I smelled smoke in my vehicle, so I pulled over. It seemed to be coming from the vent. My friend thought it was electical, so he started pulling fuses to stop the problem. I discerned that the problem was the motor that opened and closed the automatic door opener on the van. I told my friend to just get out and I called the fire department immediately, but by the time they had arrived my car was fully engulfed in flames. I am thankful that I did not have my children with me at the time as I don't know if I could have gotten them out in time. My three year old would have been in the built-in car seat which is next to the door. The fire happened so fast. I might add I have never had any problems with the door or automatic door opener. My car was totaled.
The worst 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility9
- Electrical5
- Engine4
- Seats4
- Body3
- Brakes3
- Steering2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv
Recalls 1
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv 23
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Engine oil or coolant leak
- Engine oil or coolant leak
- Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation
- Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or...
What 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Windshield wiper motor failure. Windshield wipers work intermittently and sometimes not at all !
Loud tapping sound from engine when first started.
The windshield wipers faileed intermittently. Dealer stated problem could not duplicated.
Experienced intermittent of power steering, lost steering control of the vehicle. Replaced rack and pinion. *bf the vehicelk rack and pinion faield prior to receiving the recall notice. The driver's side power window motor failed, the alternator, air conditioning and windshield wiper assembly also failed.
Engine overheated due to intake gasket failure. Wife and minor child stuck on the side of interstate at 9:30 pm.,with stranded vehicle.
While driving, the engine will cut out, then run smooth again, causing the car to jerk. Several times the engine would die. The car would start back up, when you put into gear and push the gas, the engine would cut out, the car would jerk as the engine cut out and then reengage, but eventually the engine would die. We sent to our local repair shop, he replaced the spark plugs, minor tune, replace air filter, check fuel pump - ok, and replace fuel filter. Car ran fine for three days and then repeated the same problem. Took back into shop, replaced ignition switch and coils. Engine runs ok, but when engaging into gear engine did not have the same response as before, it felt like it was running at half speed. Car is now slow to gain speed. Top speed is 65 miles per hour. Now 'service engine soon' light is on, sometimes flashing.
My 1996 lumina mini van caught on fire at the rear right wheel well because of a wiring short. Luckily my grandchildren were in the store when they came out the fire department was putting the fire out. Both the side and back doors could not open because the power lock module had melted. If anyone would have been inside they would not been able to get out of the vehicle safely.
Windshield wiper switch works intermittently.
After recall for the power steering assembly 02 v 286 000 was performed the power steering failed again.
Compare the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv
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Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv reliable?
Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv, fewer than a typical Lumina Apv model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 9 complaints. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Apv have?
1 recall, covering steering.
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