1996 Chevrolet Lumina: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina: 2 recalls, 245 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V069000 · 1996 · 43,213 vehicles
What's wrong: The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V122000 · 1996 · 3,591 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
Why it matters: If this condition were present in a situation where stopping distances were small, a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 36 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (36): the most common themes are leaks (10), stalls / loses power (6), overheating (6).
- Airbags (34): the most common themes are fails to deploy (7), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (31): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), brake failure / soft pedal (8).
- Electrical (30): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has 245 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 Lumina model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 211). Complaints peaked in 2000 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 113,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (492 complaints, 6 recalls), 1997 (347 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina problems?
Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (36), airbags (34), brakes (hydraulic) (31).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 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.