1997 Chevrolet Lumina Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine › Gasoline
  18
• Engine
  11
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  10
• Cooling system
  3
• Cooling system › Radiator assembly
  3
• Exhaust system
  2

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  17%
• 25k–50k
  00%
• 50k–75k
  643%
• 75k–100k
  321%
• 100k–150k
  214%
• 150k+
  214%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

"GM should recall faulty intake manifold gasket installed in their vehicles". As of April 10, 2002, there is a nationwide backorder of the intake manifold gasket. At this time, is it not even known when the part will become available. Being aware of this proves there is a serious problem to be addressed. Because of apparent poor engineering, GM can not manufacture replacements fast enough for all the vehicles in which they are needed. Intake manifold leaks can lead to any number of very serious, and expensive, problems. While the part itself isn't costly, the labor to repair it is very intensive, and has been quoted around $800 usd (give or take a couple hundred depending on the vehicle). This is in addition to any other costly problem(s) the intake manifold gasket leak May have produced.

I have been the owner of a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina since July of 2002. It was well maintained by my uncle, whom I bought it from. It had 57K miles when bought. Shortly after buying it, I noticed coolant loss in the overflow bottle. To make a long and expensive story short, I had to replace the intake manifold gasket at a cost of nearly $600. This is a common repair on GM v6 engines I later found out after talking to mechanics and reading on various web sites such as GM-v6lemons.com. This is a flawed engine design that GM denies has any problems. I attempted to get GM to take responsibility for this by asking for renumeration and was told that the engine was out of warranty and I wasn't the original owner. This response was in reply to a letter written to kurt ritter, ceo of Chevrolet.

Dt: the trunk fell on the consumer's head three different times. Had brain surgery in 1997 and these three incident had deteriorate the consumer's health. Also, the muffler systems are stainless steel but the clamps are not stainless steel. Update 12/27/2005 - the trunk lid spring mechanism was not aligned properly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer but the said there were no recall for the trunk spring. The consumer's friend realigned the spring mechanism.

Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled completely losing all power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to a local mechanic who stated that the tire rods were defective, the engine mounts had fallen out, and there were electrical problems. The mechanic repaired the tie road and engine mount. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was 199,876.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina with 3.1 l engine. Lower intake gasket leaking into engine. Cost to repair $900 us from dealer. Problem is apparently caused by using GM dexcool antifreeze and a defective gasket. GM is aware of the problem and knows it effects all 3.1l and 3.4l engines produced from around the mid 1990s to 2000. No recall has been issued by GM since this seams not to be a safety issue.

My 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has had to have the lower intake manifold gaskets replaced twice in three years at a cost of $900 each time. This is a defective car with a poor design using dex-cool engine coolant which is the origin of the problem. I've also had to replace the coolant pump and associated other parts.

Vehicle overheated. Independant mechanic determined that radiator was plugged, and flushed radiator. One week later, vehicle overheated again. Consumer checked anti freeze, it was low, so he added anti freeze. Next day vehicle overheated, and consumer noticed water in oil. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealer determined that factory anti freeze was eating through t gaskets, and causing internal engine damage. Vehicle needs new engine.

Vehicle has experienced brake problems, front rotors have been replaced twice, front brake pads have been replaced, rear shoes glazed. Steering gear replaced due to consumer losing power steering while driving, power steering pump was replaced, rack was also replaced. Water pump was leaking and was replaced. Air bag light illuminated, dealer stated sir coil inoperative.

Car has just quit running on two occasions,the last time in a major intersection almost causing a major crash. Pushed car out of intersection. If car is left setting for 1/2 to 1 hour it will start up.car will be driven if it starts in am or towed if not to dealer.very dangerous situation. Notice numerous other complaints of this problemn in consumer complaint section.

Lumina had 33698 miles and was clattering when cold starting, lasts 3-10 minutes, called dealer where car was bought, dealer says it is piston slap and it is common, nothing they can do about it. Gets worse and worse as the miles rack up. Car has been in three times for engine clatter and have been told everytime piston slap very common and unwarrantied.

Engine complaints in other Lumina years