1996 Chevrolet Lumina Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 12%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 12% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 3 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.
“1996 Chevrolet Lumina, brake lights not working except for in the rear window. If that bulb were to burn out, I would have no brake lights at all. I have discovered, and I am sure, that you are aware that this is a very common problem. Why has this not been corrected?”
NHTSA complaint #10165369, filed 2006-08, 58,000 miles“On 7/20/03 the battery was replaced in my 1996 Chevrolet. Lumina. Upon starting the car, while still in park, the gas pedal pulled to the floorboard & the car lunged forward out of control. The brakes failed. While dodging people, homes, and vehicles, I tried stopping the car by turning off the ignition to cut power to the motor but this only opened the throttle. The last thing I remember was a loud whine, screaming & blacking out. I awoke from a concussion crashed into a tree with facial, brain, and spinal injuries. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136850, filed 2005-09, 84,000 miles“Electrical components on car stopped working, and I was stuck in the middle of a busy road. Had to have car towed to my house. It turned out to be the alternator. What a hassle.”
NHTSA complaint #10030388, filed 2003-07“Since I purchased this car I have had to replace the alternator 3 different times. Not only that, but the length of time that the alternators last is shortening each time. I have searched the GM website for a possible solution and discovered that I am not the only one that is having this problem. When I purchased the car it had 29, 179 miles on it. The first alternator went out at 34,000 miles (the dealer replaced it). The second alternator went out at 65,000 (at a cost of $265). The most recent replacement was at 97,000+ miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #726071, filed 2000-07“Original battery failed 8/29/97, replaced under warranty. On 5/10/00 replacement leaked acid on cable, starter and engine. Florida dealer charged $410.12 to replace battery, cable and clean starter. Suspected cause, overheating. Battery is mounted over left front wheel well with cover allowing little if any cooling.”
NHTSA complaint #724504, filed 2000-06Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 | 10% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 8 | 8% |
| 1998 | 17 | 8% |
| 1997 | 26 | 7% |
| 1996 | 30 | 12% |
| 1995 | 43 | 9% |
| 1994 | 17 | 13% |
| 1993 | 29 | 12% |
| 1992 | 44 | 13% |
| 1991 | 24 | 7% |
| 1990 | 24 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
36 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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