Carlexica

1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 99 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (31% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1999

4
recalls
99
owner complaints
2
fire reports
134,676
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 134,676 mi)One of the most complained-about Lumina Apv years (#2 of 7, age-adjusted)Weak spot: structure (31%)2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)31% · 30 complaints
Seats13% · 13 complaints
Seat Belts10% · 10 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)9% · 9 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 8 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)6% · 6 complaints
Goodyear regatta 2 tires with 23 thousand miles are beginning to leak and split half way up the sidewall of both front tires from a raised area around the circumference of the inside of each tire. *trOwner report · Tires · May 2007
Consumer received recall notice 97v058000 concerning rear cradle bolt failure. The problem recurred after recall repairs were done. *akOwner report · Structure · Jul 2004
While the consumer was pulling into his driveway he heard aloud bang. The driver immediately lost steering control and the steering wheel turned 360 degrees non stop. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who determined that the subframe rusted which caused the engine and rack and pinion to collapse to the ground. *ak *nlmOwner report · Structure · Aug 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
Rear cradle bolt on the right side is pulling through the retainer affecting steering control. Related recall 97v058000. Consumer contacted manufacturer who advised that recall has expired and they are no longer honoring it. PhOwner report · Steering · Jan 2003
While driving 10-15 mph consumer heard a clunk, steering felt tight, then spun freely. Mechanic determined subframe assembly bolts snapped off on both sides, causing steering wheel to become detached.*akOwner report · Structure · Apr 2002
Subframe reported to be - "rotted out" - vehicle unsafe to drive. Component as not let go yet - it is on the verge. Discovered during repair of rack and pinion unit. Would like to send you detailed letter with pictures.*akOwner report · Structure · Apr 2002
There is a recal listed on this vehicle for this problem and we also received a recal notice from manifacturing. They now say there is no recall for this problem. The bolts apparently loosen and can break causing seat to fall back while driving. This is what happened to us. At least we were no moving when the seat/bolt broke.*akOwner report · Seats · Feb 2002
Recall 97 v 058 000/ rear cradle bolts: rear cradle bolts retainer failed on both sides, snapping steering wheel column while driving, and causing loss of steering control. Believed this was due to corrision. Dealer was notified, and unwilling to assist in this matter because this vehicle not covered under recall due to VIN. *akOwner report · Structure · Jun 2001
While driving steering wheel disangaged, and had to pull to side and wait for a tow truck to tow vehicle to a near shop, where gear steering gear box box was replaced, but not under recall 97 v 058 000m. Consumer was charged for it. *akOwner report · Structure · May 2001
Recall 97 v 058 000/cradle bolts: rear cradle bolts have broken while pulling into a parking space. Please provide any further details on this matter.*akOwner report · Structure · Mar 2001

When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

SEATS89V164000 · Oct 1989

THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.

Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE91V046000 · Mar 1991

A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).

Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.

SEATS99I003000 · Jun 1999

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

STRUCTURE97V058000 · Apr 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

How other years compare

Check your exact Lumina Apv by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv reliable?

NHTSA has 99 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv. The most complained-about area is structure (31% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 134,676 miles or less.

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv have open recalls?

4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.