1996 Chevrolet Lumina transmission problems

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · NC

Consumer complained about a problem when shifting gears in cold weather.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · 102,000 miles · AR · crash

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. Luckily, the visor was down and protected my face. I also sustained bruising and back injuries along with the concussion. Also, the air bag did not activate. Thankfully, as I am short and if it had, then I would have been decapitated or killed from it. My insurance only gave blue book value to the car as it was unrepairable and had to be totalled. I am wanting to seek legal action against the manufacturer. Is there any class action lawsuits regarding this problem on the lumina's? I feel it was computer problem that shut down the car made it behave like it was possess. No lights came on inside the car to indicate there was a computer problem or any other problem. There is only one way to put in a battery so it could not have been the battery. Debra k. Oliver

Filed Oct 15, 2001 · Transmission · MN

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.

Filed Jun 1, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · OH

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

Filed May 4, 2001 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failed. Nlm

Filed Sep 22, 2000 · Transmission · IL

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.

Filed Sep 7, 2000 · Transmission · PA

Transmission gear casing shattered at about 50 MPH leaving vehicle with only 1st gear, no reverse

Filed Nov 4, 1999 · Transmission · FL

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!!

Filed Sep 23, 1999 · Transmission · MA

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.

Filed Jul 30, 1999 · Acceleration, Transmission · MA

While driving at any speed vehicle lost power and the vehicle jumped out gear. Also, engine raced very high.