1991 Chevrolet Lumina APV

Introduction

The 1991 Chevrolet Lumina APV was a popular minivan that offered spacious seating and a comfortable ride. It was powered by a 3.1L V6 engine, which produced 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The Lumina APV was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. However, the vehicle had several issues, which affected its overall reliability.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a decrease in engine performance, rough idling, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$500.
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to drip onto the engine. Symptoms include an oily smell in the engine compartment, oil spots on the ground, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $150-$250.

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to hesitate or accelerate slowly. Symptoms include a lack of power, a burning smell, and a check engine light. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. The estimated cost to fix is $1,500-$3,000.

5-speed Manual

• Clutch Failure: The clutch may fail, causing the vehicle to be unable to move. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a burning smell, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the clutch. The estimated cost to fix is $500-$1,000.

Suspension

• Strut Failure: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively and lose control. Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the struts. The estimated cost to fix is $600-$1,200.
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to lose steering control. Symptoms include a clunking noise when turning, excessive tire wear, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the ball joints. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$600.

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include dim headlights, a flickering dashboard, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. The estimated cost to fix is $400-$600.
• Starter Failure: The starter may fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$500.

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure: The door locks may fail, making it difficult to open or close the doors. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the door lock actuators. The estimated cost to fix is $200-$400.
• Window Regulator Failure: The window regulators may fail, causing the windows to become stuck or difficult to operate. Symptoms include windows that do not open or close properly, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the window regulators. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$600.

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard may crack, causing the vehicle to lose its aesthetic appeal. Symptoms include visible cracks on the dashboard, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the dashboard. The estimated cost to fix is $500-$1,000.
• Climate Control Failure: The climate control system may fail, causing the vehicle to be uncomfortable to drive. Symptoms include difficulty controlling the temperature, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the climate control module. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$600.

Summary

The 1991 Chevrolet Lumina APV had several issues that could affect its reliability. The most common issues were with the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. The severity of the issues ranged from minor, such as dashboard cracking, to major, such as transmission failure. The cost of repairs could be expensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.