1997 Chevrolet Lumina Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 7%of 347 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,245miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 7% of the 347 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,245 miles. 1 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.
“Twice now when trying to start my 1997 Lumina lights come on and car won't turn over. Something must be going on with the electrical system. After getting out of the car and leaving the key on, the car kicked over. Any reason for this type for behavior. Granted I know the car is getting older, but at 87k miles it makes me uneasy to go on any long jaunts.”
NHTSA complaint #10259288, filed 2009-02, 87,000 miles“I have a 1997 chevy Lumina the car. My problem is that I have less than 80,000 miles on it and now it wont start. I have changed the battery and alternator. It seems to work then not work. An article in popular mechanic s magazine said that they had a lot of trouble with the resistor on the keys and that's what cased it to not start your input on this problem would be gladly accepted.”
NHTSA complaint #10150074, filed 2006-02, 75,000 miles“I have 1997 Chevrolet Lumina:I have had this car for alittle ove 2 years and since I got this car I have had to replace the brakes twice the alternator and 3 fuel injectors and the booster pump I was just wondering if there is a recall that handles any of these problems .because then maybe I could get help from my dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10045560, filed 2003-11, 55,490 miles“Lost control of the vehicle driving home. Crashed. Police report is identical to steering recall. Which never was repaired. The VIN number I have at home. Neither airbag deployed even though I smashed into a culvert.”
NHTSA complaint #10619285, filed 2014-08“I was driving my car one day, and when shutting it off briefly in a friends driveway, it refused to start. I had accessory power, but the starter would not crank. After checking that there was a good connection with the battery, there was still no ability to crank. After trying for about 5 minutes multiple times, the car finally turned over and started. I immediately drove it home, which took about 1 hour, but the security light kept intermittently coming on and turning off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257336, filed 2009-02Related 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 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
88 complaintsEngine cooling
52 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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