1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV Problems
- Complaints
- 76filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 182,240miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this minivan report mostly age-related wear problems, with front brake hoses and seat belt retractors drawing the most complaints. Complaints describe hoses that soften and rupture and belts that stop retracting, and many were filed when the van already had high mileage. Less commonly, owners report cracked seat frames, corroded subframe mounts and door handles that break.
- Seat belts
Seat belt retractors stop retracting or lock up
- 15 complaints (20%)
- typically at 7.8 yrs old
- filed 1995–2002
Owners report front and middle-row belts that no longer pull back into the retractor, leaving the belt slack or stuck fully extended so it cannot be used. Others describe belts that lock up and cannot be pulled out at all. Some had retractors replaced, sometimes at no charge and sometimes at their own expense, and complaints describe the problem returning afterward. Filed on vehicles of varying age; mileage is not stated in most complaints.
What to check: Pull each belt out fully and let it retract on every seating position, and ask whether the rear belt recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger side seat belt will not return into the retractor, leaving occupant without any restraint. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. The passenger front seat belt retractor broke. The retractors were poorly built since on two previous occasions the retractors were not working properly.”
NHTSA complaint #8007117, filed 2002-04“Seat belt retractors: seat belts on front left and right side will not retract, have taken in for repairs twice and had repaired at no cost, is still having the same problem. Dealer will repair but at consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #809311, filed 1997-04 - Brakes
Front brake hoses crack and rupture, brake fluid loss
- 12 complaints (16%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- filed 1996–1998
Owners describe front rubber brake hoses that swell, soften or split, often followed by a sudden loss of pedal and brake fluid leaking out. Several say a mechanic found the opposite side hose in nearly the same condition, and one reports a hose breaking while backing out of a driveway. Complaints describe the hoses flexing each time the steering wheel turns, and that replacement was usually needed on both sides. Reported across a wide mileage range, with many complaints filed on vans that already had high odometer readings.
What to check: Have a shop inspect both front flexible brake hoses for cracking, bulging or rubbing, and ask whether they have ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driivng in a parking lot, the left front brake hose ruptured, causing the brake fluid to leak, which caused total brake failure. Also right front brake hose wore out. Dealer is aware of problem. The brake lines will be repaired a towner's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #819399, filed 1997-12“Backing out driveway heard a loud pop; had no brakes; rubber brake hose broke due to flex stress on right. Left side in same condition. Will have right/left replaced at dealer's.”
NHTSA complaint #815126, filed 1997-08 - Seats
Driver and passenger seat frames and recliners break
- 9 complaints (12%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe seat bottoms and seat backs that crack or collapse, sometimes while driving, and recliner mechanisms that slip backward and need constant readjustment. Some say the dealer replaced the mechanism but the problem came back, and others report the seat assembly was no longer available from the manufacturer and had to be sourced used. Mostly described on well-used vans; specific mileage is rarely given in the complaints.
What to check: Sit in and rock each front seat, test the recliner through its full range, and look under the seat for cracks in the frame.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driver seat of 1992 Chevrolet Lumina Apv minivan has broken at the bottom of the seat. In its original condition, seat had an adjustable wheel on the right rear side of the seat for adjusting the back of the seat forward and backward. After the seat broke, I inquired at several Chevrolet dealerships in the area and they all stated that the seat is no longer available through the manufacturer. I contacted several junk yards in the area before I found another seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10013536, filed 2003-03“Driver's seatback broke and collapsed backwards while traveling up an incline at 30 MPH. Dealer / manufacturer waere notified,and unwilling to assist. Was informed vehicle was out of warranty/ not cover under a recall. Provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #891032, filed 2001-06 - Brakes
Anti-lock brakes engage at low speed and pedal feels weak
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 210,000 mi at 11.8 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2004
Owners report the ABS activating during gentle stops at low speed on dry pavement, with the pedal dropping and the van continuing to roll for a moment. Some describe the ABS warning light staying on, and one notes the behavior is worse in winter. Complaints say dealers and independent shops were unable to resolve it. Reported on high-mileage vans, with one owner noting the behavior is worse in cold weather.
What to check: Test braking at low speed on a clear lot and watch for an ABS light that stays lit after startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We have had consistant problems with our anti-lock brakes. When brakes are applied at low speeds on dry pavement anti-lock brakes will seem to activate and give out, leaving me with no brakes for a few moments. And the anti-lock break light inside the car will come on at various times and stay on, even when vehicle is first started. This problem has been reported to tony cheverolet and other repair shops and yet the problem still consist. We were wondering if this problem could be related to the recent recall of the chrysler bendix 10 ABS? …”
NHTSA complaint #730092, filed 2000-09“The ABS frequency is extremely low making the brakes completely un-efficient when operating (mainly winter time). Lately the ABS comes on during the final breaking, disabling the break for ~0.5 sec and accelerating the engine, giving a final kick ~ 0.5 - 1m instead of final stop. I want this ABS disabled for good, is extremely dangerous, mainly in city driving. Thanks, adrian”
NHTSA complaint #10071371, filed 2004-01, 210,000 miles - Body and structure
Front subframe mounts corrode and steering is lost
Mentioned in 4 of 39 sampled complaints
Owners describe rear cradle bolts pulling through corroded retainers, letting the subframe drop and tearing the steering shaft loose so the wheel no longer controls the front wheels. Complaints say this happened at low speed while turning, and that the van had to be towed for repair. Reports also note cracked front fenders and broken door handles on the same body. Reported on older, high-mileage vans, including one at about 125,000 miles.
What to check: Have the underbody and subframe mounting points inspected for rust-through before buying, especially in areas that use road salt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Both of the front door handles broke within a couple of weeks of each other. The rear sliding door handle is loose and feels like the other two did just before they stopped working. When this one goes, my only way to get into my van will be thru the rear hatch. The passenger door will open from the inside only. The drivers side door won't open either way.”
NHTSA complaint #744017, filed 2001-04“While driving the vehicle (1992 Chevrolet Lumina Apv) , the two rear cradle bolts of the frame pulled through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. The rear cradle was no longer supported at these mounting locations and dropped to the ground, and the steering intermediate shaft was ripped off with a complete loss of steering resulting from same. The steering wheel spun free with no connection to wheels. No steering of any type available while driving from this failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10203453, filed 2007-09, 125,000 miles
Buying note. These vans are old enough that condition matters far more than the model year, so budget for a thorough brake hose and underbody rust inspection. Confirm the rear seat belt recall was performed and check that every belt retracts properly.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 39 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 182,240 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes27 36%
- Seat belts17 22%
- Seats11 14%
- Body and structure6 7.9%
- Electrical system5 6.6%
- Fuel system4 5.3%
- Tires3 4.0%
- Equipment1 1.3%
- Interior lighting1 1.3%
Also reported: Steering (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Owner has ABS brakes, upon taking vehicle to shop for checkup owner was told that his front brakes lines might burst at any time had severe wear and that he could have total brake failure at anytime while trying to stop vehicle. Consumr states the front hydraulic lines leading to where cylinders are very soft and ready to rupture, cause appears to that lines are too short and twist every time steering wheel is turned.”
NHTSA complaint #805977, filed 1996-12Seat belts: “Driver's side replaced 4/99 same proble GM notified and fixed free due to the fact that it was a safety problem; now they refuse to fix the passenger side due to the fact that there is 90,000 miles on vehicle; as far as I'm concerned it is still a safety issue regardless of mileage. I had 64,000 miles on vehicle when driver's side was replaced in 1999.”
NHTSA complaint #760189, filed 2002-04Body and structure: “While making a turn at low speed, vehicle lost steering. Dealer contacted. . Consumer stated the rear cradle bolt on the front subframe pulled through the retainers due to corrosion, the cradle would no longer support the mounting, which also caused the shaft to separate.”
NHTSA complaint #8012012, filed 2002-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 125,000 and 210,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumina/APV Minivan 2WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Lumina/APV Minivan 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V015000Jan 23, 1996Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: Chevrolet Lumina APV 1992–1995, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1992–1995, Pontiac Trans Sport 1992–1995 +5 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.
- 94V027000Jan 4, 1994Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Chevrolet Lumina APV 1992–1993, Pontiac Trans Sport 1992–1993, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1992–1993
Vehicle fails to conform to fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the safety belt of the left third row seat on the six passenger van and the center second row seat of the seven passenger van may lock up and cannot be withdrawn from the retractor.
Recall details for the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ03003Engine cradle separationClosed · Jan 8, 2003
- PE96002Front brake hose failureClosed · Jan 5, 1996
- PE94070Trnsaxl oil hose separatesClosed · Sep 15, 1994
- EA92035Apv fuel line firesClosed · Oct 30, 1992
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Lumina APV
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 35 | 100,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 104 | 114,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 65 | 173,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 45 | 96,590 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 76 | 182,240 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 47 | 155,500 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 99 | 134,676 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Lumina APV model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV?
Owners of this minivan report mostly age-related wear problems, with front brake hoses and seat belt retractors drawing the most complaints. The issues reported most often: Seat belt retractors stop retracting or lock up; Front brake hoses crack and rupture, brake fluid loss; Driver and passenger seat frames and recliners break.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV have?
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 27 complaints (36% of the total), followed by seat belts with 17.
Has the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV (Lumina/APV Minivan 2WD, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina APV reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 182,240 miles and the middle half falls between 125,000 and 210,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.