MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet Lumina

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Chevrolet Lumina
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
347
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 435 complaints 1990 1991: 358 complaints 1992: 345 complaints 1993: 247 complaints 1993 1994: 130 complaints 1995: 494 complaints 1996: 245 complaints 1997: 347 complaints 1997 347 1998: 223 complaints 1999: 103 complaints 1999 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2008: 1 complaint
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 435 complaints 1991: 358 complaints 1991 1992: 345 complaints 1993: 247 complaints 1993 1994: 130 complaints 1995: 494 complaints 1995 1996: 245 complaints 1997: 347 complaints 1997 347 1998: 223 complaints 1999: 103 complaints 1999 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 435 complaints 1990 1991: 358 complaints 1991 1992: 345 complaints 1992 1993: 247 complaints 1993 1994: 130 complaints 1994 1995: 494 complaints 1995 1996: 245 complaints 1996 1997: 347 complaints 1997 347 1998: 223 complaints 1998 1999: 103 complaints 1999 2000: 30 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2008: 1 complaint 2008

1997: 347 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19871
19880
19890
1990435
1991358
1992345
1993247
1994130
1995494
1996245
1997347
1998223
1999103
200030
200121
20020
20081

Known problem areas

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

Steering

26% · 90 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

I'm driving and my steering is tight and when turning while in motion and while its park. You can also smell like some thing burning

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-13

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

I was traveling home. Lost control and could not turn. The steering went out, and fuel system. I was left in a coma for ten days. My airbag did not deploy like it was developed to do.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-29

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREINJURY

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

CRASHFIRE

Service brakes

12% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Air bags

11% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

While driving vehicle about less than 5 MPH, trying to make a left turn, another oncoming vehicle driven about 40 MPH, according to consumer, hit the consumer's vehicle that was driven by his wife at the time; having a side impact and both air bags...

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-04

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 347 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
  3. I
    2003-09-15Engineering analysisClosed 2003-12-18 Power rack and pinion steering failure
  4. R
    2004-02-05Steering03V527000 Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Chevrolet Lumina — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 90 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 55 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 42 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V527000 · Steering
  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.