Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
1999 Chevrolet Lumina. Consumer writes in regards to several mechanical problems and recall issues. The consumer stated the vehicle cut off, while driving on the highway. It was determined, the ignition needed to be replaced. Also, the wiring harness in the steering column went out, the EGR valve was replaced twice, the consumer had shifting problems and the heat and A/C were inoperative.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina. In March of 2008, the vehicle was purchased with a cracked windshield. The dealer repaired the windshield. The following day, while driving 20 MPH, the brakes failed and nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they kept it for three days. A few days later, the vehicle shut off completely. The vehicle was repaired once more, but it shut off again. The dealer refused to make any more repairs. The current mileage is 140,000 and failure mileage was 129,897. Updated 7/3/08 the consumer stated the vehicle stalled at least 10 times. The consumer was informed the engine was bad. Updated 07/03/08
I have a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina that the back glass shattered this morning. My wife was less than 2 miles from home when this happened there was no ice or freezing weather to account for this there is a rear window defroster that was on at this time. The glass was thrown throughout the back seat.
Consumer complained about windshield wiper motor problem. While driving in rainstorm windshield wiper motor failed. Consumer had to wait until the rain stopped before getting help. This occurred on two occasions. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
The driver side window will not roll down on the Chevrolet Lumina 4dr. I had the window fixed for about $400.00 and 90 days later the window did not roll down again, just after the warranty on the work was over.
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.
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. …
I began having problems with my windshield wipers only working sporadically, and when discussing with a friend, I discovered there might be a recall regarding my vehicle. When I went online to search if I was covered, I discovered multiple GM recalls that covered the problem I was having, and online it seemed as though my van qualified. When I phoned a dealer with my VIN #, I was told I was not covered under the recall. I believe that my vehicle is experiencing the same problem covered by the recall of thousands of other GM vehicles.
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Lumina years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (82), 1997 (18), 1996 (15) and 1998 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Lumina window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 97V-017 (switch/wiring, Feb 11, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Lumina window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (42 mentions), followed by the windshield (22).
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.