Chevrolet Prizm problems

chevrolet logo

The Geo Prizm and Chevrolet Prizm were compact cars that were rebadged versions of the Toyota Sprinter, a vehicle that the Japanese automaker Toyota never directly sold in the North American market. The Sprinter itself was derived from the Toyota Corolla. The Prizm was marketed under the Geo nameplate until it was discontinued after the 1997 model year. After that, the vehicle was marketed under the Chevrolet nameplate. General Motors (GM) referred to this and other Toyota Corolla derived vehicles as the GM S platform. The cars were produced from 1988 to 2001 (the last ones being sold for model year 2002) alongside the Corolla at NUMMI, an assembly plant operated as a joint venture of GM and Toyota. The Prizm was sold exclusively in the United States and succeeded the 1985–1988 Chevrolet Nova, which was also derived from the Sprinter and produced at NUMMI.

Production

All Prizms were built at NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.), a joint venture company between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, California. The NUMMI plant at Fremont had manufactured the Prizm's predecessor, the Chevrolet Nova, and would later manufacture the Pontiac Vibe, one of its replacements.

Production of the newly-rebadged Chevrolet Prizm began in late 1997 as the Geo brand was phased out, alongside the newest North American generation of the Toyota Corolla. The last Prizm was built on December 13, 2001, resulting in a brief 2002 model year.

photo of Chevrolet Prizm car production

Social links

Chevrolet Prizm model years

chevrolet prizm 2002 photo
Prizm 2002
Chevrolet

32

1

43

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 2001 photo
Prizm 2001
Chevrolet

50

1

40

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 2000 photo
Prizm 2000
Chevrolet

35

1

35

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 1999 photo
Prizm 1999
Chevrolet

43

1

34

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 1998 photo
Prizm 1998
Chevrolet

47

1

38

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 1996 photo
Prizm 1996
Chevrolet

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 1991 photo
Prizm 1991
Chevrolet

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet prizm 1990 photo
Prizm 1990
Chevrolet

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Chevrolet Prizm problems

The Chevrolet Prizm is a compact car that was produced from 1990 to 2002. While many owners have reported positive experiences with the car, there are some common problems that have been reported based on owner complaints.

One of the most common problems with the Chevrolet Prizm is excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 2001 model year. This issue has been reported by 83 owners, making it the most common problem with the car.

Another common problem with the Chevrolet Prizm is a check engine light due to a failed mass air flow sensor. This issue has been reported by 45 owners. The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air that is entering the engine, and a failure can cause the check engine light to come on. This problem can be caused by normal wear and tear or by a faulty sensor.

The front brake rotor wear can also cause pulsations in the Chevrolet Prizm. This issue has been reported by 38 owners. The front brake rotors are a critical component of the car's braking system, and wear can cause pulsations or vibrations when braking. This problem can be caused by normal wear and tear or by a faulty brake system.

The flush brake fluid is another common problem with the Chevrolet Prizm. This issue has been reported by 30 owners. The brake fluid is responsible for transmitting the force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers. Flushing the brake fluid can help to prevent corrosion and improve the performance of the braking system.

The interior problems have also been reported by 6 owners of the Chevrolet Prizm. These problems can include issues with the seats, dashboard, or other interior components. These problems can be caused by normal wear and tear or by a faulty interior component.

The transmission problems have been reported by 3 owners of the Chevrolet Prizm. These problems can include issues with the transmission shifting or engaging. These problems can be caused by normal wear and tear or by a faulty transmission.

The electrical problems have been reported by 3 owners of the Chevrolet Prizm. These problems can include issues with the car's electrical system, such as the battery or alternator. These problems can be caused by normal wear and tear or by a faulty electrical component.

Overall, the Chevrolet Prizm is a reliable car that has been reported to have some common problems based on owner complaints. These problems include excessive oil consumption, check engine light due to a failed mass air flow sensor, front brake rotor wear, flush brake fluid, interior problems, transmission problems, and electrical problems. While these problems can be expensive to fix, many owners have reported positive experiences with the car, particularly in terms of its reliability and fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet Prizm

Is the Chevrolet Prizm a good car?

In short, the Prizm is one of the best compact cars money can buy. It does everything well, and looks good too. Better yet, it is essentially a reskinned Toyota Corolla, which bodes well for reliability, but not necessarily resale value.

How many miles will a Geo Prizm last?

Extremely reliable car.

Lasting over 200,000 miles is common.

Does Chevy Prizm have Toyota engine?

All Prizms are powered by engines from their contemporary Toyota Corolla models: 1990–1992 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 4A-GE engine. 1993–1997 Geo Prizms are powered by a 4A-FE or optional 7A-FE engine.

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Prizm?

Fuel Economy

City26 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Combined28 mpg

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Prizm years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Prizm cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Prizm model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Prizm model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Prizm years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Prizm car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Prizm , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Prizm vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Prizm model years

A total of 34 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Prizm model years

There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Prizm model years

There were a total of 17 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 211 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Prizm . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Prizm vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2020-07-11
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52801Z
  • Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I HAVE HAD A 2000 CHEVROLET PRIZM AND NOW SOMEONE THREATENED MY LIFE TO FORCE ME TO BUY A 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE WINDOWS OF THESE CARS FOG UP TOO SEVERE TO DRIVE IN MINOR OR MAJOR RAIN AND FREEZING RAIN. WHEN IT RAINS WE HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON HIGHWAYS AND IN CITIES AND TOWNS AND WAIT FOR IT TO STOP RAINING FOR THE CAR TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE. MOST ALL OTHER CARS HAVE WINDOWS THAT ARE SAFE TO DIVE WITH BUT THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN.
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
  • Date Complaint: 2018-12-03
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1Y1SK5282XZ
  • Components: STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: AT 70 MILES/HOUR MY GENERAL MOTORS POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS ON FULL ASSIST AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GENERAL MOTORS SECRETLY REMOVED THE POWER ASSIST, REPLACED IT AND THEN JIMMIED THE ENTIRE CAR TO PRESENT FALSE EVIDENCE THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY BAD DRIVER CAR MAINTENANCE. THEY THEN DENIED THE CLAIM BASED ON PHOTOGRAPHS THEY HAD TAKEN OF MY CAR AFTER THEY HAD CHANGED EVERYTHING. THE ACCIDENT ON 7/20/2018, OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY DURING A SUNNY LATE MORNING. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR *JS *JS *TT CONSUMER STATED I SENT ONE LETTER TO THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION ON 12/3/2018 WITH 7 QUESTIONS AND ANOTHER LETTER ON 9/27/2019 WITH 3 MORE QUESTIONS TO YOU. I HAVE SENT COPIES OF THESE LETTERS, PER ATTACHMENT. CAN I GET SPECIFIC ANSWERS TO EACH QUESTION FROM YOU AND YOUR PHONE # SO I CAN CALL YOU AFTER MY REVIEW. IT SEEMS TO ME GENERAL MOTORS HAS ALWAYS DESIGNED ITS' VARIABLE POWER STEERING ASSISTS, WHEN THEY BREAK, TO GO INTO FULL, OPEN POWER ASSIST , ALL THE TIME AND AT ALL SPEEDS. THIS IS SOO MUCH MORE DANGEROUS THAN MANUAL STEERING ESPECIALLY WITHOUT LOW SPEED WARNING THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS BROKEN. WHAT HAS NHTSA DONE TO PREVENT THIS SAFETY RISK TO DRIVERS OF EXCESS, INAPPROPRIATE MAGNIFICATION OF HIGH SPEED STEERING. *JB
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-07
  • Date Complaint: 2018-09-08
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: HI, I AM WRITING TO REPORT A TIRE BRAND, SOLD BY WALMART THAT COULD BE ILLEGAL FOR SALE IN THE U.S. THE DOT INFORMATION IS COMPLETELY MISSING ON THESE TIRES. THEREFORE, ALL THE CLAIMS MADE IN UTQG SPECS COULD BE FALSE AND/OR DO NOT MEET US STANDARDS. THESE ARE TIRES SOLD ON WALMART.COM AND BOUGHT AND USED BY MANY PEOPLE. I RECENTLY EXAMINED A PAIR OF THESE TIRES WHILE I WAS PICKING UP AN ORDER FROM WALMART. THESE TIRES MADE A RATTLING SOUND WHEN BOUNCED ON THE FLOOR. WHEN WE TESTED OTHER TIRE BRANDS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS, THEY DID NOT MAKE THE RATTLING SOUND. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE STEEL BELTS ARE LOOSE UNDER THE TREAD. ONLY A FATAL CRASH DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION MIGHT REVEAL THIS FAULT, WHICH MIGHT BE TOO LATE A LESSON TO LEARN FOR SOMEONE. I AM NOT SURE IF ALL TIRE SIZES OR TIRE TYPES HAVE MISSING DOT INFORMATION. AS I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN TIRES, I COULD BE WRONG ABOUT DEFECTIVE STEEL BELTS TOO (THE RATTLING SOUND), BUT, I WANT TO BRING MY OBSERVATIONS TO THE ATTENTION OF EXPERTS. IT'S WORTH LOOKING IN TO THESE TIRES TO MAKE SURE THAT US CUSTOMERS ARE NOT BEEN SOLD UNSAFE TIRES. IF THIS COULD PREVENT AN AVOIDABLE ACCIDENT, IT'S WORTH THE EFFORT. I CONTACTED WALMART AND BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION. FROM THEIR EMAIL RESPONSE, IT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE IGNORING THE ISSUE. THE TIRE IN QUESTION IS, BRAND: CROSSWIND HP010 MANUFACTURER: LINGLONG MADE IN: THAILAND SIZE: 185/65R14 WALMART PRODUCT PAGE: HTTPS://WWW.WALMART.COM/IP/CROSSWIND-HP010-185-65R14-86H-TIRE/765720344 THANK YOU PS: I ENDED UP RETURNING THE TIRES
Chevrolet Prizm 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-05-08
  • Date Complaint: 2018-06-23
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52892Z
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: ENGINE ABSORBS OIL. AFTER PURCHASING; ENGINE SEIZED. PURCHASED 2ND ENGINE AT BEECHMONT CHEVROLET...SAME FLAW. ENGINE SEIZED AT FIVE MILE ROAD EXIT OFF OF I-275. TO THIS DAY IF I DO NOT CHECK OIL ON REGULAR BASIS. I POSE A RISK OF ENGINE SEIZING AGAIN.
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-08-19
  • Date Complaint: 2016-02-25
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1Y1SK5480XZ
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID THROUGH THE NORTHBOUND LANES AND THEN INTO THE DIRT MEDIAN AND FINALLY BECOMING CAUGHT ON THE CABLE DIVIDER, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE THAT SEPARATED FROM IT'S TREAD WAS A FIRESTONE FR380 E26L 38B. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED IN 2009 WITH A 55,000 MILE LIMITED WARRANTY. WHEN THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED THE ODOMETER WAS AT 88,088 MILES. THE ODOMETER WAS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS 140,629 MILES. THIS MEANS THE TIRE WAS STILL 2,459 MILES UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE MINIMUM TREAD DEPTH RECOMMENDED BY FIRESTONE TIRES IS 2/32 DEEP OR 0.0625. THE TREAD DEPTH ON THE TIRE IN QUESTION WAS 0.175, MORE THAN TWICE THE REQUIRED DEPTH. THE STATE TROOPER WHO INVESTIGATED THE CRASH DETERMINED THAT I WAS NOT AT FAULT. THE MECHANIC WHO EXAMINED MY VEHICLE AGREED THAT THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE'S TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE.
Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
  • Date Complaint: 2015-11-13
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52891Z
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: MY 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE AROUND 60-70K MILES AND HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. CHEVROLET DIDN'T BUILD THE ENGINE RIGHT AND THE RINGS/HEADS I THINK NEED REPLACED (WHAT I READ ON). AND CHEVROLET HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AND ITS COSTLY AS IT BURNS AROUND A QUART EVERY 200 MILES.
Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-11-11
  • Date Complaint: 2015-11-11
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52871Z
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I GOT THIS CAR A YEAR AND HALF AGO AND IT WORKED OK. BUT NOW IT IS EATING OIL LIKE CRAZY. AND ALSO WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE IT HESITATES AND WONT MOVE FORWARD. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE 3 WRECKS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. WHY PAY FOR THIS CAR IF ITS GOING TO KILL ME.
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-20
  • Date Complaint: 2015-08-17
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY CAR TURNED OFF WHEN PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL. WHEN MY HUSBAND AND DAD TOOK THE CAR TO GET CHECKED, THEY WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS ELECTRICAL. THE COMPUTER BLEW OUT TWICE. THEY WEREN'T CHARGED WHICH WAS A GOOD THING BECAUSE THOSE ARE EXPENSIVE. EVERY TIME YOU SWITCH THE A/C ON OR TURN THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR TURNS OFF. I CAME ON THIS WEBSITES HOPING TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE MY FAVORITE CAR IS JUST SITTING THERE COLLECTING DUST. I DON'T WANT TO JUNK THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS GREAT! I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT NEITHER BECAUSE I HAVE TWO KIDS AND DON'T WANT NOTHING BAD TO HAPPEN. PLEASE GET A RECALL DONE. I DON'T WANT TO JUNK THIS CAR.
Chevrolet Prizm 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2015-06-23
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52882Z
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM (SAME AS A TOYOTA COROLLA) HAS ITS CRUSE CONTROL, HORN, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ALL MOUNTED ON THE STEERING WHEEL, ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE CAR THROUGH AN INFLATABLE RESTRAINT STEERING WHEEL MODULE COIL (AKA CLOCK SPRING) MECHANISM. BOTH THE CRUSE CONTROL AND THE HORN DO NOT NOW OPERATE AND HAVEN'T FOR YEARS, DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE AIRBAG IS ALSO INOPERATABLE (TWO OUT OF THREE FAILURES SOUNDS LIKE A BAD OMEN; CONVENTIONAL WISDOM TELLS ME THAT THIS AIRBAG SYSTEM IS ALSO FAULTY)? IS THIS CAR SAFE TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT?
Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2015-05-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52801Z
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE BACK BUMPER CAUSEING THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING A IT TO ROLL OVER TWICE WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR TO THIS DATE THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-03
  • Date Complaint: 2015-03-11
  • VIN: 1Y1SK5285XZ
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REFUELED ON A HALF TANK IN ORDER FOR THE FUEL TANK NOT TO LEAK FUEL. ON ONE OCCASION, ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND WAS VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Chevrolet Prizm 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-06-27
  • Date Complaint: 2015-01-30
  • VIN: 1Y1SK52822Z
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Chevrolet Prizm 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-12
  • Date Complaint: 2015-01-13
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1Y1SK5283YZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 CHEVROLET PRIZM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-05-07
  • Date Complaint: 2014-08-06
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW WILL NOT RAISE IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT HAS BEEN FULLY RETRACTED (SUCH AS AT A DRIVE-IN WINDOW, OR WHEN THE "AUTO" FEATURE FULLY RETRACTS IT BEFORE I CAN STOP IT). IT WILL EVENTUALLY RAISE AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF INOPERATION; SOMETIMES ONLY PARTIALLY AT A TIME. IF I HAVE INTENTIONALLY HAD THE WINDOW DOWN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THERE IS NO PROBLEM - YET. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE WINDOW IS FULLY RETRACTED, AND REGARDLESS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR
Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-07-28
  • Date Complaint: 2014-07-30
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1Y1SK5284XZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. OVER A YEAR AGO, THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE WHICH SPREAD TO THE ALTERNATOR. THE IGNITION, WIRING HARNESS, AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Prizm

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Prizm.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet Prizm 1998
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
  • Model: Chevrolet Prizm 1999
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
  • Model: Chevrolet Prizm 2000
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
  • Model: Chevrolet Prizm 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
  • Model: Chevrolet Prizm 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Latest negative Chevrolet Prizm car reviews

  1. Wallace Runolfsson 2025-08-15

    Vehicle year: 2000

    Although this is the first car I have owned, I have learned a lot from my experience with it. I purchased it with 80K miles on it and have had some issues with the AC, check engine light, seat belt light, muffler, and acceleration. However, I have been able to manage these issues and have gained valuable knowledge about car maintenance. While the car may not be the most reliable, I have been able to make it work for me. Thank you for considering my feedback.

  2. Corbin Thiel 2025-08-10

    Vehicle year: 1999

    I bought this car for its fuel economy and easy commuting. It was essentially a Corolla, so I expected it to be reliable and not require many repairs. Unfortunately, I have had to replace the brakes, starter, and strut, and now the power steering and transmission are also giving me trouble. Even the door handle broke while it was at the mechanic's. Despite my efforts to maintain it, the car has been disappointing. Additionally, the blower makes a high-pitched whistle whenever I turn on the air or heat, which can be quite annoying. I have even been blown around on the highway by passing cars. As an older driver, this can be quite hazardous. In hindsight, I should have gone with the Corolla.

  3. Peyton Wintheiser 2025-08-05

    Vehicle year: 2000

    This Toyota Corolla with a Chevy nameplate has generally been a reliable vehicle. However, in the past 2 years, a few problems have surfaced. The check engine light was analyzed, but the repair did not fix the problem. Additionally, the seatbelt light flashes sometimes for no reason, and the A/C stopped working, which was too expensive to repair. The cruise control also works intermittently, and the transmission linkage sometimes shifts out of drive into neutral. Despite these issues, it is worth noting that this vehicle has had good reviews elsewhere.

  4. Felipe Kunde 2025-07-28

    Vehicle year: 1998

    I have only two comments: Firstly, this vehicle may not be suitable for taller or larger individuals due to the limited space between the two front seats. Secondly, the vehicle may not have the best acceleration and can feel a bit sluggish at times.

  5. Favian Nicolas 2025-07-18

    Vehicle year: 1999

    I've owned this car for eight years now, and it's been a reliable vehicle. It has great gas mileage and acceleration, and I've only had to replace the battery once in the past four years. However, I have experienced some issues with alignment and uneven tire wear. Additionally, there have been a few problems with the car's interior. For example, the driver's side door latch broke off, which seems to be a common issue among other owners of the same make. I've also noticed an electrical problem where the electric windows don't roll back up right away, and the dummy lights and dome light burn out frequently. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the car's reliability and performance.

Latest positive Chevrolet Prizm car reviews

  1. Joesph Armstrong 2025-08-22

    Vehicle year: 2002

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it at 32,000 miles in 2004 and it has been a great ride ever since. I've only had to change the oil and brakes, which has been a breeze. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy on the highway and there's a slight vibration when going above 80mph. However, the transmission in this car is amazing and deserves an award for its comfort and smooth shifting. In my opinion, it's even better than Nissan or Honda. Thanks for listening!

  2. Francisco Yundt 2025-08-12

    Vehicle year: 2002

    I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your Prizm! It's great to hear that you're satisfied with your purchase from your local dealership. The car is built very well and it's surprisingly comfortable for a small car. Additionally, the ride is excellent and it has great performance from its 1.8. Keep enjoying your ride!

  3. Macey Daniel 2025-08-08

    Vehicle year: 2002

    I have owned two 5-speed Prizms, and my ownership experience has been great for both. The first one I bought new in 1998, and my 6'4

  4. Dashawn Lueilwitz 2025-08-02

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I noticed that two of my brothers had previously owned Prizms, so I decided to buy one myself. I chose the Prizm because it is essentially a Toyota Corolla, but with a more affordable price tag. I purchased my Prizm with 34,000 miles on it, and I am happy to report that I have not experienced any issues in the 10,000 miles that I have driven it. Overall, I think it's a great car!

  5. Monty Schneider 2025-07-28

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I love driving it, but the insurance is quite high.

Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Prizm?

Add car complaint
Chevrolet Prizm photo