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1999 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems

45 complaints (44% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
45
of this car's complaints
44%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
1
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    11
  • Cooling system
    9
  • Engine
    7
  • Exhaust system
    2
  • Engine: gasoline
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Cooling system: fan
    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 1999 Chevrolet Lumina engine

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

Overheating 8Stalling 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 1999 Chevrolet Lumina owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 13, 2019 · Engine · 13,600 miles · PA

I was driving the car home and it shut off , now it won't turn back on

Filed Jun 30, 2016 · Engine · 102,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Updated 08/16/16*lj updated 08/17/16

Filed Feb 26, 2016 · Engine · 116,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was inspected by a technician where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the head gaskets leaking water into the pistons. The head gaskets needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 8, 2016 · Engine · 131,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that oil was leaking on the exhaust manifold and a burning odor was present. The contact received notification of nhsta campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Sep 17, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · OH

1999 chevrolet lumina. Consumer writes in regards to several mechanical problems and recall issues. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle cut off, while driving on the highway. It was determined, the ignition needed to be replaced. Also, the wiring harness in the steering column went out, the egr valve was replaced twice, the consumer had shifting problems and the heat and A/C were inoperative.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 150,000 miles · GA

While driving, my car will just suddenly cut off and this occurs whether stopped at the light or while pressing the accelerator. The volt light comes on and the car just cuts off and the steering wheel locks up. My local chevrolet dealer (youman's chevrolet, macon, ga) tried to find out what was the problem by running diagnostics, but could never determine the cause. Since the problem continued to occur, and wondering if the problem could be due to the age of the car, I parked the car and purchased another car in may, 2013. The car is still parked in my yard. I decided to report this because this seems to be the same thing that is happening to the other gm cars but my model is not part of the recall. I know that there are many 1999 luminas still being driven and you need to know that this has happened.

Filed Nov 15, 2011 · Engine · 200,000 miles · TX · fire

Gm safety recall complaint: I backed out of my driveway drove about half a block and smelled smoke; returned home, parked and saw smoke coming from under the hood. Raised hood and found engine own fire in small flames. I proceeded to pour a small bucket of water on the fire and it went out. Coincidentally, I had just received safety recall notice 09047 from gm the same day, stating that the car could catch fire starting with the spark plug wires channel and beyond. I contacted the closest dealer robbins chevrolet and who told me to call gm because the car had already caught on fire. I proceeded to contact gm where I received claim number 71-100‑902‑8310 and was then told it would take 7 to 10 business days before they could get back to me and let me know if they would even pay for serving or even authorize a dealer to check the vehicle for cause. This is my only mode of transportation and I do not understand the lack of concern for me as a customer or why getting the vehicle checked based on the recall would be in question. My complaint is the lack of concern and extremely long time frame involved in getting authorization to get my vehicle fixed based on the safety recall. The recall letter states "if you notice a burning odor, you should have your gm dealer inspect your vehicle immediately."I followed the procedure only to be told policy dictates they have 7 to 10 business days before letting me know if they are even willing to have the dealer check the vehicle. And while this may be policy, 7 to 10 business days is a long time when you have go to work and this is your only mode of transportation. I am disappointed in gm's handling of this situation and I feel the investigation and resolution are being handled poorly.

Filed May 27, 2011 · Engine · 110,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking water from the intake manifold gasket. A gas-like fume was coming from the vents and would spread throughout the vehicle cabin. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 112,000. Updated 07/08/11 *bf the lower and upper intake gaskets were replaced. Updated 09/19/11

Filed Oct 29, 2010 · Engine · 107,000 miles · KY

I have a 1999 chevy lumina - the intake gasket, started leaking, gradually, now it has a bad leak. I read gm has or had a recall on intake gaskets.

Filed Oct 10, 2010 · Engine · 138,000 miles · MA

Fumes of evaporated coolant from faulty gasket were sucked into vehicles ventilation system. Gm needs to take responsibility.

Questions about the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina engine

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina have engine problems?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the engine of the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina, 44% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Lumina engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Lumina problems

Brakes 19Electrical 8Airbags 7Steering 7Transmission 7Acceleration 5Visibility 5Fuel system 4Tires 4Lights 3Suspension 3Body 2Seat belts 2Wheels 2Locks 1

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