1992 Chevrolet Corsica problems
The Chevrolet Corsica (named after Corsica, France) is a front-wheel drive compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1987 until 1996. The Corsica was built upon the L-body platform. It shared the L-body with the 2-door Beretta, and the rebadged revival of the Pontiac Tempest which was essentially the same car, but was only sold in Canada. The Corsica came in two styles and four trims. Sold initially only as a 4-door sedan, it was also available as a 5-door hatchback from model years 1989 until 1991. Corsicas were built alongside the Beretta by both the Wilmington Assembly in Delaware and Linden Assembly in New Jersey.
Year-to-year changes
1987–1989
The Corsica was first sold as a fleet car to rental agencies and large companies in 1987, prior to mainstream release. The Corsica and Beretta were the second best-selling passenger cars in America in calendar year 1988, right behind the Ford Escort. Much of the suspension components were borrowed from the J-body Chevrolet Cavalier, and the chassis was an extension of that of the J-body, but modeled with similar proportions to the N-body. The L-body platform however, was engineered by Chevrolet rather than Oldsmobile. The car was equipped with either the 2.0 L TBI OHV I4 from the Cavalier, or the 2.8 L MPFI OHV V6 from the Chevrolet Celebrity. The base Corsica's door handles were colored silver, while the Corsica LT/LTZ had black-colored handles. Some earlier models had a column shifter with a handbrake between the front seats, an uncommon configuration for most compact cars of the time. A 5-door hatchback model was introduced for 1989, as was an LTZ performance package that included many suspension parts from the Beretta. A rare XT trim included all the performance parts from the LTZ trim as well as a leather interior, special body kit and spoiler package designed for GM by a third party supplier.
1990
The base model Corsica was dropped, leaving the LT and LTZ. Both engines offered were increased in displacement. The Corsica now either used the same 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic transmission as the Cavalier, or the 3.1 L V6 and 3-speed automatic from the Lumina. Minor changes were made to the interior, mostly around the driver controls.
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Common 1992 Chevrolet Corsica problems
The Chevrolet Corsica, produced from 1987 to 1996, is a front-wheel drive compact car built upon the L-body platform. While the car has been praised for its durability, with some models reaching over 200,000 miles, certain issues have been reported by owners.
- Ignition Coil/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: This issue is the most commonly reported problem, with 22 owners reporting it. The failure of these components can prevent the car from starting.
- Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Issues: This problem is characterized by the car's transmission slipping or not engaging properly, leading to a loss of power or difficulty shifting gears.
- Engine Surge at Idle: This issue is particularly common in the 1992 Corsica with a 3.1-liter, fuel-injected V-6 engine. The engine surges when the car is at a stop, which can be caused by irregular input signals to the PCM or a dirty throttle.
- Low Gas Mileage: Some owners have reported lower than expected fuel efficiency, which could be due to a variety of factors including engine issues, transmission problems, or poor aerodynamics.
- Starting Problems: Several owners have reported issues with their Corsicas not starting, which could be due to a variety of factors including ignition coil failure, crankshaft position sensor failure, or issues with the starter motor or battery.
- Electrical Issues: Owners have reported a range of electrical issues, including problems with the alternator, fuel pump, and starter motor. These issues can prevent the car from starting or running properly.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the car's transmission, including slipping, difficulty shifting, and rough or delayed engagement. These issues could be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with the torque converter clutch, transmission fluid, or internal transmission components.
- Overheating: Several owners have reported issues with their Corsicas overheating, which could be caused by a variety of factors including low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or issues with the cooling system.
- Power Window Issues: Some owners have reported issues with their Corsica's power windows, including windows that won't go up or down, or windows that get stuck in place.
- Hood Latch Issues: Several owners have reported issues with their Corsica's hood latch, which can prevent the hood from staying closed properly or make it difficult to open the hood.
These issues are not exhaustive, and other problems may arise with the Chevrolet Corsica. However, these are some of the most commonly reported issues based on owner complaints.
When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?
1996
GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.
How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 2745 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 inches |
| Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1000 lbs. |
What replaced the Corsica?
Chevrolet Malibu
Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.
What is the rarest Chevy ever made?
Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.
When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?
1996
GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.
How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 2745 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 inches |
| Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1000 lbs. |
What replaced the Corsica?
Chevrolet Malibu
Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.
What is the rarest Chevy ever made?
Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.
1992 Chevrolet Corsica car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corsica problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Chevrolet Corsica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Chevrolet Corsica
The NHTSA has received 171 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Chevrolet Corsica. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Chevrolet Corsica vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED LARGE CHUNKS OF PAINT FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP WERE CONTACTED. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
- VIN: 1G1LT53T3NY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I CONTACTED CHEVROLET ABOUT MY 1992 CORSICAS INOPERATIVE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH. I WAS CONTACTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE. HE ASKED ME FOR THE VEHICLE VIN AND THEN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL INFO IN THE FIRST PLACE AND HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL FOR THE SWITCH THAT ONLY INCLUDED CERTAIN CARS. MY CARS BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE LIKE THAT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. SHOULD I NOT BE INCLUDED. KENNETH J. STARR [email protected]. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-17
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-18
- VIN: 1GCEC14Z3NE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK. DT
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, ROTORS, POWER STEERING PUMP AND WHEN IT RAINS THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BECAME WET. *SLC *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN IT RAINS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR GETS WET. *SLC
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP. *SLC
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT53T2NY
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BROKE. WHILE VEHICLE WAS STARTED TRIED TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN TURNING KEY. HAD TO REMOVE SPARK PLUGS TO TURN OFF VEHICLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: 1FMUDU322X1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILLNOT STAY CLOSE WHILE PUSHING BUTTON DOWN. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1LT53T6NY
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING THIS CAR. SHE BASICALLY RAN INTO A PERSON BACKING OUT OF THEIR DRIVEWAY. THE LEFT FRONT OF MY HER CAR HIT THE OTHER PERSONS CAR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY DAUGHTERS CAR. I AM CONCERNED, AT THIS POINT THAT THE AIR BAG DIDNOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY LOGGED COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE.*AK
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE ADD
- Components: VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: BLOWER FOR DEFROSTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONER IT IS NOT BLOWING OUT AIR. ALSO, WHEN TRYING TO CLEAR WINDOWS HAS TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS BECAUSE DEFROSTER WILL NOT CLEAR. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED HAD TO TAKE DASHBOARD OFF TO FIX BLOWER. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT53T0NY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS INOPERABLE. A RECAL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE'S MAKE AND MODEL; HOIWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-15
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ABS SENSOR LIGHT REMAINING ON. VEHICLE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. BUT, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, EXCEPT THE ABS LIGHT STAYING ON. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1LT53TONY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ABS HAS BEEN FAULTY SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE PRESENTED THE VEHICLE TO DIFFERENT MAINTENANCE/DEALERS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, TO NO AVAIL. FINALLY, I HAD AN ACCIDENT AT AN INTERSECTION, WHEREBY I HAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP, BUT UPON PROCEEDING, MY BRAKES WERE NOT OPERATING AND I WAS CITED FOR "FAILURE TO YIELD". THE RESULTS WERE THREE AUTOMOBILES DAMAGED FOR OVER $6,000. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-02
- VIN: 1G1LT5349NY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HIGH BEAM SWITCH, WHICH IS ON THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF, AND FELL ONTO THE FOOTBOARD. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THIS REPORT IS MADE BY THE ONONDAGA COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE, 100 ELIZABETH BLACKWELL ST., SYRACUSE, NY 13210, PHONE 315-435-3163, FAX 315-435-3319, REPORTED BY INV. MICHAEL S. BIRCHMEYER. THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FATALITY WHICH KILLED BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE FRONT WINDOW OF A DEAPRTMENT STORE. THE ACCIDENT WAS ALSO INVESTIGATED BY THE ONONDAGA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEAPRTMENT. WE ARE FORWARDING THIS INFO TO YOU BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE IF THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS LIGHT GOES ON IRREGULARLY, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT53TINY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 1G1LT53TINY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DESIGN AND SHAPE OF THE DOORS ARE NOT SAFE, CHILDREN INJURED WHEN ACCIDENTAL STRIKING OF THE HEAD DUE TO DANGEROUS WAY THE DOOR STICK OUT. *MJS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT53TINY
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER DUCTS CLOG CAUSING AIR FLOW TO REDUCE. *MJS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT53T5NY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD WON'T WORK WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1IT53T1NY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI LOCK BRAKES DO NOT ACTIVATE PROPERLY, DELAYED AND THEN SLAM ON. *MJS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-08
- VIN: 1G1LT53T9NY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 1GIT53T3NY1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR ABS BRAKES LOCKING UP WHENEVER THE WEATHER IS WET OR DAMP. VEHICLE BEEN IN /OUT OF DEALER SHOP, AND PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.*AK
1992 Chevrolet Corsica recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 Chevrolet Corsica.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE SERVICE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH BECOMES INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: THE INOPERATIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH WILL NOT ILLUMINATE THESTOP LAMPS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS WOULD NOT ADEQUATELY INFORMOTHER DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S INTENT TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND CORRECT THE WIRING IN THE CONNECTOR OF THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.
Negative 1992 Chevrolet Corsica car reviews
Positive 1992 Chevrolet Corsica car reviews
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The above consumers expressed satisfaction with the car, so why did they not rate it better? I purchased mine in '97 with 152,000 km for CAD$ 5,900, which was an awesome deal. It currently has almost 300,000 km and is still running well. There is hardly any rust on it, as I have done rustproofing every year and kept it outside for the last three years. Once I reach 300,000 km, I might consider getting a Sunfire. Although I am European, I appreciate the lightness of American domestic vehicles - European GM has its equivalents too (Opel etc). These cars feel 'light' compared to a MB or a BMW, don't they? ;-)
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This car is amazing! I bought it from a co-worker on a whim for only $300, but it needed a fuel pump. After a short while, we had to put in a water pump and an alternator, which made me a bit worried. However, that was six years and 50,000 miles ago, and the car has not cost me a dime other than regular maintenance! The V-6 engine has lots of power, and the seats are so comfortable. As a 6'4
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I've owned my Chevy for almost a year and a half and have had no major problems. The only issue I really had was the replacement of the water pump and starter. They were a little expensive to replace, but worth it. I keep up with regular routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes every 3 months/3,000 miles, as well as belts, hoses, tires, and brakes. By doing so, it'll run forever! I've replaced the battery, water pump, starter, serpentine belt, and a rear wheel cylinder, but I couldn't be happier with my car. The gas mileage is excellent around town and on the highway. For a 4 cylinder (2.2), it's got plenty of power! I highly recommend this car!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I purchased this car at a car lot in Arkansas for $300. The seller told me it didn't have reverse and it ran a little hot, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had lots of power and ran well. Although I never could figure out why it ran hot, I changed everything that I thought would help. I even suspected it might be a seeping head gasket. Despite the fact that the car got so hot that the needle was past the H facing straight down many times, it would start every time. However, I did notice that the power would decrease each time it ran hot. All in all, I would most definitely get another one.
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The above consumers expressed satisfaction with the car, so why did they not rate it better? I purchased mine in '97 with 152,000 km for CAD$ 5,900, which was an awesome deal. It currently has almost 300,000 km and is still running well. There is hardly any rust on it, as I have done rustproofing every year and kept it outside for the last three years. Once I reach 300,000 km, I might consider getting a Sunfire. Although I am European, I appreciate the lightness of American domestic vehicles - European GM has its equivalents too (Opel etc). These cars feel 'light' compared to a MB or a BMW, don't they? ;-)
Other years of Chevrolet Corsica
Are you having problems with your 1992 Chevrolet Corsica?
Steve Roob 2025-01-05
Hi there! I wanted to share with you my experience with my Corsica. I bought it used back in 1992 and it has been a reliable car ever since. My mechanic has taken great care of it, replacing the oil seal, manifold gasket, rear brake cylinder, water pump, and a few other minor things. I have always made sure to keep up with regular maintenance such as oil changes, coolant flushes, and spark plug replacements. However, as much as I love my Corsica, it is an older car and I recently purchased a new minivan. If you're in the market for a good used car, I highly recommend this one. I am planning to sell mine outright since I did not trade it in. Thank you for considering it!
Dane Nicolas 2024-11-20
I received this car from my grandma. It reliably gets me where I need to go, but lately I've been experiencing some issues. The bright lights aren't working, so I need to get the wiring fixed. Additionally, with two kids, there isn't much room for anything else. Unfortunately, the air conditioning isn't working either.
Nat Gusikowski 2024-08-24
Hi there! I've been driving this car for 3 years now and have put 52000 miles on it, for a total of 136000. I'm happy to report that I've only had minor issues with it, as you would expect with an older USED car. After hitting the 100,000 mile mark, it started having some little weird problems like the ABS light coming on for no reason, the brakes needing to be replaced, and the cruise control stopping working. However, I still think it's worth the money overall. :)
Ron Doyle 2024-06-27
I've owned my V-6 Corsica for six years now, and it has been a great car. I bought it when it was only four years old with just 26,000 miles on it. The interior is in good condition, and although the car leans a bit too much during turns, it's still a pleasure to drive. Over the years, I've had to replace the rotors and brake pads, which cost me $800, but the only other major work I've had to do was on the radiator due to a leak. Unfortunately, the model is known for having major paint chipping problems, especially the white and blue ones. It's a shame because the inside of my car is clean and almost like new even after 10 years! However, I'm happy to report that there have been no major rust problems. The back is a little small, and legroom is limited, but overall, I'm very satisfied with my Corsica.
Alfred Ziemann 2024-04-01
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share that I bought my car brand new back in 1992, and it's been great to me ever since. I've only had to replace the brakes every couple of years, but other than that, it's been smooth sailing. It's just as fast as other, more expensive cars, but it has a lot more room for the kids, which is a huge plus. The only other issue I had was having to replace the solenoid on the torque converter at around 80,000 miles. It was a bit of a pain because every garage I went to thought it was the torque converter that was going out. But overall, I'm really happy with my car and would definitely recommend it to others!