1996 Chevrolet Lumina
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 427 |
| 1991 | 352 |
| 1992 | 342 |
| 1993 | 243 |
| 1994 | 126 |
| 1995 | 492 |
| 1996 | 245 |
| 1997 | 347 |
| 1998 | 223 |
| 1999 | 103 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
7% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.*MR THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE AIR BAG. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD. *NLM *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20031008
AIR BAGS, THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED (NOTE THE CONSUMER WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT). *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960404
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
7% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, AND INJURED THE DRIVER. THE NEXT DAY THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGERS FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD. *MR *SCC *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030602
5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
COMPUTER/BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THREE WARNING LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH, AS WELL AS AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960930
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
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. ADDITIONALLY, THOSE BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE AN INDENTATIO
Campaign 96V069000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 96V122000 — check if this car was fixed
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Chevrolet Lumina — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V069000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V122000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 7% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.