Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 187 of 245 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 36 of 245 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
41 complaint records1 crash report
"THE INTAKE GASKET ROTTED. THEREFORE, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED INTO THE OIL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE. THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
37 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHEN MAKING SUDDEN OR NORMAL STOP CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES ARE BURNING, CAUSING A VERY BAD ODOR AND EXCESSIVE FRONT BRAKE WEAR. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Air bags
34 complaint records13 crash reports
"EXPRESSES A DESIRE THAT A SOLUTION SHOULD BE FOUND TO MAKING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS SAFE FOR SMALL WOMEN AND CHILDREN. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03019 opened Sep 2003 | closed Dec 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 03V527000 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;... |
| RQ03001 opened Jan 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE 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). |
| EA96023 opened Sep 1996 | closed Feb 1998 | Air Bags | INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT 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... |
| PE96031 opened Apr 1996 | closed Sep 1996 | Air Bags | INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V122000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OF THE FOUR BRAKE BOOSTER TABS NOT PROPERLY LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF DASH REINFORCEMENT ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
| 96V069000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE MOUNTING BRACKET OR ATTACHMENT BOLT. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002199 2002-11-05 | Steering | 238,877 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
| 2000080 2000-03-21 | Accessories | 200,580 | On certain vehicles operated in areas of high salt use, the spare tire hoist cable may corrode and eventually break. This would allow the spare tire to fall off the vehicle possibly resulting in a road hazard for other vehicles. |
| 1999083 1999-05-12 | Engine | 3,107 | On certain vehicles, the spark plug wires may be causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to be illuminated, as well as causing rough idle and poor performance. |
| 1996101 1996-07-11 | Brakes | 248 | THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OF THE FOUR (4) BRAKE BOOSTER TABS NOT PROPERLY LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE DASH REINFORCEMENT ASSEMBLY. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. |
Show 40 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | 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. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | 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. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 01880 Jan 2004 | Power Train | NO TCC APPLY, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON, TCC SURGE, POSSIBLE P0740, P1870, OR 39 AFTER INSTALLATION OF A REMAN (SRTA) 4T60/4T60E. *TT | |
| 031403 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INSTALLING A NEW AIR PUMP TO CORRECT EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS WHICH MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALE FUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), TO ILLUMINATE. *TT 8JB | |
| 01038 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | AIR INJECTION REACTOR (A.I.R.) PUMP SYSTEM FAILURES. *TT | |
| 010601002A Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 010601010A Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING POLYMER SERVICE PISTONS. *TT | |
| 990604005A Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 99021 Aug 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING SPARK PLUG WIRE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 990604005 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT | |
| 876522 Aug 1998 | Interior Lighting | A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATING ON THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL AFTER A LONG DECELERATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION TYPICALLY IN THE OVERDRIVE POSITION. YD | |
| 876002A Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 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 NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT | |
| 533307B Jul 1998 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FRONT SUSPENSION SCRUNCH / POPPING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE THAT IS APPARENT DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 836317 Jul 1998 | Fuel System | SOME OPERATORS OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LAND MOBILE COMMUNCATION SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THOSE UTILIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, MAY COMMENT ON FUEL PUMP RELATED RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. *TT | |
| 98776304A Feb 1998 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 971101776304 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR DEPOSITS. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 970801676305 Aug 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR AN ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION. *YC | |
| 970801735026 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC | |
| 736313 Jun 1997 | Fuel System | REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE, RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW (CLEAN FUEL TANK, REPLACE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP STRAINER). *TW | |
| 970501736211 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONDITIONS CONTAINING ENGINE OVERHEATING AND/OR LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. *YC | |
| 676305 Mar 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION (INSTALL ACCELERATOR CABLE AND CLIP). *TW | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 677164 Feb 1997 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW | |
| 577106A Feb 1997 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE (DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 577106A Dec 1996 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 4615 | Service Brakes | ABS PUMP RUNNING WHEN NOT NEEDED. *NJ |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Lumina →