1996 Chevrolet Lumina Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 10%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 10% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 7/20/03 the battery was getting weak so I bought a new battery compatible with the car. On the first start with the new battery the car behaved normally. However, when I started it the second time and was backing up a slight slope of a driveway, the car died. I put the car back in park and restarted the car. Without touching the gas pedal with my foot, the gas pedal dropped to the floorboard and the car raced forward with the gear shift still in park. The brakes would not work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069901, filed 2004-01, 102,000 miles“This car has been taken care of and only has 63,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. Oil was changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months. No abuse had been done. Never in an accident. No dents. It is in perfect shape. Oil and transmission fluid clean. So what happen? This is costing me time and $2000 for a car that should have held up. I feel that I should be reimbursed for this proble and part failure to a fairly new car. Please respond asap.”
NHTSA complaint #732236, filed 2000-09“While driving at highway speed such as 70mph, the transmission would intermittently take it self out of gear, causing a unexpected slow down with out the use of brakes and at the same time the engine rpms would increase rapidly.”
NHTSA complaint #9004880, filed 2001-10“During acceleration vehicle failed to shift from 2nd to drive. Drive gear was not engaged and engine raced freely. Upon inspection trans fluid was ok. Vehicle continued not go into drive but could be driven in 2nd. After several miles vehicle began to perfrom normally. Dealer could find no problem with transmission and indicated might be with solinodes in trans. Problem may get worse over time. Hopefully it doesn't fail on 2 lane road during passing manuever!!”
NHTSA complaint #714344, filed 1999-11“While driving and stopping at a stop light vehicle started off and would not go over twenty miles per hour .soon after and trying to park, the vehicle would not move at all. A garage diagnoised this as a transmission problem.”
NHTSA complaint #848498, filed 1999-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 | 19% |
| 2000 | 8 | 27% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 5% |
| 1997 | 21 | 6% |
| 1996 | 24 | 10% |
| 1995 | 57 | 12% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1993 | 9 | 4% |
| 1992 | 25 | 7% |
| 1991 | 11 | 3% |
| 1990 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
36 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology