Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement at 20 MPH the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, resulting in a rear end collision. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Since I bought the car in May of 1997, I have had to have the front brakes repaired or replaced four times. The first time was two weeks after I bought the car, I took it in to the dealer, because the brake fluid kept leaking, and the front disc pulled. They told me that this was a recall problem, and they claimed to fix it. Nine months later I had to have the the front brakes replaced, and the rear brakes adjusted, due to pulling and squeaking, (at sears auto center). Later in October of 1998, I had to replace front discs again. This was when I took my car in for its 60000 mile service. The mechanic at kauffman tire in hiram, ga showed me the wear on the pads and brakes, they replaced the pads and machined the rotors. In June of 1999, the brakes started squeaking again, and it was pulling to the left. …
State safety inspection mechanic noted that both front brake rotors were deeply rusted and/or pitted and should be inspected by a GM service center. The service representative at dagley Chevrolet Geo informed that both front brake rotors were rusted and pitted so deep that they could not be re-surfaced, they need to be replaced and the replacement would not be covered by GM. I looked at the rotors myself and find that the inside brake rotor friction surfaces are rusted or pitted away, aprox. 1/3 or less of the front inside brake pads are actualy making contact with the rotor surface. In my opinion, this results in a very significant loss of braking efficency.
I took car back several time where I purchased it they said everything OK. Still having problem I took car to brake centers of America in stfd, ct. I still have same problems paid almost $600.oo for complete brake job and I still have problems and they are getting worse. I sent letter to brake center and to better business bureau back in 12/1999 and have not heard from anyone mean while brakes are getting worse - thank you.
Have a knocking or clicking on both rear tires while driving at slow speeds, lees than 10mph the noise happens in forward or reverse. Another problem is the brake pedal feels very spongy while braking, however the car has been stopping when needed to. It just seems odd to have to push the pedal so far down toward the floor, and still fell mushy.
In wet and dry weather the brakes don't stop car, it slows it down . Consumer states vehicle glides to a stop. Starter makes strange noise. Mounting bolt missing from radio causing rattling noise. Door lock assembly works improperly. Window sticking, dealer adjusted upper door and window moldings along track.
When you start the car in the morning, and backup the brakes make a humming sound- then work fine.
Computer/brakes failed, causing three warning lights to illuminate on the dash, as well as an accident.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 13% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-122 (vacuum, Jul 1, 1996); NHTSA recall 96V-069 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Apr 19, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Lumina brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.