Chevrolet Lumina Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Lumina options? We analyzed 2 model years (2000–2001) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Chevrolet Lumina? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Lumina has 67 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls across model years 2000–2001. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2001 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Lumina
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2001 (2 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 67
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2000 (41 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2001 (26 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Chevrolet Lumina: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe CHEVROLET LUMINA has 67 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 67 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 10 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
10 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2001. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 67 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
67 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable and the steering wheel would unexpectedly pull to the side with the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the seat belts failed to detach properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V527000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer informed the contact that they would not service the vehicle due to the vehicle being more than 10 years old. The contact was also advised that payment for the steering rack replacement would be required in order to complete the recall repair. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 45MPH. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, LOOKED UNDER THE CAR, AND WATER WAS POURING FROM THE FRONT OF THE MOTOR. I HAD TO HAVE TO CAR TOWED. THE MECHANIC THAT LOOKED OVER THE CAR SAID THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MY GASKETS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH FAILED AND CAUSED SEVERAL FLUIDS TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A REPORT BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
HAD TO CHANGE BATTERY, THIS CAUSES THE ON BOARD COMPUTER TO RESET TO ORIGINAL SETTING. THE TRANSMISSION (4T65E) IS PROGRAMMED TO MAKE SHIFTS AT CERTAIN SPEEDS IN AN ALLOTTED TIME SPAN. BECAUSE NOW, THE CAR (2000 LUMINA) IS OLDER AND THE SHIFTS ARE A LITTLE LONGER THE COMPUTER SENDS MESSAGES TO THE TRANSMISSION TO FORCE PRESSURE ON THE LINES TO CORRECT SPLIT SECOND SHIFTING. THIS CAUSES HARD SHIFTING AND GRINDING SOUNDS. I STOP THE CAR, TURN THE MOTOR OFF, THEN ON AND ITS OK AGAIN FOR A FEW MORE MILES. A TRANSMISSION SHOP WANTS $1400.00 TO FIX PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM IS A NOT SO SMART COMPUTER THAT DOESN'T ALLOW FOR A CAR TO AGE. *TR
I HAVE A 2000 CHEVY LUMINA WITH 54,XXX MILES ON IT. IN 2003 WHEN IT HAD 22,XXX MILES ON IT I HAD THE TRANSMISSION WORKED ON BECAUSE IT WAS SHUTTERING AND SHIFTING HARD. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME. NOW, 6 YEARS LATER I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND AM TOLD I HAVE TO HAVE A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. A CAR THAT HAS 54,XXX MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED ON TIME SHOULD NOT HAVE THE TRANSMISSION GO OUT. IT HAD A CODE OF 1810 WHEN DIAGNOSTICS WAS DONE TO IT. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
I HAD THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS REPLACED ON MAY 2008, VEHICLE ONLY HAD 75000 MILES AT THAT TIME, NOW THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING AGAIN. I HAVE TO ADD COOLANT ALMOST EVERY DAY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR
THIS CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO A DEFECT OF THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY BUILT-IN IT. TO BE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO TURN ON THE IGNITION AND OFF AND WAIT THREE TO FOUR MINUTES TO START AND TURNS ON. THIS PROBLEM IS 90% OF THE TIME. *TR
THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS LOSING ANTIFREEZE RAPIDLY, DUE TO A DEFECTIVE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET,BOTH THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED. A COSTLY JOB. AS PER THE TECHNICIAN THIS ENGINE ALWAYS HAS THIS DEFECTIVE PROBLEM. *TR
I HAVE A 2000 MALIBU AND IT HAS 129K MILES ON IT. THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS, BUT IT NEVER SEEMED TO AFFECT MY CAR IN ANY WAY. TODAY THE CAR TURNED ON FINE TWICE, ONCE COMING OUT OF THE HOUSE AND THE SECOND TIME COMING OUT OF THE GAS STATION. WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON AFTER LEAVING FROM A JOB INTERVIEW, IT CRANKS AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN ON BUT DOESN'T. IT SOUNDS LIKE IF THE GAS TANK IS ON EMPTY BUT IT'S ALMOST FULL. I CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS AND EVEN TRIED A JUMP START AND IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. FINALLY I GOT IT TOWED HOME AND FIND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT CHEVY MALIBUS ARE FULL OF DEFECTS.(HTTP://WWW.AUTOSITE.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/1601) (INCLUDING MY AC THAT ONLY WORKS ON 3, 4, AND 5). MY ANTI THEFT DEVICE WON'T LET ME DRIVE MY OWN CAR, AND I ALREADY MISSED AN IMPORTANT CLASS. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO LEAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT TURNS OFF, BUT IT NEVER TURNS OFF. IT HAS BARELY STARTED WITH THIS PROBLEM TODAY, BUT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, MORE LIKE HORROR STORIES, I'M SCARED OF MY MALIBU AND I DON'T TRUST IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I KNOW IT WILL GET WORSE. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT THEY KNOW EXISTS BUT WON'T ADMIT TO; THERE NEEDS TO BE A SERIOUS RECALL. *TR
2000 TAHOE: REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE BROKE. IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC...PRETTY SHODDY FOR A 4W DRIVE VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY OPENED THAT WINDOW 5-6 TIMES SINCE 2002, SO IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT ABUSED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW...WOULD LIKE GM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $600 WINDOW PLUS HINGES (THE CHEVY DEALER QUOTED $1300.) *JB
MY ENGINE STALLS AT LEAST 2 TO 3 TIMES A MONTH, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BECAUSE IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM... AND IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT.... *TR
LOW COOLANT LIGHT KEPT COMING ON HAD TO FILL RESIVOIR TANK ONCE A WEEK. TOOK CAR IN TO FIND THE PROBLEM LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
ON MANY OCCASIONS THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT ON THIS 2000 MALIBU HAS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR 20 TO 30 MINUTES. ONE TIME IT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR STALLED. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. *JB
CAR HAS 54,000 MILES WITH LIMITED NIGHTTIME USE. HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT HEADLIGHT MOTOR. 100 MILES LATER THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BACK PLATE FAILED ON THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND THE BRAKE FAILED. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE BACKER PLATE RUSTED OUT, RESULTING IN THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM WAS A COMBINATION OF BOTH DISC AND DRUM BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BACK PLATE. THE BACK PLATE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. EARLIER THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM. ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED, RESULTING IN TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE WHEEL CYLINDER SEPARATED FROM THE CALIPERS. THE ONLY WARNING LIGHT CAME AFTER THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE LEFT ROTOR. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AND THE CALIPERS WERE REBUILT. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 50 % WEAR BUT THEY WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *AK
WE HAD PURCHASED UNIROYAL TIRES IN OCTOBER 2002 FROM FARM AND FLEET IN LA CROSSE. AS OF AUGUST 4, 2005, ALL THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE TIRES CRACKING AND PEELING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO SEARS WHERE THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT LET US DRIVE THE CAR DUE THE SEVERITY OF THE PEELING OF THE TIRES. DRIVING OUR CAR WITH THE TIRES IN THE POOR CONDITION COULD CAUSE AND ACCIDENT AND INJURY. I STARTED HAVING A PANIC ATTACK AFTER HEARING THIS NEWS. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR TIRES TO SHRED, CRACK, AND PEEL AT ONLY 40,000 MILES. I CALLED FARM AND FLEET WHERE WE BOUGHT THE TIRES AND HE TOLD ME "TOO BAD" AND HUNG UP ON ME. I CALLED UNIROYAL AND SHE SAID IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM IF OUR TIRES CRACKED, THAT'S WHAT TIRES DO. THESE TIRES THAT CRACKED, PEELED, AND SHREDDED HAVE A 75,000 MILES WARRANTY, NOONE WILL HONOR THIS WARRANTY AND WE HAD TO SPEND OVER $400 BUYING NEW TIRES. *NM
I OWN A 2000 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN WHICH I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE FOR OVER A YEAR BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONING ANTILOCK BRAKES. I BROUGHT IT TO BE REPAIRED LAST YEAR AND PAID OVER $800 FOR ONE SET OF BRAKES, THE OTHER SET STILL NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING WHEN TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2002. THERE IS CURRENTLY AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS VERY PROBLEM ON SIMILAR CHEVY SUVS AND TRUCKS, BUT NOT INCLUDING THE ASTRO VAN.
I PURCHASED MY 2000 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 8,000 MILES AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT UNTIL RECENTLY. EVEN THOUGH I FAITHFULLY CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES I AM NOW EXPERIENCING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH 65,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHICH I AM STILL PAYING OFF. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT GMC HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE THAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. IT NOW HAS AN INTAKE VALUE FAILURE AND PISTON PROBLEMS. I HAVE OWNED MANY OTHER VECHILES AND AS LONG AS I MAINTAINED THEM THEY RAN GREAT UNTIL 100,000 PLUS MILES. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE? NOT IMPRESSED. I THOUGHT GOING GMC WOULD GIVE ME A RELIABLE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE TO PUT IN OVER $1,000 OR REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $3,000 TO $4,000. WHEN I GO TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHILE I WILL KEEP THIS IN MIND!!!!!
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON CHEVROLET 2000 LUMINA VIN# [XXX] HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000+ MILES AND SECOND TIME WITH 78,838 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE AND DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHERS. THIS COMPLAINT IS WITH THE MANUFACTURER. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 67 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Lumina
These pages show model-year patterns across 2 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Lumina, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Lumina has 67 complaints on record across 2 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Lumina has 10 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Chevrolet Lumina's 67 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Lumina vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Lumina vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Lumina has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chevrolet Lumina stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Lumina by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Lumina.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chevrolet Lumina reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Lumina reliable?
Average. The Chevrolet Lumina has 67 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Lumina years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (41 complaints), 2001 (26 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Lumina problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (13 complaints); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (12 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Lumina have recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Lumina. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.