Model year guide

1996 Chevrolet Lumina

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Chevrolet Lumina at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints270
Combined18–21 mpg
Typical price$767

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina recalls 3

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #96V122000 · 01/07/1996

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OF THE FOUR BRAKE BOOSTER TABS NOT PROPERLY LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF DASH REINFORCEMENT ASSEMBLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BOOSTER INSTALLATION. BOOSTERS FOUND TO BE IMPROPERLY LOCATED WILL BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED PROPERLY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #96V069000 · 19/04/1996

THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE MOUNTING BRACKET OR ATTACHMENT BOLT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER BRAKE LINE CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THOSE BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE LESS THAN MINIMAL CLEARANCE. ADDITIONALLY, THOSE BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE AN INDENTATION CAUSED BY THE CONTACT WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY ROUTED.

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.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,483
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,417 more

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.

What's a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$767
High
$1,200

From 6 comparable 1996 Chevrolet Lumina listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,415
Fuel only$17,415
Per mile$0.23

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

Length
191.3–200.8 in
Width
72.4–74.0 in
Height
55.1–65.7 in
Wheelbase
107.5–109.8 in
Curb weight
3,252–3,426 lb
Front track
59.1–59.4 in
Rear track
59.1–61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE Closed

GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL. THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283. GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEAR…

NHTSA #EA03019 · Steering · opened Sep 2003 · closed Dec 2003

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE Closed

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER…

NHTSA #RQ03001 · Steering · opened Jan 2003 · closed Sep 2003

INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Closed

THE FAILURE RATE (1.25/100K) ON THIS ISSUE IS LOW. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITURE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS ISSUE. THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY…

NHTSA #EA96023 · Air Bags · opened Sep 1996 · closed Feb 1998

INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Closed

NHTSA #PE96031 · Air Bags · opened Apr 1996 · closed Sep 1996

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 71

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 71.

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

Source: 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.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

1996 Chevrolet Lumina vehicles on record

1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M7T1142927 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M5T1140111 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52MXT9219419 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M4T1131593 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M5T9234085 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WN52M9T1152448 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WN52M3T1131322 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M8T1116868 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M2T1208882 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M7T9166906 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WN52M0T9237373 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 1996 Chevrolet Lumina2G1WL52M8V1130496

Other Chevrolet Lumina model years

2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990

1996 Chevrolet Lumina — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?

Across all 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, hydraulic, service brakes.

What is the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina get?

The 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina worth?

Comparable 1996 Chevrolet Lumina listings run roughly $500–$1,200, typically around $767 (from 6 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.