1997 Chevrolet Lumina Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 6%of 347 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 6% of the 347 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling at 40 MPH right front lower ball joint broke, causing momentary loss of control also, driveshaft disconnected from transmission. Dealer / manufacturer have not been notified at this time. Gm ended up paying for almost of the repair bill, consumer states if vehicle would have been travelling any faster, vehicle could have rolled over causing injuries or fatalities.”
NHTSA complaint #889933, filed 2001-06“At 28-31 MPH vehicle experienced intermittent loss of highway speed, which caused transmission to go out of gear. Vehicle been in dealer shop on five occasions, and was unable to locate cause. Consumer was told by manufacturer that this is a characteristic of the vehicle,consumer believes this to be a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #889194, filed 2001-05“Vehicle would experience engine leaking. Owner noticed the leakage on garage floor. The problem occurred after routine maintenance on vehicle. The head gaskets/servo cover/ o rings,intake manifold/engine valves & pan gasket were changed. The transmission was also leaking. The dealer did all repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #852263, filed 1999-11“While coasting and apply gas, vehicle will downshift into neutral instead of another gear. Dealer contacted. The vehicle downshifted into neutral which was caused by a sticking transmission valve.”
NHTSA complaint #8010422, filed 2002-05“Engine at cold idle is knocking again, 7000 miles since new pistions, transmission is slipping again after 7000 miles, front end suspension dealer has never been able to duplicate the problem have had it looked at 6 times.”
NHTSA complaint #705354, filed 1999-04Related service bulletins
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission 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 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
88 complaintsEngine cooling
52 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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