10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,172 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #10

Jun 122015

Lumina 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Updated 08/16/16 updated 08/17/16

- Quincy, IL, USA

problem #9

Nov 152011

Lumina 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
GM safety recall complaint: I backed out of my driveway drove about half a block and smelled smoke; returned home, parked and saw smoke coming from under the hood. Raised hood and found engine own fire in small flames. I proceeded to pour a small bucket of water on the fire and it went out. Coincidentally, I had just received safety recall notice 09047 from GM the same day, stating that the car could catch fire starting with the spark plug wires channel and beyond. I contacted the closest dealer robbins Chevrolet and who told me to call GM because the car had already caught on fire. I proceeded to contact GM where I received claim number 71-100-902-8310 and was then told it would take 7 to 10 business days before they could get back to me and let me know if they would even pay for serving or even authorize a dealer to check the vehicle for cause. This is my only mode of transportation and I do not understand the lack of concern for me as a customer or why getting the vehicle checked based on the recall would be in question. My complaint is the lack of concern and extremely long time frame involved in getting authorization to get my vehicle fixed based on the safety recall. The recall letter states "if you notice a burning odor, you should have your GM dealer inspect your vehicle immediately."I followed the procedure only to be told policy dictates they have 7 to 10 business days before letting me know if they are even willing to have the dealer check the vehicle. And while this may be policy, 7 to 10 business days is a long time when you have go to work and this is your only mode of transportation. I am disappointed in GM's handling of this situation and I feel the investigation and resolution are being handled poorly.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #8

Sep 112010

Lumina 6-cyl

  • 107,000 miles
I have a 1999 Chevy Lumina - the intake gasket, started leaking, gradually, now it has a bad leak. I read GM has or had a recall on intake gaskets.

- West Liberty, KY, USA

problem #7

Aug 152009

Lumina 6-cyl

  • miles
We own a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina ltz with the naturally aspirated L36 3.8L V6. The vehicle has the problem that it leaks both oil and engine coolant internally. It has been checked out by professionals and has been proven true. The professional discovered the engine is leaking along about three seals, two on the front and one on the rear of the motor. We must pour coolant into the reservoir once every couple weeks or even sooner. The oil is burned off and usually needs filled by the time it needs an oil change (about once every 3000 miles). All systems are working properly in the vehicle. After driving, one can smell the fumes from burning oil and coolant. General Motors did recall this engine recently for engine fires to only prevent the spread by removing a spark plug channel and replacing two spark plugs. GM needs to address what's causing them in the first place. General Motors Corp. Has also placed a recall for the L67, which is the "supercharged" version of the L36, for similar issues such as engine seals leaking. This makes for a very aggravating situation. We have been told that repair of this issue could cost at least $1600. From listening to others with the same motor, they are having the same problems, so it's not just our vehicle. GM must take responsibility and action to help owners or completely pay to replace their motor seals.

- Huntington, IN, USA

problem #6

Apr 012009

Lumina

  • 77,000 miles
1999 Chevy Lumina is leaking oil from the valve cover gasket as confirmed by two separate mechanics. GM has issued a recall due to fire hazard for this issue but only authorizes dealers to replace the spark plug channel to prevent the spread of fire. Oil can still leak into the manifold, which due to temperature, yet posing a fire hazard. Also, the oil begins leaking externally posing the initial fire hazard but as the problem progresses, the leakage becomes internal and seepage into the coolant nullifies coolant function causing the engine to overheat. This poses an additional fire hazard and even if no fire occurs the engine will still seize due to overheating causing accident risk. When contacting GM, customer service stated that they could not provide technical answers but would contact the local dealership and placed a conference call. The service department confirmed that a leaking valve cover gasket was the source of the problem and could still pose a threat but they were not authorized to correct the problem but would be 'happy to check it out and fix the problem at our expense' even though it's a defective part. They could not confirm why the actual problem is not being corrected, only the channel cover in a token effort to appease consumers but not truly correct the problem and referred me back to GM customer service. GM customer service can offer no reasoning other than they don't think it's necessary to correct the problem, just minimize possible risk of fire spreading. I am personally aware of four other individuals under this safety recall, #09047, that have had the same problem to the degree the engine has overheated and will need replacement but still GM refuses to correct the actual safety issue. These people have been stranded, narrowly avoided an accident, and even had to put a small fire out them self. Minimizing a significant fire threat is not nearly sufficient when it can be prevented.

- Rockingham, NC, USA

problem #5

May 032009

Lumina

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that his vehicle was experiencing failures similar to those listed in NHTSA campaign id number 09V116000. A mechanic noticed the failure and stated that it would cost money to repair. Chevrolet stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #4

May 012005

Lumina 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1999 Chevrolet Lumina stalled without warning. Consumer states that the vehicle stalled a second time and was restarted. Dealer has stated they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. He states he can only drive it short distances.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #3

Mar 081999

Lumina 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,500 miles
The vehicle is leaking coolant out the intake manifold, which is causing the vehicle not to have any heat, it also caused the engine to over heat. Owner will contact manufacturer....cost of intake manifold replacement $689.15 plus tax. Customer declined repairs.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #2

Jul 112004

Lumina 6-cyl

  • 93,224 miles
While driving, the head gasket blew out due to bad antifreeze. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Butler, PA, USA

problem #1

Mar 152003

Lumina

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
3.4L V6 engine failure was a leak in intake manifold gasket. Airbag failure was a defective seatbelt retractor, causing airbag warning light to stay lit.

- Stow, OH, USA