1994 Chevrolet Lumina Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 39%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 159,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the brakes of the 1994 Chevrolet Lumina, 39% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 159,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I notice smoke coming from the steering column, inside my car, quite often- at least 2 times a week. My brakes wear out faster than they should. I have to replace the driverside hub assembly kit every 3-6 months because it starts clicking then wears out the brakes if I don't get it done- at the cheapest 100 every time. Car has not been in a wreck and I do not know why it does this.”
NHTSA complaint #10192939, filed 2007-06, 159,000 miles“The brake system in my car has been the major problem since the date of purchase. Two weeks 94 after purchase, apr 94, the brakes locked and caught fire. Two weeks after that they failed and I went thru an intersection and collided with a car. Contacted general motors and they sent a rep and the stated there were no problems with the brake system. I have had four brake systems on my car with a complete overhaul due to failure at a cost of $800. I drive highway miles and not city driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #535983, filed 1998-05“I took my car in for front brakes on 11-25-00. I was told the back brake pads were wearing unevenly and that I would not hear any wear noise before the pad wore through and wrecked the rotors. The mechanic said the sleeve GM installed to move the brake pads was seized . He said the kit he would use would fix the problem. This extra cost for 2 rear calipers was incurred by me because GM's factory installed calipers were inferior. I also learned there is a class action suit to help customers like me who have these bad brake parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #736888, filed 2000-11“Consumer has had a continuous problem with the brake pads wearing out, also the right lower ball joint has been replaced, the brakes also make loud noise. Consumer states on one occastion when applying the brakes around curves, the vehicle would pull to the right. Alternator failed. Air conditioner was repaired four times. Timing belt failed.”
NHTSA complaint #803619, filed 1996-10“Noise in dash (like something trying to adjust) causing partial lost to braking power, anti-lock light comes on and stays on until the car is turned off, at frequent intermittent times, brake pedal will go to floor losing all braking capabilities.”
NHTSA complaint #746655, filed 2001-06Brakes: 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 1994 Chevrolet Lumina
17 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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