1997 Chevrolet Lumina problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 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.

Q: What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina get?

The 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Q: How much is a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina worth?

Comparable 1997 Chevrolet Lumina listings run roughly $500–$3,995, typically around $1,322 (from 10 vehicles).

1997 Chevrolet Lumina at a glance

Safety recalls2

Owner complaints371

Combined18–21 mpg

Typical price$1,322

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

1997 Chevrolet Lumina recalls 2

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.

Steering:rack And Pinion NHTSA Campaign #03V527000 · manufacturer #03062 · 11/12/2003

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537…

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.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 371 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Fuel System

Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

Gasoline

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.

Hydraulic

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Frontal — driver★★★★★

Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Side — front seat★★★★★

Side — rear seat★★★★★

Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg

City17 mpg

Highway25 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,450

EPA size classMidsize Cars

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Passenger volume100 cu ft

Cargo volume16 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina worth?

Low

$500

Typical price

$1,322

High

$3,995

From 10 comparable 1997 Chevrolet Lumina listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250

Fuel only$17,250

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

200.8 in

Width

72.4 in

Height

55.1 in

Wheelbase

107.5 in

Curb weight

3,378 lb

Front track

59.4 in

Rear track

59.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 92

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 92.

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.

1997 Chevrolet Lumina trims & engines on record

Trims

Base · LS

Engines

3.1L 6-cyl

1997 Chevrolet Lumina vehicles on record

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M4V1123156

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M3V1137212

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M6V9117814

1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WL52M6V9238892

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M5V1118788

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M3V9266133

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M0V9203782

1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WL52M1V9140952

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M3V9342952

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52MXV9128203

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52M2V9297406

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base2G1WL52MXV9200307

1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS2G1WL52M3V1136755

Other Chevrolet Lumina model years

2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990

1997 Chevrolet Lumina — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 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 1997 Chevrolet Lumina?

Across all 371 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, engine and engine cooling, fuel system.

What is the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina get?

The 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina worth?

Comparable 1997 Chevrolet Lumina listings run roughly $500–$3,995, typically around $1,322 (from 10 vehicles).

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