VehicleVerdict

1991 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1991 Chevrolet Lumina carries two red flags at once: 483 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.5× the Lumina norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). It is one of the Lumina years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 49% of all reports (237 of 483), far ahead of body & structure at 52.

483

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

9

Investigations · 1 open

25

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

18

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Lumina years?

Lumina NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted670 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 615 complaints1991: 483 complaints1992: 483 complaints1993: 344 complaints1994: 190 complaints1995: 670 complaints1996: 312 complaints1997: 438 complaints1998: 276 complaints1999: 132 complaints2000: 36 complaints2001: 25 complaints2002: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints
Lumina NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lumina years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Chevrolet Lumina problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes23749%
Body & Structure5211%
Engine378%
Seat Belts296%
Electrical System286%
Steering214%
Tires & Wheels184%
Transmission112%
Fuel System112%
Other82%
Suspension82%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Latches & Locks51%
Speed Control41%
Seats41%
Lighting31%
Airbags20%

Does the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

6 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.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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.

92V003000Seat BeltsJanuary 10, 1992 · 347,866 units

Defect

THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.

Consequence

THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.

Open NHTSA investigations

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.

“WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 23, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING, FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL AND VEHICLE WENT INTO A DITCH, CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL, 00V189, REGARDING THIS, HOWEVER VIN IS NOT INCLUDED, CONSUMER HAS THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 15, 2001 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 25MPH WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING. SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM HOOD AREA OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER THEN PULLED TO SIDE, THEN FLAMES BEGAN TO ARISE IN AREA. WHEN FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DISCONNECT HOOD LATCH. VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS DUE TO FIRE. *AK THE ORIGINAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 1997 · fire

“WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY COULD REPAIR AT NO COST THEY SAID NO WARRANTY IS ON THE VEHICAL AFTER 3YEARS OR 36,000 MILES AND WE FEEL THAT THE SEATBELT IS A SAFTEY FEATURE AND IT NOT GOING BACK IN AFTER UNBUCKLING IS A SAFTEY ISSUE AND THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE CAN CONTROL AND IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 11, 2001

“ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 45 MINUTES; PARKED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS NO SIGN OF SMOKE OR ANYTHING. ABOUT 45 MINUTES LATER , NOTICED SMOKE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SMOKE/NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR ANY TYPE OF WARNING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 1997 · fire

1991 Chevrolet Lumina — common questions

Is the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 483 complaints put the 1991 model at #3 of 17 Lumina years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Lumina years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Lumina problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (237 complaints), body & structure (52 complaints), engine (37 complaints).

Does the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). 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.