Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated after coming to a full stop at a crossover, the automatic transmission seized completely. A rattling noise, then a bump was heard inside the vehicle prior to the incident. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact expressed concern because the vehicle only had 40668 miles. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the NHTSA.
The transmission completely seized up. The car was able to shift into any gear, but the car would not move forward or backwards. The planetary gears (2) were stripped. The transmission had to be rebuilt.
Had to change battery, this causes the on board computer to reset to original setting. The transmission (4t65e) is programmed to make shifts at certain speeds in an allotted time span. Because now, the car (2000 Lumina) is older and the shifts are a little longer the computer sends messages to the transmission to force pressure on the lines to correct split second shifting. This causes hard shifting and grinding sounds. I stop the car, turn the motor off, then on and its OK again for a few more miles. A transmission shop wants $1400.00 to fix problem, but the problem is a not so Smart computer that doesn't allow for a car to age.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission shifted from first to second gear independently and the vehicle started to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the pressure control solenoid was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who filed a report but did not offer any further assistance. The current and failure mileage was 84,000.
I have 3 different complaints. 1. The rotors on my car had to be replaced 3 times before I had driven 36,000 miles. They would wear unevenly, and cause noise and vibrations whenever the brake was applied. 2. The transmission leaked from the pan, and the gasket had to be replaced 2 or 3 times.the transmission still leaks. And the brakes need fixing again, but the warranty expired at 36,000 miles. 3.whenever the engine is under accerlation, my air conditioner does not cool. The vents close off preventing cold air from coming through. How many other owners have reported problems similar to these?
Vehicle was running hot. Took it to midas, midas who said it was a intake manifold problem with the plastic cap and needed to replace it for total of 700.00. Midas said they have had a lot of customers with same problem due to antifreeze strength the dealership was required to put into vehicle. Also having problems with vehicle stalling, and when filling vehicle up with gas, which seems to run out or maybe leak out fast.
Car rolls backwards when stopped on slight inclines unless the brake is fully depressed. It has caught me by surprise a few times. I will mention it to dealer on my next visit as I thought this was a normal thing for big car. Steering column gives a loud clunk when turning; it sounds like it is not properly locked in the adjustment position. I have had it checked and "nothing wrong" was found. I have only changed the steering wheel position once in 1-1/2 yrs. Yet it still does it constantly and it is such a hard click that I feel like the steering wheel is going to drop into another position. I will report it to the dealer again.
Upon routine inspection I noticed a bolt was laying loose on the driver side in the engine compartment on top of the transmission housing. After realizing where it went I noticed that another bolt was missing!! The two bolts are the transmission to engine block mounting bolts. I have not found any other bolts missing or loose but it is difficult to see their locations. Would not want to be traveling down the crowded highway at 65mph and have the transmission come apart from the engine!!!.......thanks dave coryea
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Lumina years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (57), 1996 (24), 1997 (21), 1998 (12) and 2000 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Chevrolet Lumina model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 19% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (97 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (6).
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.