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1999 Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 231 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Lumina/Monte Carlo, the fewest of the six model years we compared[1][2]. Engine and brake complaints lead the list, and the engine recalls deal with a fire risk from oil dripping on a hot exhaust manifold[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 231 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 14 injuries, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[3] | 87 | 76,000 |
| Brakes[4] | 67 | 59,750 |
| Electrical system[7] | 18 | 85,000 |
| Power train[8] | 14 | 54,000 |
| Steering[9] | 12 | 66,764 |
| Air bags[10] | 11 | not listed |
| Visibility[11] | 11 | not listed |
| Exterior lighting[12] | 8 | 163,125 |
Engine. Six of the 87 engine complaints mention a fire[3]. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe internal engine damage or knocking in 4 of 12 texts, and coolant leaks, a leaking intake manifold gasket or overheating in 3 of 12[3]. The sample is small, so it shows what owners describe and not how common each problem is.
Brakes. Four of the 67 brake complaints mention a crash[4]. In a sample of brake complaints we read, 7 of 12 describe weak or delayed braking on wet roads (one of those texts appears twice in the sample), 5 of 12 mention rotor problems such as wear, rust, pitting or replacement, and 7 of 12 say the dealer could not find or fix the cause[4].
Electrical system. Two of the 18 complaints mention fires and one an injury[7]. In a sample we read, 4 of 12 describe the car dying while driving or failing to start, and 2 of 12 describe a fire[7].
Power train. There are 14 complaints, with one crash[8]. In a sample we read, 8 of 12 (two of those texts are the same complaint) describe transmission trouble such as slipping, hard shifting or a leaking pan gasket[8].
Air bags. The 11 air bag complaints include 4 crashes and 7 injuries[10]. We have no complaint texts for this group, so we cannot say what owners describe.
Recalls
NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Exhaust manifold oil drip (15V701). Opened October 26, 2015[5]. Earlier repairs under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116 and 15V-201 did not remove the risk that engine oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold, which can cause a fire[5]. The improved remedy is a new engine front valve cover and gasket, and the recall began February 19, 2016[5]. Until the improved remedy is done, NHTSA's notice advises parking outside because the fire risk exists even when the car is unattended[5].
- Oil on exhaust manifold (09V116). Opened April 8, 2009 and covers vehicles with a 3.8L V6[13]. Oil can be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough, it may ignite and spread toward the spark plug wire channel, which raises the risk of an engine compartment fire[13]. The free fix is an improved front valve cover and gasket, plus removal of the plastic engine cover and oil-fill-tube extension, and the recall was expected to begin in May 2016[13]. Recall 15V701 says this earlier fix did not fully remove the risk[5].
- Passenger air bag check valve pin (02V329). Opened December 9, 2002 and covers 272 units of certain passenger vehicles, SUVs and minivans[14]. Some passenger air bags were built without a check valve pin. That could increase injury severity for an unrestrained person sitting close to the bag and reduce protection for a belted passenger[14]. Dealers inspect the bag and replace it if necessary, free of charge[14].
Because 02V329 covers only certain vehicles, check your own VIN with NHTSA to see which recalls apply to your car.
Fuel economy
EPA lists three ratings for this model. All are automatic 4-speed, front-wheel drive and use regular fuel[6][15][16].
| Engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl[6] | 17 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl[15] | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl (second listing)[16] | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4-door as not rated[17].
Size
These are Canadian-market specifications for the Lumina 4-door sedan and can differ slightly from US models[18].
How 1999 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 765 | 8 |
| 1996 | 435 | 3 |
| 1997 | 512 | 1 |
| 1998 | 325 | 3 |
| 1999 | 231 | 3 |
| 2000 | 263 | 9 |
NHTSA data for the Lumina/Monte Carlo covers 1995 to 2000[2]. Of those six years, 1999 has the fewest complaints at 231[2]. The next lowest is 2000 with 263, and 1995 has the most at 765[2].
Recalls are more even. 1999 has 3, the same as 1996 and 1998[2]. 1997 has 1, while 1995 has 8 and 2000 has 9[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Should you buy a used 1999 Lumina/Monte Carlo?
This model year has the lowest complaint count of the six years on file, but that count still includes engine, brake and electrical reports that mention fires and crashes[1][2]. Engine and brakes have 87 and 67 complaints (one complaint can name more than one part)[3][4]. Ask whether the engine recall work was done, since 15V701 says the earlier repair did not fully remove the fire risk[5]. Have the brakes and the engine's coolant and gasket areas inspected, because owners in the samples we read describe trouble there[3][4]. The 4-door has no NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating[17].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo?
- Engine has the most NHTSA complaints at 87, followed by brakes at 67 and the electrical system at 18[3][4][7]. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Does the 1999 Lumina/Monte Carlo have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three: 15V701 and 09V116 for oil reaching a hot exhaust manifold and a fire risk, and 02V329 for a passenger air bag part[5][13][14].
- What gas mileage does the 1999 Lumina/Monte Carlo get?
- EPA lists 17 city, 26 highway and 21 combined for the 3.1L, and 17, 27 and 21 for one 3.8L listing[6][15]. A second 3.8L listing is 16, 25 and 19[16].
- Is 1999 a good year for the Lumina/Monte Carlo?
- It has the fewest NHTSA complaints of the six years from 1995 to 2000, at 231[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
- How big is the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina?
- The 4-door sedan is 201 in long, 72 in wide and 55 in tall, and weighs 3,300 lb, using Canadian-market specifications[18].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 231 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo (14 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 14 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 87 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 67 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V701, filed October 26, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold / Header / Muffler / Tail Pipe. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Lumina/Monte Carlo, 3.1L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 18 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,764). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 163,125). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 09V116, filed April 8, 2009: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V329, filed December 9, 2002: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Lumina/Monte Carlo, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Lumina/Monte Carlo, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LUMINA 4DR SEDAN BASE/LS/LTZ: length 201 in, width 72 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,300 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov