1990 Chevrolet Lumina
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina recalls 9
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.
Fix: 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.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE C…
Fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CR…
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
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 LONGE…
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Fix: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Fix: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Fix: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 549 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 12
STRUCTURE Closed
NHTSA #RP01001 · Structure · opened Nov 2001 · closed Jun 2002ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION Closed
NHTSA #EA00011 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Apr 2000 · closed Jan 2001ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION Closed
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS. THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION. AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED. IN ADDITION TO THE COMPL…
NHTSA #RQ99002 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Mar 1999 · closed Apr 2000CRADLE BOLT FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #RQ97017 · Structure · opened Oct 1997 · closed Jun 1997CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES Closed
NHTSA #PE94063 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Aug 1994 · closed Dec 1994BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION Closed
NHTSA #DP94004 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jun 1994 · closed Aug 1994ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE94031 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Mar 1994 · closed Jul 1994WHEEL FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #PE93085 · Suspension · opened Sep 1993 · closed Feb 1994STICKING THROTTLE Closed
NHTSA #EA92024 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1992 · closed Jan 1994APV FUEL LINE FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE92052 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1992 · closed Oct 1992JACK FAILURE Closed
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NHTSA #EA91049 · Equipment · opened Nov 1991 · closed Oct 1992JACK FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE91107 · Equipment · opened Aug 1991 · closed Nov 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 12
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 12.
NO TCC APPLY, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON, TCC SURGE, POSSIBLE P0740, P1870, OR 39 AFTER INSTALLATION OF A REMAN (SRTA) 4T60/4T60E. *TT
Bulletin 01880 · Power Train · Jan 2004INFORMATION REGARDING SWITCHES TO TURN OFF AND ON FRONTAL AIR BAGS FOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS. *TT
Bulletin 990941004 · Air Bags · Jan 2000GENERAL MOTORS BEGAN PROVIDING CHILD RESTRAIN SEAT TOP TETHER HARDWARE PACKAGES TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES WHO REQUESTED THEM. *TT
Bulletin 990940004 · Seats · Jan 2000THIS BULLETIN INFORMS DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THE TRAP RESISTANT REAR COMPARTMENT (TRUNK) KIT. *TT
Bulletin 990866002A · Latches/locks/linkages · Jan 2000CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF GRINDING / SCRAPING / GROANING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *TT
Bulletin 990309004 · Suspension · Oct 1999SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEX…
Bulletin 876002A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1998RECALL 90-C-39A - SUPPLEMENTAL LETTER ADDING VEHICLES TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL 90-C-39. *TW
Bulletin CAMP/90C39A · Wheels · Apr 1995REAR STRUT RELATED THUMPING/SQUEAKING NOISE. *TW
Bulletin 133405 · Suspension · Jan 1995ABS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. *TW
Bulletin 435012A · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1995SUPPLEMENT TO PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 90-C-39. *TW
Bulletin 0123 · Wheels · Jan 1995Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LUMINA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Chevrolet Lumina
The Chevrolet Lumina is a mid-size car that was produced and marketed by Chevrolet from the 1990 to 2001 model years. Serving as the combined successor for both the Chevrolet Celebrity and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Lumina was sold as both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. Serving as the largest front-wheel drive Chevrolet, the model line was slotted below the Caprice Classic in the Chevrolet line.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina vehicles on record
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D4LT149923
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D0LT141219
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06DXLT111466
1990 Chevrolet Lumina2G1WL54R4L9188256
1990 Chevrolet Lumina2G1WL54R2L1182115
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D8LT103382
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D1MT118601
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D2LT107234
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D9LT175644
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D2LT169961
1990 Chevrolet Lumina1GNCU06D8LT103656