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 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. …
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.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. While driving approximately 25 MPH on normal road conditions, the "service engine soon" warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection who replaced the engine EGR valves. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the identical failure and repaired. In addition, the brake system was cleaned, which contributed to a loud squeaky noise. The front driver's side automatic window mechanism was inoperative and has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 157,000. Updated 04/24/09. The EGR valves were replaced. Updated 04/28/09.
Purchased 1996 Chevy Lumina w/3.1 liter engine. Vehicle has been well maintained and currently has 115,000 miles. The vehicle has never been involved in a car accident. The issue is that the camshaft has broken. Why would a vehicle that has had regular oil changes and maintenance experience this problem? It seems an extreme problem for a well-cared for vehicle. This was a former police vehicle (first 96,000 miles). My son's girlfriend also owns a Lumina (1999, no VIN available) and she too has had the camshaft replaced in her vehicle at 170,000.
I just paid over $700 to have a mechanic replace the intake gasket on my 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. I have heard that this is a common problem on my car and engine type. That would lead me to believe this is a design flaw. I would like to know if there is a possible recall for this, or what action I should take to be compensated.
Dt: consumer says vehicle gets hot and immediately stalls. Consumer has replaced engine once before. Consumer has been told the problem is the upper intake manifold. Vehicle is serviced regularly, and was taken in for recalls to the dealer. Engine in vehicle is currently bad and is costly to replace.
I love my car but the engine has been going out for some time now and the person whom I bought the car from he knew of this situation and he didn't tell me. This car is my first car and my only transportation so can you all please help me.
Lower intake manifold leaking dexcool on my Chevy Lumina 1996 3.1 and while I was in the midas shop checking my car a girl have monti carlo 97 has the same problem my mechenic telling my he gets alot og these problems with Chevy 3.1 3.4
Dt*: the contact stated the engine's intake manifold was leaking antifreeze. The non service dealer determined the top of the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a service dealer.
Vehicle was serviced about 2 yrs ago because it started losing power and was running rough. The power window on driver side stopped functioning. Brakes grind when wet even though they have been replaced. Noticed around this time that the car temperature gauge sometimes creeped up above normal. It seemed to be losing anti-freeze. The heater stopped working. I refilled the anti-freeze. It seemed to take care of the problem but it slowly returned. Vehicle was also very slowly losing oil. Last month (10/02) I started home from work. The car suddenly overheated. Strong fumes came into through the vents, burning my eyes. I had to stop repeatedly to let the car cool so that I could get home. I work only 3 miles from home. When I got home, the oil stick contained oil halfway up the stick. Started over flowing from the oil cap when I restarted. Smoke was heavy from the back. …
Engine complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 15% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, though it has 2 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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 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.