Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The car was running fine and then when it shifted through the gears when it went to change into overdrive it was like it just went into neutral. I pulled over and tried all the gears again and there was a light gringing sound and all it would work in was 1st gear so I got to drive home at a lightning speed of bout 10 to 15 MPH.
While driving and making a right hand turn heard a loud noise. Vehicle started bouncing. Tried to accelerate, but vehicle would not move. Coasted to side of road. Had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic for inspection of problem.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the engine hesitated without warning. Upon initial inspection by the contact, it was determined the failure was possibly related to the exhaust system. The dealer and manufacturer were not alerted.
Vehicle hit head-on. Air bags did not deploy. Side window shattered. Vehicle towed. After repairs, vehicle pulls to right/transmission does not work properly/ door locks go up & down when driving and braking is very hard.
When the wheel problem occured I first thought I had a low tire. I stopped and checked all my tires at a sevice station. They were not low and there was no indication that the lugs were loose. When I was almost home, the wheel problem became worse I slowed down and got home. I called a wrecker driver he had to back it up to put it on the wrecker. He said it was in the wheel but did not say the lugs were loose. I heard metal clanking. On the car central recall list the ball bearing can fail and cause the lugs to loosen according to a consumer complaint on your web site. Why was this not repaired before I got the car. There is a recall on this. Why did the dealer not know about the recall? What good is recalls if the dealers and car makers are not notifyng people about them? I have a GM warranty that I paid 600.00 for they would not pay on this. …
Car was purchased at a dealership. I understood it was a used car and I wanted to purchase the extended warranty, but dealership would not let us. Two weeks after purchase the transmission blew. We bought another transmission from dealership and then that one failed. Finally, I complained to the manufacturer and received a new transmission. This car has had a total of 3 transmissions, new head gaskets and now the engine failed. The locks on passenger and driver side do not work. The car was well maintained. I was told by the manufacturer that they could not help me in any way due to the age and mileage on the car. I know plenty of people who have had their cars for at least 8 or 10 yrs. And still have the same engine. I suspect the dealership knew something was wrong with this car and sold it to us anyway. …
1995 Chevrolet luminas apparently have a known transmission defect which causes the torque converter to lock up at very low speeds, causing jerky & uneven shifting. When decelerating the torque converter fails to unlock, dragging down the RPM of the engine to very low levels when decelerating. The transmission shop I went to in order to diagnose the problem advised me that this was a known defect from Chevrolet, who had issued a TSB concerning the problem. The transmission shop advised me that the repair was over $1,000 and that if I did not have the repair done the vehicle could stall when decelerating suddenly, possibly leading to loss of control of the vehicle. With my car this is an intermittent problem, I have not as of yet repaired the transmission. When I called the dealer I was advised that there was no factory correction for the problem and all service would be feeable. …
Vehicle slammed into first gear after major failure, internally, in the transmission causing rapid decelleration. The vehicle was being driven normally, ie.. No reverse slam, no excessive excelleration. If this had occurred at a higher rate of speed, it could have caused a loss of control or accident and injury. G.m. Was contacted at [phone], and a complaint registered, #c02675467. The repair shop was a national organization that specializes in transmission repair. The technicians comments were, I have seen many of these failures, some on newer cars than yours. He also indicated that there should be some kind of recall for this failure. G.m. Does not use the original component that failed, a new and improved type is being used in its place according to the technician.
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while travelling 30 MPH uphill. Investigation revealed that all gear selections except park acted like neutral. Vehicle would roll if brake not applied. Dealer (other than where vehicle purchased) examined vehicle and found that the input housing was cracked. Transmission required to be rebuilt / replaced; cost of $2000.00. Certified GM transmission received and installed then found to be defective. 2nd replacement transmission ordered and is in the process of being installed. Contact with GM indicated since transmission past warranty period, they could not help.
Power loss at 65mph, transmission would not operate in "o-drive" shifted to "drive" car ran o.k.. Took to dealer on 02/03/97, trans. Was replaced. Summer of 1999 experianced sim. Problem, lost power momentarily then was o.k. Took to dealer they couldn't find anything wrong. 06 May 2000 experianced loss of power at 55mph on highway. Once again couldn't use "o-drive" had to use "drive" to move vehicle. Same problem as before. 8 May 2000 took car to dealer, waiting to hear from them...
Transmission complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, 12% of the model year's 492 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (41 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.