1998 Chevrolet Lumina problems
Owners have filed 276 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 21.4% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 12.7%.
Complaints276
Crashes12
Fires6
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 21.4% · 59
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.7% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 12.7% · 35
Electrical system 6.9% · 19
Air bags 5.8% · 16
Power train 4.7% · 13
Visibility 4.3% · 12
Exterior lighting 3.6% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Chevrolet Lumina in this data, 1998 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 96,781 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to turn, similar to nhtsa campaign id number: 03v527000 ( steering:rack and pinion). The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact did not inform the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 104,000. Steering · reported at 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina. While making a left turn at any speed, the power steering becomes difficult to maneuver. The contact is an asc certified mechanic and stated that the failure was with the rack and pinion. The dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). The current mileage was 78,045 and failure mileage was 76,800. Steering · reported at 76,800 miles
Power steering has failed about a half dozen times. If I was not a pretty strong man, car would become uncontrollable. Power steering has failed when making turns after running through mudpuddles or standing water. Takes tremendous effort to turn. Possibility of someone getting seriously injured or killed. Just sent message to Chevrolet via their website. Just have not taken the time to find out about it. Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…