Manual Transmission Shift Pattern Indicator problems of the 1999 Buick Century

Unsure if this is an actual safety problem but it relates to transmission problems for our 1999 Buick Century. Since the problem could render the car unable to move at any time, I would classify it as a safety problem. Our service engine light came on a few miles back. We checked everything we could and finally had the problem diagnosed. We were told that the service code meant that a transmission component was slipping. I find that very troubling since the car has only 44,011 miles. We were also told by the same service center that a 2000 Buick Century that had 45,000 miles had the same problem only the day before. Is there an on-going investigation into this problem? should there be?.