MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet Lumina

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Chevrolet Lumina
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Lumina Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1987: 1 complaints 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 1996 1997: 347 complaints 1997 1998: 223 complaints 1999: 103 complaints 1999 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2008: 1 complaints 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%

26% of complaints: steering — 90 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
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, 20191113

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, 20140629

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE INJURY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 12%

12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

CRASH FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
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, 19971204

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 347
I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

I 20030915 — EA (closed 20031218)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

R 20040205 — steering

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 BEARI

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.

Campaign 03V527000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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

1997 Chevrolet Lumina — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (90 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (55 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V527000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1999 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1990 ◆ 1991

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.