VehicleVerdict

1999 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Chevrolet Lumina sits mid-pack among Lumina years: 132 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 191, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 47 reports (36% of the total).

132

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

18

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Lumina years?

See all Lumina years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Lumina problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4736%
Brakes2015%
Electrical System86%
Steering75%
Airbags75%
Transmission75%
Tires & Wheels65%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Speed Control54%
Lighting43%
Fuel System43%
Suspension32%
Other22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Body & Structure22%
Seat Belts22%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

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

15V701000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy

The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

09V116000EngineApril 8, 2009 · 1,497,516 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Consequence

IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE VENTS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 29, 2009 · fire

WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY DON'T HOLD, AS A RESULT THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE EXTREMELY GLAZED BRAKES MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN RAINY OR WET CONDITION, THE VEHICLES VIN FALLS WITHIN THE RANGE FOR A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 2, 2001 · crash

CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY 10 MINUTES AFTER I RETURNED HOME. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE BEFORE IT SPREAD TO MY HOME. FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL INJECTORS. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2008 · fire

THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR FROM ALMO RENTAL CENTER. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND A DRUNKEN DRIVER HIT HIM FROM BEHIND. VEHICLE WENT INTO A SLID OFF THE SIDE OFF AN ENBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS ROLLING IN AIR AND LANDED INTO A LAVA FIELD. ONE OF PASSENGER'S SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES FROM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 5, 2000 · crash

VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD AT 50-60 MPH AS CONSUMER SWERVED TO AVOID A ANIMAL. VEHICLE HIT THE DITCH, THEN ROLLED 2-3 TIMES. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER HIT HIS HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD AND SUFFERED FACIAL INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. TS

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 20, 2002 · crash

1999 Chevrolet Lumina — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 132 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Lumina year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1999 Lumina problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (47 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.