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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. I steered the car trying to locate the emergency brakes but they were too far away for me to reach and still maintain the racing car. I thought turning off the engine would stop the car since the brakes has failed but even turning off the engine, it raced even faster and the next thing I knew I had crashed into a tree totalling out the car. I cracked my head into the windshield breaking my nose. …
Driver's side rear window went down would not go back up-no problem with this window before-driver's side front window-sluggish,often loses power......driver's side window knob pushed in cannot retrieve it.....engine began over heating in nov...antifreeze put in...antifreeze mixed in with engine oil..engine froze up-had to be replaced.........antifreeze part just shatterted as car coming out of parking space--fluids lost-engine lost power---mechanic reports new transmission needed estimates $2,500---mechanic reports that this or similar failures of transmisssion common on this vechicle and that transmission experts are aware of this and have frequent complaints.....all these events occurred in last 6 months in addition to the need of brake hub bearing on left rear wheel..total estimated cost $5,000
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!!
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.
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.
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.
The automatic transmission malfunctioned due to the a tube coming out of the socket, causing the transmission to be inoperative and the vehicle to stall which May cause an accident.
After driving at hwy speed for several miles then exiting, auto-trans w/overdrive performs erratically, sluggish.
While driving at any speed vehicle lost power and the vehicle jumped out gear. Also, engine raced very high.
Vehicle would not accelerate above 30 miles per hour due to transmission not shifting up when in overdrive.
Transmission complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 10% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, though it has 2 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 1996 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.