Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle continues to overheat and must constantly apply antifreeze. The vehicle has no visible leaks and while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The mechanic stated that antifreeze leaked into the engine and caused the failure. The current and failure mileages were 86,558.
Intake gaskets leak. I just bought a car less than three weeks ago, and a few days ago, the car started heating up, the "hot" light lit up, and low coolant light came on. I pulled over right away and had to put some windshield washer fluid in the overflow bottle so I could get somewhere, to call someone. They brought antifreeze, and when we went to fill the radiator, it was already full. Thinking maybe it was just a thermostat, we replaced that, but it kept doing the same thing, next suggestion was there an air bubble somewhere, so that was bled. Still same problem. Went to check the oil, only to find that the antifreeze was dumping into the oil pan. Called the head shop only to find that this motor (3.1) is known for the intake gaskets going out all the time. …
I drove a Lumina that had a problem that sounds like same type of engine shutoff problem that has been in the news lately. It happened most often when driving on the highway. As I decelerated on exit ramps, the engine would shutoff. This became a fairly regular occurrence with this car. Several mechanics were unable to solve the problem. (I believe it was a 1994 or 1995 Lumina that I owned. I could not find a record of it.)
I have the 3.1 motor in my van. It has a steady jerking action when the excellerater is pushed down. When I let up of the pedal it will usually smooth out. Nobody seems to be able to fix this problem. Also door locks are giving me problems. What is going on at general motors? I have driven chevys and buicks all my life.
While driving about 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of power. Driver was able to pull van to the side of the road, turned off ignition and exited the van. At that time, there was a fire in the engine compartment. No determination has been made on fixing the van.
Vehicle intake manifold gasket is leaking. This is due to the manifold being made of plastic which breaks and causes it to leak. GM is aware of this flaw but I did not see recalls so I am reporting this matter in hopes there can be a recall for the faulty part.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the engine hesitated without warning. Upon initial inspection by the contact, it was determined the failure was possibly related to the exhaust system. The dealer and manufacturer were not alerted.
Car was purchased at a dealership. I understood it was a used car and I wanted to purchase the extended warranty, but dealership would not let us. Two weeks after purchase the transmission blew. We bought another transmission from dealership and then that one failed. Finally, I complained to the manufacturer and received a new transmission. This car has had a total of 3 transmissions, new head gaskets and now the engine failed. The locks on passenger and driver side do not work. The car was well maintained. I was told by the manufacturer that they could not help me in any way due to the age and mileage on the car. I know plenty of people who have had their cars for at least 8 or 10 yrs. And still have the same engine. I suspect the dealership knew something was wrong with this car and sold it to us anyway. …
Vehicle started overheating. Replaced themostat and was told by mechanic that the head gaskets were failing. Took vehicle to Chevrolet who ran diagnostics and informed me that head gaskets were leaking. Dealer told me that intake manifold gasket failure is common in the 3.1 but failure of head gaskets are not as common. The dealer replaced both head gaskets at a total cost of over $900. I asked the dealer if there was a recall on this and he replied no. I have spoken to several people since the time of my repairs and they to are experiencing the same problems with their vehicles....overheating with associated head gasket failure. At this point I am very displease with general motors inability to recognize that a problem does exist with head gasket and intake manifold gasket failure on the 3.1 engine. …
I have a 1995 black Lumina. The clear coat and the paint is peeling off. It has ran hot ever since I bought it. I have had the thermostat changed and radiator flushed.I have to keep the heat on low even in the summer to keep it from over heating! The brakes need adjusted or replaced on a continues basis. I bought the car used,off a car lot, it was three to four yrs old and right after I bought it was discovered it had a main seal oil leak that would cost near a grand to fix!! The transmission winds loudly and "jumps" even though the trans fluid is checking out fine. EGR solenoid went out on my car in 2001!! Why does this part cost a fortune and was told it would mess up my emission controls if not fixed? Just to make my service engine light stay off!!
Engine complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, 13% of the model year's 492 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.