Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Dear NHTSA, I drive a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina. Recently I had the turn signal switch replaced. ($150) the switch just wore out from old age. I have looked on many websites and this is a common failure in these cars with many people complaining of the same failure. The real problem is when the switch wears out and fails; the Lumina's brake lights do not function. The brake light circuit runs through this faulty turn signal switch and prevents the brake lights from coming on when the brakes are applied. This is a significant hazard, as cars behind you don't know that you have applied your brakes and May not reduce speed in time to prevent a collision. I am appalled that the brake light circuit goes through this failure-prone faulty switch. I wanted NHTSA to be aware of this situation and hopefully warn unsuspecting motorists. Thank you
(1) I had been having trouble with my turn signals on my 1995 Chevrolet Lumina ls vehicle for a little while. However, recently I found out that not only had my turn signals malfunctioned, but that they took out my brake lights with it. (2) while the window mounted brake light works, my rear lights (running and brake) do not work at all, resulting in the inability to use my vehicle. (3) at this point, I have been unable to correct the failure due to lack of funds. However, in doing research, I find that this is a common issue with Chevrolet vehicles dating from 1994 to 2000, especially the Lumina. When the turn signal switch malfunctions, it takes the entire rear lighting assembly out with it. Apparently, there was a service issue bulletin released on the topic, by Chevy won't make the situation right.
Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 97V017000 concerning windshield wiper/washer switch power feed wire. This vehicle is experiencing the same problems as indicated in the recall, but is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. Updated 12/27/2005. The turn signal switch was defective. The brake lights failed intermittently. The wipers failed intermittently.
Dt: the consumer states the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina had no brakes lights. The consumer said that the directional switch was faulty. Also, that someone could hit the consumer in car. The consumer had it fixed at $260.96. The car was fine now. He just wanted everyone to know about the switch and the cost of the switch. The dealership was not contacted. However, the manufacturer was contacted and they said to contact the dealer.
Brake lights work intermittently. I have to wiggle turn signal switch to get them to work again. I can only verify by having someone else outside the vehicle. Looking on this website and others, I see this is a very common problem. The cause is usually listed as the turn signal switch. I believe this should be a recall.
The rear brake lights at the tail light section work only occasionally. They will sometimes work after quickly flipping on both directionals. The brake light in the rear window always functions properly. Fuses and bulbs are not the problem. Since this problem was noticed by me I have observed other luminas which appear to have the same problem. I would appreciate your looking into this as my mechanic tells me this can be a tricky and expensive problem to diagnose let alone repair. Also, is there any way of finding out if I should have been notified of the ball joint problem which was listed at the top of the recall form on your page ? My vehicle was manufactured in that time frame. Thank you.
I have a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina. The third, or upper brake light works fine, the directionals in the back work fine, the lights come on when I turn the headlights on, and my backing up light work fine. But the brake lights do not work when I hit the brake pedal. I am finding that many people with luminas are experiencing the same problem. My mechanic suggests replacing the entire brake light assembly, at a cost of over $300. Chevrolet should recall and correct this problem.
Brake lights stopped working. Will work if pull turn signal arm toward driver, but only while it is pulled forward. This will require a 350$ fix. Seen lots of other complaints on the internet about this same issue. If a turn signal arm that is known to go loose that causes brake lights go out is not a hazard I don't know what is.
Brake light failure connected with the turn signal stalk. The window brake light works fine, but the bottom break lights don't work. All fuses and light bulbs are working. There seems to be a lot of people having this same problem. Http://www.autofan.com/forum_thread.asp?message=6440 I feel this is a very dangerous situation.
All we know is that the hazard lights work but the brake portion of the switch does not as per mechanic. Per numerous service departments this is a common problem. As it is a safety hazard (not having any brake lights) I feel that this is a manufactur issue and as such needs to be delt with.
Headlight complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the lights of the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, 5% of the model year's 492 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Lumina headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.