1996 Chevrolet Lumina Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 8%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 8% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving approximately 40 MPH the steering wheel would became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic indicated that the cause was unknown. The problem has not been resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10040567, filed 2003-09, 128,000 miles“I feel very very very angry that this happened. I have2 small children and I 'm glad they were not in the vehicle when this happened. My husband turned the corner onto our street and the tire fell off to the side, now what if had the kids in the car and on the expressway doing 70mph?! The results could be fatal! I can't believe this would happen to a vehicle only 3 years old and with only 40,000 miles. This really disgusts me! Someone could be killed!”
NHTSA complaint #714147, filed 1999-10“Consumer was traveling about 65mph on the highway and fell asleep at the wheelwhile he was turning around the curb. Vehicle flipped over twice. Consumer crawled out of vehicle, and noticed that flames were coming from underneath the hood. Then car bursted into flames, vehicle was totaled. Consumer wasn't hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #861082, filed 2000-04“When turning the steering wheel to the left, it will make a noise. There's a recall, but the VIN was not included. Ts the dealer stated that others have experienced the same problem but their not going to cover the repair. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10006101, filed 2003-01“The two front tie rod ends were badly worn, this caused the front tire to be badly worn with the steel belts showing slightly (goodyear p 225/60r16) . Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #561381, filed 2001-05Steering: 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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
36 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 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