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1997 Chevrolet Lumina

Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA

Recalls2

  • Fuel system, otherStorage, tank assembly, pressure relief devicesMar 12, 2007, Campaign 07E021000

    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.

    Risk

    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.

  • SteeringRack and pinionDec 11, 2003, Campaign 03V527000

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

    Risk

    IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

    Remedy

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.

Recent complaints371 total

Most reported, across all 371 complaints

  • Steering24%
  • Engine and engine cooling15%
  • Fuel system, gasoline12%
  • Steering, electronic stability control (ESC)FireFiled Nov 13, 2019

    I'M DRIVING AND MY STEERING IS TIGHT AND WHEN TURNING WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE ITS PARK. YOU CAN ALSO SMELL LIKE SOME THING BURNING

    Incident Nov 11, 2019

  • Air bagsFiled Dec 17, 2016

    DASHBOARD COVER ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS DETACHED/PULLED AWAY AND BUCKLED UP FROM THE FOAM AIR BAG CASING. GM/CHEVROLET WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM VIA PHONE. THE RESPONSE GIVEN BY GM/CHEVROLET REPRESENTATIVE WAS THAT THE CAR WAS TOO OLD TO WARRANT THEIR ATTENTION/REPAIR. THIS DOES NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION, IF THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY PROPERLY. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE AND PAINT IT AT COST AND04/16/2012 LABOR PAID BY CUSTOMER. AUTO INSURANCE HAS REFERRED THE PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE, BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO.

    Incident Apr 16, 2012

  • SteeringFiled Aug 3, 2016

    KEY STUCK IN ON POSITION WILL NOT ALLOW ENGINE TO BE TURNED OFF IN EITHER PARK OR NEUTRAL. WILL TURN TOWARDS START. CAR WILL DRIVE BUT UNABLE TO TURN CAR OFF UNLESS POWER IS UNPLUGGED FROM STEERING COLUMN. WAS AT WORK WITH NO WAY TO TURN CAR OFF HAD TO LEAVE RUNNING TILL POWER WAS DISCONNECTED. UPON RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE REPORTED FOR THE 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL

    Incident Aug 2, 2016

  • Air bagsCrashFiled May 18, 2016

    MY SON WAS IN A BAD ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED THE CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

    Incident May 18, 2016

  • StructureCrashFiled Jul 29, 2015

    WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE DAY ANOTHER DRIVER HIT THE SIDE OF THE CAR CLOSE TO THE HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE THIS HIT CAUSED ME TO NO LONGER BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY.

    Incident Jul 24, 2014

  • SteeringFiled Sep 24, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,890.

    Incident Sep 15, 2014

  • Steering, electrical system, air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled Aug 6, 2014

    LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DRIVING HOME. CRASHED. POLICE REPORT IS IDENTICAL TO STEERING RECALL. WHICH NEVER WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN NUMBER I HAVE AT HOME. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH I SMASHED INTO A CULVERT. *TR

    Incident Jul 19, 2013

  • Steering, air bags1 injuredFiled Jul 25, 2014

    I WAS DRIVING HOME VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD LOST CONTROL THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT SPUN IN CIRCLES UNTIL FINALLY HITTING A CONCRETE CULVERT NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I BROKE 4 VERTEBRAES 7 RIBS AND RECEIVED A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. COULDN'T EVEN RECALL MY PARENTS FOE MONTHS OR EVEN THEY LIVED TOGETHER . LAID IN THE CAR TIL PARAMEDIC FOUND ME ABOUT AN HOR LATER. THE AIRBAG WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT HEAD INJURY. THE 1997 CHEVY LUMINA FAILED HORRIBLY. PLUS TENDAYS IN A COMA LOST A $50 K YR JOB AND SENT TO A NURSING HOME TO SPEND MY 33RD,THANKSGND CHRISTMAS IN UNTIL I WAS RELEASED FROM GUARDIANSHIP. 12/30/13 PLEASE HELP! HOW IS THE 1997 MALIBU DIFFERENT THAN ALL THE LUMINAS RECALLS? SAME YEAR. GM ISTRYING TO CUT THERE COSTS OH BUT THEY MESSED UP. *TR

    Incident Jul 19, 2013

  • Steering, air bags, vehicle speed control, service brakesCrash1 injuredFiled Jun 29, 2014

    I WAS TRAVELING HOME. LOST CONTROL AND COULD NOT TURN. THE STEERING WENT OUT, AND FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS LEFT IN A COMA FOR TEN DAYS. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY LIKE IT WAS DEVELOPED TO DO. I RECEIVED A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF IT DEPLOYING BROKE 11 BONES. 7 RIBS AND FOUR VERTEBRAES. SPENT A MONTH IN LESTER E COX HOSPITAL (SOUTH), 4 MONTHS IN THE UNIVERSITY OR MISSOURI BRAIN INJURY UNIT WAS AWARDED A STATE GUARDIAN, [XXX] , AND SPENT 3 MONTHS IN MARIES MANOR LOCATED IN VIENNA MISSOURI. THE STATE GUARDIAN CLEANED ME OUT OF ALL ASSETS EVEN THOUGH I HAD TWO INSURANCES. ONE CIGNA AND ONE MEDICAID. SO NONE OF MY MONEY WENT TO MEDICAL CARE BUT TO PAY HIS 3 ATTORNEY FEES. MY TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY I DEAL WITH EVERY DAY. IT DOES NOT GO AWAY. FOR LIFE. YOUR FIRM COVERED UP NEARLY 15 YEARS OF ANOTHER RECALL THAT DOES NOT DEPLOY THE AIRBAG IN MANY VEHICLES. NO MORE! 11 MONTHS IS TOO LONG. PLEASE INVESTIGATE MY ACCUSATION. I AM A MEMBER OF THR MISSOURI BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION. AND ALL MY MEDICAL CARE CAN AND WILL BE VERIFIED. YOU HAVE MY CONTACT INFO UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 09/12/2014 *JS *TR

    Incident Jul 19, 2013

  • Exterior lightingFiled Apr 6, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS EXTREMELY LOW DIM. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROADWAY. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMALL FRACTURES IN THE HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONTACT CLEANED THE HEADLIGHT LENS BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE LOW VISIBILITY AND WOULD HAVE TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 5/11/12 *CN

    Incident Dec 15, 2010

  • Show the 50 most recent
    • SteeringFiled Aug 3, 2010

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN AT 15 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVELS WHICH WERE ADEQUATE. HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000- STEERING: RACK AND PINION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/04/10

      Incident Jul 27, 2010

    • Steering, engine and engine cooling, electrical systemFiled Apr 13, 2010

      TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED COMPLETELY LOSING ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIRE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE, THE ENGINE MOUNTS HAD FALLEN OUT, AND THERE WERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE TIE ROAD AND ENGINE MOUNT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 199,876.

      Incident Sep 27, 2009

    • Steering, wheels1 injuredFiled May 8, 2009

      MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN AN ELK RAN OUT INFRONT OF HIM. HE SWERVED LEFT TO AVOID THE ELK, THE CAR OR WHEELS OR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WAS THROWN TO THE RIGHT CAUSING IT TO ROLL 4 TO 5 TIMES. *TR

      Incident Sep 21, 2008

    • Engine and engine coolingFireFiled Apr 16, 2009

      ENGINE FIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BURN COMPLETELY. *TR

      Incident Feb 23, 2009

    • Electrical systemFiled Feb 18, 2009

      TWICE NOW WHEN TRYING TO START MY 1997 LUMINA LIGHTS COME ON AND CAR WON'T TURN OVER. SOMETHING MUST BE GOING ON WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND LEAVING THE KEY ON, THE CAR KICKED OVER. ANY REASON FOR THIS TYPE FOR BEHAVIOR. GRANTED I KNOW THE CAR IS GETTING OLDER, BUT AT 87K MILES IT MAKES ME UNEASY TO GO ON ANY LONG JAUNTS. *TR

      Incident Jan 10, 2009

    • Electrical systemFiled Feb 3, 2009

      I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY, AND WHEN SHUTTING IT OFF BRIEFLY IN A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY, IT REFUSED TO START. I HAD ACCESSORY POWER, BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT CRANK. AFTER CHECKING THAT THERE WAS A GOOD CONNECTION WITH THE BATTERY, THERE WAS STILL NO ABILITY TO CRANK. AFTER TRYING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES MULTIPLE TIMES, THE CAR FINALLY TURNED OVER AND STARTED. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT HOME, WHICH TOOK ABOUT 1 HOUR, BUT THE SECURITY LIGHT KEPT INTERMITTENTLY COMING ON AND TURNING OFF. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS WAS THAT I ALMOST STRANDED AN HOUR AWAY FROM HOME, AND NOW I CANNOT RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START, AND SO I FEEL IT CANNOT BE RELIED ON TO DRIVE. WHEN LOOKING IN FORUMS AND SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTION, I HAVE FOUND THAT A LOT OF USERS ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR PASS LOCK SYSTEMS, AND WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS SYSTEM SHOULD BE FAILING. *TR

      Incident Feb 1, 2009

    • Engine and engine cooling, structureFiled Sep 13, 2008

      I KNOW OF SEVERAL OWNERS OF CHEVY LUMINA WHERE PAINTS IS PEELING AND ENGINE FAILURE IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO START AN INVESTIGATION. *TR

      Incident Jan 1, 2008

    • TiresFiled Jun 17, 2008

      TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD BECOME FLAT. HE BEGAN CHANGING THE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS DEFECTIVE. A WEEK PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE REPAIRED FOR THE SAME DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF FOUR TIRES AND VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED IN MAY 2006. THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN REPLACED AGAIN IN JUNE 2008. UPDATED

      Incident Jun 3, 2008

    • Fuel system, gasolineFiled Dec 20, 2007

      I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE. INITIAL SEARCHES FOR THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, BUT AFTER1 - 2 WEEKS IT GOT WORSE AND I WAS ABLE TO FIND IT EASILY. THE PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS LEAKING. I CHECKED FOR A RELATED RECALL AND FOUND THAT UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR'S) PRODUCED AFTER 1/9/07 HAD BEEN RECALLED, BUT MINE, I BELIEVE, IS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PRESSURE REGULATOR. NEVERTHELESS, IT MAY HAVE A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 161,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT FAILURE OF A PART WITH THAT MANY MILES ON IT WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SAFETY-RELATED FAILURE. I SOUGHT OUT THE NHTSA SITE TO TRY TO FIND OUT IF THAT IS THE CASE, OR NOT. THE "INCIDENT DATE" NOTED BELOW IS THE DATE I FOUND THE LEAK. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *TR

      Incident Dec 16, 2007

    • Engine and engine coolingFiled Nov 6, 2007

      1997 LUMINA HAS LOUD LIFTER NOISE. LIFTERS REPLACED ONCE BY DEALER, BUT NOISE IS ESPECIALLY LOUD NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS COLD. *TR

      Incident Nov 6, 2007

    • Engine and engine coolingFiled Feb 10, 2007

      '97 CHEVY LUMINA WITH A DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WHICH GM WILL NOT COVER REPAIR. *JB

      Incident Feb 7, 2007

    • Exterior lightingFiled Jul 27, 2006

      BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE DETECTED BEFORE ANY INCIDENT. CENTER LIGHT FUNCTIONS WHILE SIGNAL/BRAKE COMBINATION LIGHTS FAIL. FAILURE CAUSED BY MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN. THIS PART CUTS OFF THE BRAKE LIGHT WHEN THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY AT FIRST. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND MANY REFERENCES TO THIS PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS 1997, IT ONLY HAS 64K MILES, THUS I WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE RELATED TO MODERATE USAGE. IF NOT FIXED, BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE MAY RESULT IN REAR-END COLLISION. *JB

      Incident Jul 26, 2006

    • Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled May 23, 2006

      DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DURING PRE-IMPACT BRAKING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND WENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE HOOD AND RADIATOR WERE PUSHED BACK HOWEVER THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER. ALTHOUGH SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE, HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY ARE SENDING REPRESENTATIVES TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.

      Incident May 22, 2006

    • VisibilityFiled May 9, 2006

      THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN ON THE CHEVROLET LUMINA 4DR. I HAD THE WINDOW FIXED FOR ABOUT $400.00 AND 90 DAYS LATER THE WINDOW DID NOT ROLL DOWN AGAIN, JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY ON THE WORK WAS OVER. *NM

      Incident Aug 1, 2001

    • Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled Apr 11, 2006

      AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING CRASH. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED AT CRASH IMPACT. *JB

      Incident Mar 23, 2006

    • Electrical systemFiled Feb 13, 2006

      I HAVE A 1997 CHEVY LUMINA THE CAR. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT AND NOW IT WONT START. I HAVE CHANGED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. IT SEEMS TO WORK THEN NOT WORK. AN ARTICLE IN POPULAR MECHANIC S MAGAZINE SAID THAT THEY HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THE RESISTOR ON THE KEYS AND THAT'S WHAT CASED IT TO NOT START YOUR INPUT ON THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE GLADLY ACCEPTED. *JB

      Incident Feb 12, 2006

    • SteeringCrash1 deathFiled Feb 7, 2006

      LTR FWD WMAIL FM (TX) RE RECALL OF A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN.*TS THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN FATAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. IF THIS PART FAILED IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE PART FAILED AND CAUSED HIS DAUGHTER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FULL SIZE PICKUP WHICH WAS PULLING A STOCK TRAILER. *NM

      Incident Jul 16, 2005

    • Engine and engine cooling, structure1 injuredFiled Oct 19, 2005

      DT: THE TRUNK FELL ON THE CONSUMER'S HEAD THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. HAD BRAIN SURGERY IN 1997 AND THESE THREE INCIDENT HAD DETERIORATE THE CONSUMER'S HEALTH. ALSO, THE MUFFLER SYSTEMS ARE STAINLESS STEEL BUT THE CLAMPS ARE NOT STAINLESS STEEL. *AK UPDATE 12/27/2005 - THE TRUNK LID SPRING MECHANISM WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THE SAID THERE WERE NO RECALL FOR THE TRUNK SPRING. THE CONSUMER'S FRIEND REALIGNED THE SPRING MECHANISM. *NM

      Incident Oct 19, 2005

    • SteeringFiled Jul 14, 2005

      DT: CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 03V527000 LETTER FROM CHEVROLET ON 7-7-05 CONCERNING THE POWER STEERING GEAR/ LOWER PINION BEARING SEPARATION. WHEN HE CALLED LOCAL DEALER ON 7-14-05, THEY TOLD HIM THEY NEEDED A SPECIAL TOOL FROM GM TO REPAIR THE RECALLED PART, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET THE TOOL. THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE TOOL FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. WHEN CONSUMER ASKED WHEN THEY WILL GET IT THEY HAD NO IDEA. THEY DID NOT TELL HIM WHY THEY COULD NOT GET IT... HE HAS CALLED GM, AND COULD NOT REACH ANYBODY. . HE HAS NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR.*AK

      Incident Jul 14, 2005

    • Exterior lightingFiled May 26, 2005

      THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THE ONLY ONLE THAT WORK IS THE ONE MOUNTED IN THE REAR WINDOW. THE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK DUE TO BLOWN BULBS. *AK *NM

      Incident Apr 16, 2005

    • StructureFiled Mar 23, 2005

      CAR IS DELAMINATING. *AK

      Incident Dec 15, 2000

    • SteeringCrashFiled Dec 14, 2004

      TEN MONTHS AFTER THE RACK AND PINION BEARING/ STEERING RECALL 03V527000 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED IT FAILED. WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A SPIN AND CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH AND INDICATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION BROKE. *AK

      Incident Feb 16, 2004

    • Fuel system, gasolineFiled Dec 7, 2004

      CONSUMER STATED FUEL LEAKED. DEALER INDICATED THAT FUEL TANK RUSTED WHICH PRODUCED A HOLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT FUEL LEAKED CONSTANTLY FROM THE VEHICLE. MOVING OR PARKED THE CONSUMER NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT DUE TO LACK OF DRIVING THE FUEL TANK RUSTED OUT. *TC

      Incident Oct 20, 2004

    • Latches/locks/linkagesFiled Dec 7, 2004

      ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

      Incident Nov 21, 2004

    • Engine and engine coolingFiled Nov 18, 2004

      LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON MY 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THERE WAS A RECALL ON OTHER GM PRODUCTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. CHEVROLET HOWEVER SAYS MY MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR RECALL. I DISAGREE, BECAUSE THE MANIFOLD GASKET IS A CONTINIUING PROBLEM PREVALENT IF NOT ALL, THAN MOST GM VEHICLES IN THIS TIME PERIOD. *AK

      Incident Nov 16, 2004

    • Engine and engine coolingFiled Nov 15, 2004

      1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA WITH 3.1 L ENGINE. LOWER INTAKE GASKET LEAKING INTO ENGINE. COST TO REPAIR $900 US FROM DEALER. PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY USING GM DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE AND A DEFECTIVE GASKET. GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND KNOWS IT EFFECTS ALL 3.1L AND 3.4L ENGINES PRODUCED FROM AROUND THE MID 1990S TO 2000. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BY GM SINCE THIS SEAMS NOT TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

      Incident Nov 7, 2004

    • Structure, equipmentFiled Oct 28, 2004

      1997 LUMINA HAS PAINT PEELING ON THE TRUNK AND SIDES OF CAR. I HAVE SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER WHITE PAINTED LUMINAS AROUND TOWN AND AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A PAINT DEFECT. THIS PEELING PROCESS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT HAS RECENTLY GOTTEN A LOT WORSE. I TOOK MY CARL TO A LOCAL= MACCO PAINTING PLACE AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS A LOT IN WITH GM CARS FROM 1997. THEY EVEN HAD ONE GETTING REPAINTED AS WE SPOKE. TOOK THIS TO A GM DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE A WHITE LUMINA THAT I CANNOT WASH THE CAR AT THE CAR WASH BECAUSE THE PAINT IS STRIPPED. ALSO I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. IT WILL LAST TWO OR THREE MINUTES. HAD IT CHECKED AT A LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS IN THEIR COMPUTER EVEN THOUGH THEY SAW THE PROBLEM. *AK

      Incident Oct 28, 2004

    • SteeringFiled Oct 12, 2004

      THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING HAS BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

      Incident Oct 2, 2004

    • Steering, air bagsCrashFiled Sep 28, 2004

      WHILE MAKING LEFT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER HIT A PARKED CAR AND BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK RECALL#03V527000 *SC *JB FOLLOWUP LETTER SENT BY CONSUMER. CONSUMER STATES THAT GM PURPOSELY DESRTOYED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS BEFORE THEY COULD BE EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDIENT PARTY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED DUE TO A LOW SPEED LEFT HAND TURN STEERING FAILURE WHICH WAS DOCUMENTED BEFORE THE RECALL OCCURRED. LOWER PINION BEARING SEPARATION WAS MENTIONED ON A LOCAL MEDIA CHANNEL AS THE REASON FOR THE RECAL 1997 CHEVY LUMINAS *TC

      Incident Oct 8, 2003

    • SteeringCrashFiled Sep 10, 2004

      WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

      Incident Sep 10, 2004

    • SteeringFiled Aug 30, 2004

      PROBLEMS GETTING POWER STEERING GEAR LOWER PINION BEARING SEPARATION RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETE.*MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXHIBITED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAKE LEFT TURNS BUT HAD NO PROBLEMS MAKING RIGHT TURNS. THE CONSUMER REQUEST A RENTAL UNTIL HER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE A RENTAL. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT SHE WAS NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO RENT A VEHICLE. *NM

      Incident Jan 1, 1901

    • SteeringFiled Aug 30, 2004

      PROBLEMS WITH STEERING EVEN AFTER RECALL REPAIR.*MR AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD SIGNIFICANT STEERING AND FRONT END ISSUES THAT WERE NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO HER SATISFACTION. *NM

      Incident Feb 11, 2004

    • Vehicle speed controlFiled Aug 20, 2004

      WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKESS VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. *AK THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN PULLING INTO PARKINGP LACES, WHEN YIELDING TO PEDESTRIANS AND WHEN PULLING INTO THE GARAGE*NM

      Incident Jul 12, 2004

    • Fuel system, otherFiled Aug 17, 2004

      THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK IS 25% FULL WHEN I RAN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING IN AN UNSAFE AREA OF DETROIT AT APPROXIMATELY 10 PM ON AUGUST 14, 2004. *JB

      Incident Aug 14, 2004

    • SteeringFiled Aug 6, 2004

      NHTSA RECALL 03V527000 CONCERNIN STEERING GEAR BEARING. A WEEK AFTER THE LOWER PINION BEARING WAS REPLACED THE PROBLEM RECURRED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK

      Incident Mar 2, 2004

    • Service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling, tiresFiled Aug 2, 2004

      DEALERSHIP REPLACED TWICE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT WAS LEAKING COOLANT INSIDE THE ENGINE. ALSO, TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR EVERY 3000 TO 4000 MILES. DEALER HAD FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION ALIGNED. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, BUT EXCESSIVE WEAR STILL PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM. *AK

      Incident Aug 2, 2004

    • Power trainFiled Jul 22, 2004

      THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SUDDENLY CAME OUT OF THE HOLE ALONG WITH THE SMALL BOLT THAT WAS INSERTED. *MR *SC *JB

      Incident Jul 1, 2004

    • SuspensionFiled Jun 16, 2004

      NHTSA RECALL 03V527000, WHILE DRIVING FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED. CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL TEMPORARILY. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE RECALL ONCE, BUT CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS IN THIS AREA. TEAM CHEVROLET, 626-449-3333. *AK

      Incident May 13, 2004

    • Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jun 12, 2004

      ON JUNE 8, 2004 MY DAUGTER INFORMED ME THAT SHE AND HER MOM HAVE BEEN SMELLING A STRONG ODER OF GAS IN THE CAR. WHEN I CHECKED THE CAR I FOUND LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER THE CAR. I MOVED THE CAR AND TOUCHED IT, SMELLED IT AND IT WAS GAS, I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND THE GAS TANK WAS DRIPPING. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED AND FOUND A ROUND RUSTED AREA ABOUT THE SIZE OF DIME. BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION, IT APPEARED TO BE LOCATED RIGHT UNDER THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE EXTERIOR DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS FROM THE OUTSIDE. TODAY, JUNE JUNE 12, 2004 I DISCONNECTED THE FUEL LINES REMOVED THE TANK AND PUMPED THE GAS OUT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FILTER, WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE FUEL PUMP, HAS CAUSED THE PROBLEM. IT RUSTED WHERE THE BRASS FILTER SCREEN HAS BEEN RUBBING ON THE TANK.*AK THE REASON IS THAT BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL PUMP, ONCE THE PUMP IS DROPPED IN THE FUEL TANK THE PUMP IS HELD UNDER SPRING PRESSURE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. IN TIME THE CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE, AS WELL AS FUEL, SLOSHING IN THE TANK HAS CAUSE THE FILTER TO RUB AGANIST THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK AND HAS DAMAGED THE SPECIAL COATING THAT G.M. LITERATURE SAYS THE TANK IS COVERED WITH. ONCE THIS COATING WORE OFF, THE TANK BEGAN RUSTING AND THE BRASS FUEL FILTER SHOWS THE DISCOLORATION FROM THE ELECTROLISIS CREATED BY THE CONTACT WITH THE STEEL TANK. THIS IS ALSO A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, WHICH CAN LEAD TO AN EXPLOSION. IN FACT MY WIFE WAS GLAD YESTERDAY THAT SHE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR DAUGHTER IN OUR CONVERSION VAN WHEN SHE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT TWO DAYS AGO. SHE FELT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE EXPLODED IF SHE HAD BEEN REAR ENDED IN THIS CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT I THINK NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO AND HAVE GM RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPAIR THESE DEFECTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW IS THERE IS ANY SAFETY RECALL ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM.

      Incident Jun 12, 2004

    • Fuel system, otherFiled Jun 12, 2004

      THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY ON 10-2003. IT WILL SHOW FULL WHEN EMPTY. IN CHECKING THE WEB, I HAVE FOUND MANY OWNERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, SINCE SOMEONE CAN RUN OUT OF FUEL IN A BUSY INTERSTATE, OR LOCAL ROAD AND CAUSE A SERIOUS OR DEADLY ACCIDENT.*AK THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT I THINK NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO AND HAVE GM RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPAIR THESE DEFECTS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANY SAFETY RECALLS ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM.

      Incident Jun 12, 2004

NHTSA crash ratings

1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.

Front, driver
5 out of 5 stars
Front, passenger
4 out of 5 stars
Side, front seat
4 out of 5 stars
Side, rear seat
3 out of 5 stars
Rollover
Not Rated

Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.

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