1994 Chevrolet Lumina: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 126 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet lumina. The vehicle would not drive in reverse when the gear was shifted. The dealer stated that the transmission shell cracked due to a design flaw. Repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 93,100.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2007
“I notice smoke coming from the steering column, inside my car, quite often- at least 2 times a week. My brakes wear out faster than they should. I have to replace the driverside hub assembly kit every 3-6 months because it starts clicking then wears out the brakes if I don't get it done- at the cheapest 100 every time. Car has not been in a wreck and I do not know why it does this. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2007
“The consumer stated that when turning on the vehicle, his foot was on the brake, he placed the vehicle in gear and suddenly the vehicle accelerated and went through the garage door. The consumer took the vehicle to a independent mechanic and was told that the problem could not be identified and was unsure as to why this happened. *ak *sc *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer states that the brakes are grinding and going to the floor. Consumer feels this is very unsafe. Please provide any further information. Ts”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2002
“The drivers side door latch broke off. The door won't open and consumer has to climb across to the passenger side to exit the vehicle, consumer further explains that the counter weight arm is made of aluminum alloy allowing for the frequent breaking. *ts *jg nlm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2002
“Rear struts have gotten noisy, with rattling and groans. Seems like a bushing is out. Also shocks are overly firm, as if they are defective. The overly firm shocks has been previously reported to NHTSA. The rattling has recently started and when a sharp bump is hit with the right rear tire, it has a lot of small sharp bounces, with the tire absorbing the shock. Rear shock/strut problems seem to be very common on these cars and replacements from the dealer are $300. I think this is a safety problem that gm should fix, or offer a discount on the rear struts, since so many are bad. Thanks.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2002
“Rear shocks are overly firm and do not compress well. This seems to hamper the steering control on curvy bumpy roads. I plan on replacing them myself at my cost, but I have heard from others the similar problem on the gm w-cars. (88-newer cutlass supreme, regal, lumina, grand prix). Most cars, the shocks get bouncy and soft when the shocks wear, but on these cars, they get overly firm. As if they gain pressure and do not want to compress. The dealer wants $300. For new rear struts/shocks, which I feel is absurd, considering I feel this is a safety problem. Thanks.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2002
“While adjusting seating position in his power seats, seat anchor broke and the seat cannot be used while driving. Dealership has examined vehicle, and corrected problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Jul 2001
“Seat belt loosens up as movement is made in seat. Front seat belts would not retract unless belts were pushed down into mechanism. Dealer had to take a part the side panel and physically replace two belts. The charge $327.35. *ak *slc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2001
“Consumer was traveling about 30mph on a side street and heard a banging noise, and vehicle just shut off . Dealership was aware of problem. Transmission locked up. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
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.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lumina 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 1994 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?
NHTSA has 126 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Chevrolet Lumina. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet Lumina problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 97,700 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Chevrolet Lumina have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices. 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.