 · fire

DOOR CAME OPEN MAKING SEAT BELT COME OPEN BECAUSE, IT WAS ATTACHED TO DOOR CAUSING DRIVER TO BE EXPELLED FROM CAR CAUSING DRIVER TO RECEIVE VERY SEVERE INJURIES TO FACE AND HEAD WITH DRIVER PINNED UNDER THE CAR. WANTING TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE DOOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 2, 1999 · crash

1990 Chevrolet Lumina — common questions

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 615 complaints put the 1990 model at #2 of 17 Lumina years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Lumina years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Lumina problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (319 complaints), body & structure (66 complaints), engine (40 complaints).

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. 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 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 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lumina years to avoid are 1995, 1990, 1992, 1991, 1997, 1993, 1996. The cleanest record among Lumina years belongs to 2002.

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.