Check a VIN

1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems

43 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,600.

owner complaints
43
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
95,600
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    11
  • Engine
    9
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    4
  • Cooling system
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Lumina engine problems in other years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 10Loss of power 6Knocking 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported October 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Risk
Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy
The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported April 8, 2009 · 1,497,516 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General 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 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
Risk
If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engine’s plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details

What 1998 Chevrolet Lumina owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 3, 2017 · Engine · 185,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the remedy caused other issues with the vehicle. When the vehicle was started, smoke appeared under the hood and the contact noticed a crack in the vacuum hose. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2016 · Engine · 90,000 miles · LA

My complaint is about recall # 15v701000, and also my car started leaking water into the oil so I had to park it up for a while and just been without a ride ever since any help would be appreciated.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Engine · KY

1998 chevrolet lumina. Consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair recall notice 15757. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle has an oil leak, and she was advised not to park in a garage.

Filed Mar 9, 2016 · Engine · 121,000 miles · CA

Vehicle making banging noise took to shop told a burnt valve, ( it was driven in/out of shops) second shop weeks of investigating, same diagnosis. Lacked funds to repair, took home. Read about recall contacted manufacturer referred to local dealer. Dealer said parts were being ordered based on recall, but took it in earlier than contact. Service person indicated that my vehicle is not part of recall..they could diagnose and repair but cost in the thousands. I couldn't afford that or continue getting tickets (not able to move it because battery needed a full charge. I am a woman know little about cars, did not want to get stuck if it defaulted. Second repair shop advised me that I could drive it until it just stopped, the dealer said it was definitely not in recall so I donated to kars for kids. On 3/8/16 got a call from same lot telling me my recall parts had come in. Puzzled & alarmed told caller about their service dept. She seemed a puzzled so I explained what happened. She checked &told me that there was no record of my appointment & service person had no knowledge of me. Puzzled as to what is going on? Paid aaa $60.00 for tow paid $35.00 for used tire. Tow guy said I could drive car dealer and save tow fee but I'm not comfortable driving broke car so I had him tow.my question is how does a consumer know if their specific car falls under a recall? The car was my landlord's dying gift to me. I drove him and his wife to church, to the bank, to the doctor, for oil changes, etc. I never recalled taking it for a recall and my landlord was in his 90's I didn't know if he had overlooked recall so my motivation to check. Talked to mgr. Of dealersh 3/8/16 he said he would investigate, service person was experienced and he was sorry about my vehicle. Now I, a senior citizen have no means of transportation.

Filed Jan 20, 2016 · Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer scheduled an appointment and later indicated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified, but could not provide a date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jan 7, 2016 · Airbags, Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag was protruding as if it were going to explode. In addition, the contact mentioned that oil was leaking onto the exhaust manifold and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2015 · Engine · 245,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke excessively. The contact heard a loud noise then there was fire coming from the front under the hood of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the valve cover gasket failed and the upper manifold was crack. The vehicle was destroyed due to the fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling) after the fire occured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 245,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Engine · CA · fire

Engine compartment caught fire.while I was driving.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine · 229,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. While driving 35 MPH, an unusual sound emitted from the front passenger side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine cradle was loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 229,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Engine · 112,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns 1998 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the engine rattled and made a lot of noise until it warmed up. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage and current mileages were 112,000.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina have engine problems?

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina, 19% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,600 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Lumina engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 15V701000, 09V116000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Lumina have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Lumina model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (66 complaints), 1997 (53 complaints) and 1999 (45 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Steering 56Brakes 35Electrical 17Airbags 15Transmission 12Fuel system 11Visibility 11Body 10Lights 10Seat belts 10Acceleration 9Suspension 8Seats 3Wheels 2Locks 1Tires 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1998 Chevrolet Lumina?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history