VehicleVerdict

1992 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 483 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Lumina year — the 1992 model ranks #3 of 17 Lumina years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 44% of all reports (210 of 483), far ahead of electrical system at 50.

483

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Lumina years?

Lumina NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lumina years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chevrolet Lumina problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes21043%
Electrical System5010%
Engine408%
Seat Belts388%
Transmission255%
Fuel System174%
Body & Structure163%
Suspension143%
Steering143%
Tires & Wheels133%
Seats112%
Speed Control102%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Lighting61%
Latches & Locks41%
Other31%
Child Seat20%
Airbags10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

4 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.

92V161000Fuel SystemNovember 3, 1992 · 1,058 units

Defect

THERE IS FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL TANK FILL AND/OR VENT PIPE EXTENSION SOLDER JOINTS.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKS CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE IF EXPOSED TO ASOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.

91V214000TransmissionDecember 6, 1991 · 10,141 units

Defect

THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKES APPLIED AND CAR DID NOT RESPOND OR SLOW DOWN. RESULTING IN AN REAR END COLLISION CAUSING DAMAGE TO TWO CARS APPROX. $7,900.00 ON JUNE 30, 1999. SECOND INCIDENT JULY 28, 1999 STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. FELT LIKE CRUISE CONTROL KICKED IN AND CAR WHEN FAST. SPEED APPROX.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 30, 1999 · crash

“THE HARNESS RUNNING ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STERRING COLUMN INSIDE THE VEHICLE BEGAN MELTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I REMOVED ALL FUSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM. THE HARNESS ABOVE THE STEERING MECHANISM INSIDE THE VEHICLE, DRIVER'S SIDE, IS MELTED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 13, 2002 · fire

“EXECESSIVE FUEL WAS BEING DISPENCED DOWN THE PLENUM FILLING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH GASOLINE. WHEN CONVERTER REACHED OPERATING TEMP. OF APPROX. 1800 DEGREES THE FUEL IN THE CONVERTER WAS IGNITED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 24, 1999 · fire

“OWNER STATES THAT SHOULDER BELT DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE WHEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, TRYING TO AVOID A CURB OWNER HIT A TREE. OWNER ALSO QUESTIONS THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE ,THEY ARE NONE ABS BRAKES”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 19, 1997 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING HEARD A BOOM, TURNED RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT COMPLETELY AROUND AND AROUND IN A CIRCLE. DRIVER GOT THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT AND PARKED THE CAR. WHEN SHE GOT DRIVING AXLE WAS ON THE GROUND IN FRONT BETWEEN THE TWO TIRES. VEHICLE IS AT S&S TRANSMISSION BEING INSPECTED. DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 27, 1998

1992 Chevrolet Lumina — common questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 483 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 17 Lumina years. It is one of the Lumina years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Lumina problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (210 complaints), electrical system (50 complaints), engine (40 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.