1991 Chevrolet Lumina Apv: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1991 chevy lumina apv,while driving over not so smooth wisconsin streets the frame retainer rotted off of the mounting bolt causing the frame rail to drop down over 4 inches causing poor steering control. The vehicle was at this point unsafe to operate. Gm has a recall campaign for this however they refuse to honor it. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 chevrolet lumina apv. While driving approximately 2 mph it became difficult to control the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel would spin around with no resistance; however, the vehicle would not move in any direction that the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle was turned off and towed to his residence. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign id number 00v189000. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 143,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 chevrolet lumina apv. While driving 15 mph, the contact lost steering ability. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the rear two bolts that hold the engine failed, which caused the steering column to disconnect. As of july 26, 2007, the dealer has not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 168,000. Updated 02/01/08. *lj”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated only the sliding side door will open from the outside of the vehicle. The passenger door and lift gate failed first several months ago. Now the driver's side door will not open from the outside. The door handles will pull up however the lock will not disengage. The dealer has not been alerted. Updated 05/30/06 about 6 weeks ago the driver's door started doing the same thing. Contact has to enter the vehicle through the sliding doors. *tt”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · May 2006
“I took my van to the shop for a transmission leak, shop man took the van inside turned off the car with the key in his hands the van was smoking and the starter was turning the engine without the keys inside , the ignition switch was burning and the connectors . Now there is two other lumina van that had electrical fire but there was no one to stop it so it cought on fire. That is only the two van that had the same thing .now there are two lumina van that electricals in his hands. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2002
“This vehicle model year has an active recall,NHTSA # 97v058000. However chevrolet states that my vehicle falls outside the range of applicable vins, and will not perform the recall. This vehicle's rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers, just as written in the recall notice. Luckily the operator was able to keep the vehicle under control and avoid an accident. (it was the only car on the road at the time). NHTSA may want to investigate and have gmc increase the range of vins applicable to this campaign. ******dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis******757420.*ak *jb”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2002
“I was driving 25 to 30 mph when the carriage dropped out of the vehicle causing the steering to also be pulled out. The engine dropped approxamately 6 inches and the tie rods where also bent.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“Left rear wheel would lock up when brakes are applied on wet road. Vehicle been to an independent repair shop on two occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Have a appointment with dealer. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2001
“Consumer is unable to get inside of vehicle through driver's or passenger's doors. The key won't unlock doors, and handles will not work. Will need to get into vehicle through the sliding door. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2000
“Went out to start vehicle, heard a static noise, smelled smoke and saw smoke coming out from steering column. Tried to unhook the battery, but vehicle caught on fire. Contacted dealer. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina Apv reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina Apv. The most complained-about area is structure (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Chevrolet Lumina Apv problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 155,500 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Chevrolet Lumina Apv have open recalls?
2 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.