1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV

◆ Worse than typical

1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:51:15.305Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1990: 99 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1987	1
1989	0
1990	99
1991	47
1992	76
1993	47
1994	65
1995	104
1996	35
1997	1
1998	2
1999	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 38%

38% of complaints: structure — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING SYSTEM BROKE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950125

Also filed under STEERING

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED POWER STEERING LEAK, DEALER REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION, CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING COOLER WAS MISSING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020905

Also filed under STEERING

SEATS 15%

15% of complaints: seats — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED UPON SIDE IMPACT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

STEERING 13%

13% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH INJURY

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19891002 — seats

THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.

Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.

Campaign 89V164000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 1990 — complaint volume: 99

R 19920106 — seat belts

A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).

Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 91V046000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19921030 — EA (closed 19931130)

APV FUEL LINE FIRES

I 19930929 — PE (closed 19940228)

WHEEL FAILURES

I 19961115 — PE (closed 19970408)

ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATOR

I 19970407 — PE (closed 19970930)

FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

R 19970611 — structure

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE,

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Campaign 97V058000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19970930 — EA (closed 19990608)

FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

I 19971002 — RQ (open)

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

I 19990304 — RQ (open)

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

I 20000410 — EA (closed 20010112)

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

R Date not on file — seats

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

Campaign 99I003000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for structure issues (38 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seats issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 99I003000 (seats) has been completed.
Verify recall 89V164000 (seats) has been completed.
Verify recall 91V046000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 97V058000 (structure) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 1993 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1995 ◆ 1992 ● 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.