1990 Chevrolet Lumina Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 228about this part
- Share
- 53%of 427 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 228 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina, 53% of the 427 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had numerous problems with the rear brakes on my 90 Chevrolet Lumina . The calipers and pads both have been replaced too many times. My parking brake system has been totally replaced and still will not work right. Also the clear coat has been peeling off for years.”
NHTSA complaint #10008330, filed 2003-03“The failure of rear brakes to function properly is a very common problem. I feel it is gmc fault for releasing a faulty/flawed design. Should I have to pay $600.00 every time the emergency brake doesn't work, or when the rear caliper pins lock up? Is anything being done about this?”
NHTSA complaint #738827, filed 2001-01“I have had problems with the car since I own the car. Dealer replaced gas tank once, but it was with a rusty tank, problems with safety belts going out of shape, as well as the brakes not working or crumbling. Need replacement often. See other issues. ( DOT number: tire size: 195r14 )”
NHTSA complaint #702966, filed 1999-02“The rear brakes are completely rusted. It looks like they haven't worked for years. I have never seen this happen in any vehicle before and wondered if this is common, but hasn't reached a recall status. I realize my wife and daughters have been riding in this car for a number of years, but I am retiring it in the interim until my local Chevrolet dealer can take a look, when they replace the cradle bolts. Please contact me if you have any information. This is very strange. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #738449, filed 2000-12“My brakes were acting funny, I took them into USA muffler & brake they said that I need 4 new rotors all new brakes and new rear calipers. The reason for most of this damage is because at some point the rear calipers froze up. I took the car to another shop and they confirmed the same so I had the work done. I feel that general motors should have to pay some of this bill because if the rear calipers had not failed I wouldn't have near the damage! Please let me know if there are any recalls in progress, the mechanic said that this is common in Lumina's”
NHTSA complaint #728710, filed 2000-08Related recalls
- 90V185000Oct 16, 1990Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp…Covers: Chevrolet Lumina 1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1989–1990, Pontiac Grand Prix 1989–1990 +1 more
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 | 14% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1999 | 19 | 18% |
| 1998 | 35 | 16% |
| 1997 | 37 | 11% |
| 1996 | 31 | 13% |
| 1995 | 77 | 16% |
| 1994 | 49 | 39% |
| 1993 | 134 | 55% |
| 1992 | 161 | 47% |
| 1991 | 182 | 52% |
| 1990 | 228 | 53% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
62 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsSeat belts
28 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology