1996 Chevrolet Lumina Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 15%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 15% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 1 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 just paid over $700 to have a mechanic replace the intake gasket on my 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. I have heard that this is a common problem on my car and engine type. That would lead me to believe this is a design flaw. I would like to know if there is a possible recall for this, or what action I should take to be compensated.”
NHTSA complaint #10060496, filed 2004-03, 120,000 miles“I love my car but the engine has been going out for some time now and the person whom I bought the car from he knew of this situation and he didn't tell me. This car is my first car and my only transportation so can you all please help me.”
NHTSA complaint #10229318, filed 2008-05, 221,878 miles“Oil leak 1996 3.4 dohc chevy Lumina I did my research that is a common problem in these cars then its costs a pretty good penny to fix by the dealership like $2000.”
NHTSA complaint #10228936, filed 2008-05, 180,000 miles“While driving to work one morning on a highway, the intake manifold head gasket blew, mixing the oil with the water, causing the motor to need replacing. I had the motor replaced at a cost of $2680.07. We had an extended warranty of 6 years 50 thousand miles, the motor blew at 6.5 years and 52,091 miles. Nothing was done to help me the consumer. I called the dealer( burtness chevy,303 e.beloit st. Orfordville,wi.53576), and they said it was my fault for not trading in the car before the warranty was up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150268, filed 2006-02, 52,091 miles“Lower intake manifold leaking dexcool on my chevy Lumina 1996 3.1 and while I was in the midas shop checking my car a girl have monti carlo 97 has the same problem my mechenic telling my he gets alot og these problems with chevy 3.1 3.4”
NHTSA complaint #10003410, filed 2003-01, 115,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 | 19% |
| 2000 | 6 | 20% |
| 1999 | 41 | 40% |
| 1998 | 33 | 15% |
| 1997 | 52 | 15% |
| 1996 | 36 | 15% |
| 1995 | 66 | 13% |
| 1994 | 11 | 9% |
| 1993 | 18 | 7% |
| 1992 | 29 | 8% |
| 1991 | 36 | 10% |
| 1990 | 37 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 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 29, 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