1998 Chevrolet Lumina Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 15%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina, 15% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,300 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my car (98 Chevrolet Lumina) fail twice in one week due to cooling system failure. Once for a water pump and another for intake manifold gasket. I am alarmed by the number of similar complaints I find. Both failures have left us stuck with no transportation.”
NHTSA complaint #10062237, filed 2004-03, 91,000 miles“1998 chevy Lumina passenger car intake leaking after dealer repaired under warranty work. Intake leaking again at under 69,000 miles, and we are told that this is a manufacturing defect that can be done again with a new sealant Chevrolet recommends. This at a cost of $675 to us after we are told that this is a problem from the mateing of the two surfaces of aluminum and iron on the engine. Same dealer has done all the prevenitive mantenance on this vehicle. We are told this is a manufacturing problem with the intake.”
NHTSA complaint #10122413, filed 2005-05, 34,100 miles“While driving, the car suddenly stalled. It would not restart. I had it towed to the dealer who checked it to find that the engine had died due to a failed cam. This car only has approx 58000 miles on it and it in show room condition. I take extra care to make sure that all maintenance requirements are met. There is no way that this engine should have failed. My extended warrenty expired in may and now the dealer wants me to pay for a new engine. An engine that costs as much as the blue book value of the car in excellent condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10082909, filed 2004-07, 58,000 miles“While driving car engine shuts off periodically. Car starts back up and a few minutes later it shuts off again. Had car checked out by mechanic but everything seems to be fine. Can't find reason why continuously shutting off.”
NHTSA complaint #10073017, filed 2004-05, 111,000 miles“Car has stalled without any reason or warning. Car has experienced engine racing or surging. Car has been to the shop and to the dealership (3days) no one able to locate cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10073079, filed 2004-05, 125,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V701000Oct 26, 2015General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix…Covers: Chevrolet Lumina 1998–1999, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2004, Buick Regal 1997–2004 +3 more
- 09V116000Apr 8, 2009General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my…Covers: Chevrolet Lumina 1998–1999, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003, Buick Regal 1997–2003 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10012148Jun 1, 2004New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
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 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
56 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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