On 7/20/03 the battery was replaced in my 1996 chevrolet. Lumina. Upon starting the car, while still in park, the gas pedal pulled to the floorboard & the car lunged forward out of control. The brakes failed. While dodging people, homes, and vehicles, I tried stopping the car by turning off the ignition to cut power to the motor but this only opened the throttle. The last thing I remember was a loud whine, screaming & blacking out. I awoke from a concussion crashed into a tree with facial, brain, and spinal injuries. Gm investigated and stated there was not a problem and will not release the investigation report to me. I cannot find an attorney to sue them. This was not due to driver error. The car was in perfect working order prior to the battery being changed correctly. The 2004 olds alero was recalled for a sticking accelerator. The MPH at the beginning of the malfunction of the car, 0 (zero); when the car plowed into the tree splattering me into the windshield head first like a bug, 60+ estimated by witnesses. Insurance totaled the car & sold to salvage even though they were holding it for me while undergoing emergency medical treatment. I tracked down the salvage yard for gm and an investigator examined the car but will not tell me what he found out.
1996 Chevrolet Lumina: brake failure
6 of the 244 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 2
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
Antilock brakes failed, consumer hit the pedal and it went to the floor.
State safety inspection mechanic noted that both front brake rotors were deeply rusted and/or pitted and should be inspected by a gm service center. The service representative at dagley chevrolet geo informed that both front brake rotors were rusted and pitted so deep that they could not be re-surfaced, they need to be replaced and the replacement would not be covered by gm. I looked at the rotors myself and find that the inside brake rotor friction surfaces are rusted or pitted away, aprox. 1/3 or less of the front inside brake pads are actualy making contact with the rotor surface. In my opinion, this results in a very significant loss of braking efficency.
While applying ABS brakes pedal goes to the floor. Diagnostic test was done on brake system and no problem was found. Vehicle has an extreme exteneded stopping distance.
Computer/brakes failed, causing three warning lights to illuminate on the dash, as well as an accident.
Failure on the brake shoes and pads of the vehicle, consumer was driving and the brakes failed.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- These vehicles were assembled with one of the four brake booster tabs not properly located in the front of dash reinforcement assembly.
- Risk
- If this condition were present in a situation where stopping distances were small, a vehicle crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for proper booster installation. Boosters found to be improperly located will be removed and reinstalled properly.
Recall number 96V122000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
- Risk
- This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.
Recall number 96V069000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
6 of 244 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (2%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1990.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
There are 2 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
Seat belt 9Stalling 8Grinding brakes 7Overheating 7No deployment 6Engine failure 6Knocking 6Transmission failure 6Loss of power 5Wipers 5
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