1990 Chevrolet Lumina Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 9%of 427 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 149,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the steering of the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina, 9% of the 427 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 149,400 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle is experiencing a defect with the rear cradle where 1 or both rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. As a result, the engine cradle is no longer supported by the engine mounting, and the steering intermidiate shaft separated from the steering gear, causing sudden loss of steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10046488, filed 2003-11, 124,800 miles“While turning in any direction at various speeds there would be a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. Consumer stated vehicle was having the same problems as indicated in recall 97v05800, but the dealership mechanic would not repair this vehicle because the VIN was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10043998, filed 2003-10, 15,000 miles“Dt:the contact received NHTSA recall 00v189000 concerning front engine cradle bolts. While driving the vehicle's front engine cradle bolts rusted, and the frame dropped to the ground. Also, the steering shaft separated and broke. He was unable to steer the car. He was able to stop the car without incident, the vehicle was then towed. The contact had the vehicle repaired at cost. Contacted the manufacturer, and they refused to pay for the repair work. They stated the repair cost would exceed the cost of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10140893, filed 2005-10, 174,000 miles“The contact owns a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that the floor panels on the front driver and passenger sides were exposed. Also, the front passenger side door failed to open on from outside and inside the vehicle. The contact had to apply force to get the front passenger side door to open and close. The contact also indicated that all of the seat belts failed to work except the rear driver side seat belt. Additionally, the vehicle stalled more than once and the steering wheel was extremely tight upon making a turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #10851201, filed 2016-03, 211,591 miles“I ws driving at about 35 MPH when I heard a noise like I went over a bump or pothole. Then I felt a pulling to the right, like a flat tire,so I immediately pulled into a parking lot. When I stopped and looked under the front passenger wheel, it looked like something was falling. I got back into the car and tried to move it further into the lot, and there was a noise and it would not move. When I got out, the front engine cradle had fallen to the ground. In addition, the steering wheel no longer worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #707044, filed 1999-05Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 56 | 25% |
| 1997 | 88 | 25% |
| 1996 | 19 | 8% |
| 1995 | 18 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 3% |
| 1992 | 13 | 4% |
| 1991 | 20 | 6% |
| 1990 | 39 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
228 complaintsBody and structure
62 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 Oct 31, 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