Most common 1996 Chevrolet Lumina problems
Share of the 245 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Lumina complaints by model year
Best Lumina years: 2001, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
1996 Chevrolet Lumina recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina:
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Inappropriate air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100K) on this issue is low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the…
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM's letter to NHTSA dated December 11, 2003, expands its original recall (NHTSA 02V286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 Chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 Pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 Buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.GM determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion…
What 1996 Chevrolet Lumina owners say
Engine & cooling all 36 →
On 7/20/03 the battery was getting weak so I bought a new battery compatible with the car. On the first start with the new battery the car behaved normally. However, when I started it the second time and was backing up a slight slope of a driveway, the car died. I put the car back in park and restarted the car. Without touching the gas pedal with my foot, the gas pedal dropped to the floorboard and the car raced forward with the gear shift still in park. The brakes would not work. I steered the car trying to locate the emergency brakes but they were too far away for me to reach and still maintain the racing car. I thought turning off the engine would stop the car since the brakes has failed but even turning off the engine, it raced even faster and the next thing I knew I had crashed into a tree totalling out the car. I cracked my head into the windshield breaking my nose. …
While driving to work one morning on a highway, the intake manifold head gasket blew, mixing the oil with the water, causing the motor to need replacing. I had the motor replaced at a cost of $2680.07. We had an extended warranty of 6 years 50 thousand miles, the motor blew at 6.5 years and 52,091 miles. Nothing was done to help me the consumer. I called the dealer( burtness Chevy,303 e.beloit st. Orfordville,wi.53576), and they said it was my fault for not trading in the car before the warranty was up. Then I called GM(central office p.o.box 33170, detroit, mi.48232-5170)and they said a warranty is a warranty. I just now came across your web sight, and I feel I need to let you know about this problem. Hope they can come up with a better reason in the future for other consumers. Thanks you, cheryl phillips.
Air bags all 34 →
While driving and turning to the left at 5 MPH, consumer was involved in a front end collision. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Windshield was shattered, and glass was all over the vehicle. Driver sustained cuts arms and face.
While driving 5 MPH vehicle drove over a pipe in the road. As a result, dual airbags deployed inadvertently. Passenger's side shattered the window, sending glass into the vehicle. Driver sustained minor burns to the arm and neck.
Brakes all 31 →
On 7/20/03 the battery was getting weak so I bought a new battery compatible with the car. On the first start with the new battery the car behaved normally. However, when I started it the second time and was backing up a slight slope of a driveway, the car died. I put the car back in park and restarted the car. Without touching the gas pedal with my foot, the gas pedal dropped to the floorboard and the car raced forward with the gear shift still in park. The brakes would not work. I steered the car trying to locate the emergency brakes but they were too far away for me to reach and still maintain the racing car. I thought turning off the engine would stop the car since the brakes has failed but even turning off the engine, it raced even faster and the next thing I knew I had crashed into a tree totalling out the car. I cracked my head into the windshield breaking my nose. …
Upon depression of the brake pedal while coming to a stop, the low track and the ABS light came on . When this occurred the vehicle lost brake power. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The vehicle coasted to a stop. The consumer then put the vehicle in park and turned it off. Upon restarting the vehicle the brakes re-engaged themselves. The failure recurred within 14 miles.
1996 Chevrolet Lumina engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina a good car?
Based on 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Lumina rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Lumina at the same age. It is one of the Lumina years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
The engine & cooling — 36 complaints, 15% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the air bags (34) and brakes (31).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, the most recent from July 1, 1996 (vacuum). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Lumina?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Lumina years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Lumina problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 115,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.