MotorDeets

1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv: 3 recalls, 99 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
99owner complaints
5mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seats Vehicle recall #89V164000 · 1989 · 343 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks May not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.

Why it matters: Vehicles would not conform to fmvss 207.

The fix: Replace rear hold down hooks and pivot rivets with heat treated hardware.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V046000 · 1991 · 400 vehicles

What's wrong: A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor May have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (directly behind driver).

Why it matters: The incorrect retractor May cause the belts to lock upif the van is parked on a steep grade. As a result of this, the occupant couldnot extend the belt for use.

The fix: Replace shoulder belt assembly.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V058000 · 1997 · 676,535 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both bolts pull through, the rear cradle would not longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft can separate from the steering gear.

Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.

The fix: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seats Recall #99I003000 · 1999 · 187,459 vehicles

What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: minivans equipped with front bucket seats. The front seat recliner mechanism lower bolts can loosen. A loose bolt could fatigue and break, resulting in the seat back falling rearward.

Why it matters: The seat could suddenly fall backward, distracting the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the bolts at no charge to the owners. This policy is in effect until June 30, 2002.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Body & structure35
Seats14
Steering12
Seat belts11
Brakes (hydraulic)10
Engine & cooling9
Latches & locks6
Tires4

What owners describe

The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv has 99 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 10 Lumina Apv model years for complaints (2.1× the average Lumina Apv year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 134,675 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (47 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.1 L 6-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive162118Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv problems?

Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (35), seats (14), steering (12).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Apv repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Lumina Apv years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999