Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Lumina owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We can not tell what gear the transmission is in, it keeps changing over time. I can not tell when and if I am in reverse until I take my foot off the brake and step on the gas. Sometimes reverse sometimes not. Today, for example, when the indicator is in reverse the car is in neutral. When the indicator shows neutral the transmission is in drive,we think. When I go to park it could be reverse, never sure. In fact never sure where reverse is. Today my wife asked me to write out how to tell which gear she is in. She decided not drive it because it is unsafe. The transmission shifter on this car is confusing, unsafe and should last the life of the car. I would like to hear from GM or NHTSA. Joseph spencer.
While driving the vehicle at highway speed on major highway it was almost rearended. Went into neutral and the it was almost rear ended. This has happened several times. There is a service bulletin (TSB) 6771641. Took vehicle to dealer and they rebuilt the transmission. Dealer is aware of the problem because of the service bulletin, but is not honoring it as a recall. In addition, windshield wiper motor malfunctioned 3 times.
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.
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.
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.
Consumer states engine looses power then engine dies, took to dealer and they rebuilt transmission, the passenger window will not roll up or down, water pump failed on July 24, flasher lever broke inside the steering column, brakes inoperative. Mr
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.
Transmission jumped out of drive and went into neutral while driving on highway at 65-70 MPH on dry pavement, reference from Chevrolet service bulletin, no. 677164, no injuries incurred in incident.
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.
Heard a popping sound while traveling 30mph. The sprocket that is inside the transmission broke, causing vehicle to lock up & stop. Was informed by mechanic the problem was with a defective part.
Transmission complaints in other Lumina years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 6% of the model year's 347 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, though it has 1 recall 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.
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.