2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems
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.
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Common 2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems
The 2000 Chevrolet Prizm is known to have several common problems, primarily related to engine issues. The most prevalent problem reported by owners is excessive oil consumption. This issue affects the 2000 Prizm in particular, with 29 complaints filed on CarComplaints.com. The excessive oil consumption can lead to frequent oil changes and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another common issue with the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm is the check engine light coming on. This problem has been reported by 2 owners, indicating possible underlying engine or emissions system issues.
Engine shaking is also a concern for some 2000 Prizm owners, with 1 complaint filed. This could indicate a problem with the engine mounts, fuel system, or other engine components, potentially leading to decreased performance and drivability.
A few owners have reported stalling after a cold start, accompanied by a check engine light. This issue has been reported only once, but it could indicate a problem with the engine control module, fuel system, or ignition system.
The 2000 Chevrolet Prizm's engine and engine cooling system have also been the subject of complaints, with 2 complaints each. These issues could be related to problems with the engine's cooling system, such as leaks, faulty radiator fans, or thermostat problems, potentially leading to overheating and engine damage.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received reports of engine problems and engine cooling issues with the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm, further highlighting these concerns.
It is important to note that while these issues are common, not all 2000 Chevrolet Prizm owners will experience these problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential issues early on, potentially preventing more serious problems from developing.
Is Chevy 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 does a Chevy Prizm last?
Properly maintained a Prism should be good for 200+K miles.
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?
MPG RATING: 28 city, 36 hwy.
Is Chevy 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 does a Chevy Prizm last?
Properly maintained a Prism should be good for 200+K miles.
Did the Chevy Prizm have a 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.
Is the Chevy Prizm the same as the Toyota Corolla?
Others are built for Geo, and they're called Prizms. There are some cosmetic differences: different headlights, taillights, upholstery, etc. But mechanically, they're the same car, because all Geo Prizms and four out of five Corollas come off that very same assembly line.
2000 Chevrolet Prizm car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Prizm problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Chevrolet Prizm vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
The NHTSA has received 35 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2000 Chevrolet Prizm vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-12
- 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
- VIN: 1Y1SK5280YZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET PRISM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. UPDATED 11/14/14*CN UPDATED 7/28/2015*JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-03
- VIN: 1Y1SK5489YZ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE PISTON SKIRTS ON THE 2000 MODEL WERE TOO SHORT (THEY WERE REPLACED WITH APPROPRIATE SKIRTS IN A LATER YEAR MODEL). THE VERY SHORT SKIRT ALLOWS THE PISTON TO TILT IN THE CYLINDER MUCH SOONER THAN WOULD HAPPEN IN NORMAL ENGINES. THIS CAUSES THE RINGS TO FAIL TO SEAT PROPERLY MUCH EARLIER THAN WOULD HAPPEN IN AN ENGINE WITH NORMAL SKIRT LENGTHS. THIS CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WHERE THE AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMED RISES EXPONENTIALLY WITH THE NUMBER OF MILES DRIVEN. AT SOME POINT, THE ENGINE COULD MALFUNCTION WHILE THE DRIVER IS DRIVING. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-08
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET PRISM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD LOCK, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM INSIDE. IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, HE WOULD HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOW TO ENGAGE THE EXTERIOR DOOR LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CHEVROLET PRIZM...COROLLA IN DISGUISE. CAR DRINKS OIL BAD. HAVE OWNED A 2000 MODEL BOUGHT IN 2008 WITH 44,000 MILES CAR LOOKED AND DROVE LIKE NEW SO I THOUGHT CAR IS MADE BY TOYOTA NO NEED TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. WRONG!!! GOT HOME WITH THE CAR AND MY DAD WANTED TO DRIVE IT,HE'S A MECHANIC.GETS BACK HOME MAD. HE HEARD A TICKING NOISE,( I DIDN'T NOTICE CAUSE LAST CAR WAS WORE OUT AND NOISY...THIS WAS QUITE FOR ME) CHECKED OIL AND THERE WAS LESS THAN A QUART IN THE OIL PAN IT ONLY HOLDS A LITTLE OVER 3QTS. HE PUT OIL IN IT AND IT WAS SUPER QUITE MOTOR. DROVE THE CAR TIL BOUT 94000. AT FIRST THE CAR NEEDED ONLY 1 QT EVERY 600-800 MILES. THAT WAS OK I WAS USED TO THAT. THEN IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE. 1 QT EVERY 50 TO 100 MILES. MY DAD TORE IT APART LOOKED EVERY WHERE FOR A LEAK. NONE NOTHING!!! IT WAS BURNING OIL HE FOUND OUT BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THIS IS VERY BAD BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN ONLY HOLD SO MUCH BEFORE IT CLOGGED AND BURNT SLAP OUT!!! ALMOST 7000$ I PAID FOR THAT CAR SUPPOSEDLY OF TOYOTA QUALITY, NOT COUNTING ALL OF THE OIL NOW IN OUR O-ZONE. BESIDES THE OIL PROBLEM THAT ALMOST EVERY ONE FACES WHEN OWNING THESE VEHICLES INCLUDING COROLLAS SAME MOTOR, BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE HOPING IT WOULD BE CLEAR OF ENGINE ISSUES. WRONG... MY DAD HAS LOOKED IT ALL OVER CAN'T FIND OUT STILL WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS REALLY GOOD AND HELP US PRISM OWNERS HAVE RESTITUTION TO SEE THAT RECALL ENVELOPE IN THE MAIL. LOOK AT EVERY CAR REVIEW SITE AND YALL WILL SEE THAT 9 OUT OF 10 COMPLAINTS ARE OIL USAGE. MAYBE THAT'S THE REASON YOU DON'T SEE THEM MUCH ANYMORE. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY US PRISM OWNERS( THAT ARE LEFT LOL) NEED OUR CARS FIXED WHERE THE EARTH DOES NOT HAVE SUFFER ANY MORE NETHER THE LESS OUR WALLETS. OIL, DIAGNOSTICS. CATALYTIC CONVERTERS..ETC.YOU HAVE TO CHECK OIL CONSTANT. OIL LIGHT NEVER WORKS FOR ANYONE THAT'S WHY THEIR ALL GONE. YOU WILL SEE ON ALL REVIEW SITES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
- VIN: 1Y1SK528XYZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE VEHICLE BEGAN BURNING A QUART OF OIL PER MONTH AND CURRENTLY USES THREE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK. WHEN DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE INITIALLY PERFORMED, THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE LINES WERE TESTED AND THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS AND THE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL. CURRENTLY, A MECHANIC HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE OIL RING IN THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WOULD COST $2,000 - $3,000. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-20
- VIN: 1G1ND52JXY6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 2000 MALIBU AND IT HAS 129K MILES ON IT. THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS, BUT IT NEVER SEEMED TO AFFECT MY CAR IN ANY WAY. TODAY THE CAR TURNED ON FINE TWICE, ONCE COMING OUT OF THE HOUSE AND THE SECOND TIME COMING OUT OF THE GAS STATION. WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON AFTER LEAVING FROM A JOB INTERVIEW, IT CRANKS AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN ON BUT DOESN'T. IT SOUNDS LIKE IF THE GAS TANK IS ON EMPTY BUT IT'S ALMOST FULL. I CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS AND EVEN TRIED A JUMP START AND IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. FINALLY I GOT IT TOWED HOME AND FIND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT CHEVY MALIBUS ARE FULL OF DEFECTS.(HTTP://WWW.AUTOSITE.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/1601) (INCLUDING MY AC THAT ONLY WORKS ON 3, 4, AND 5). MY ANTI THEFT DEVICE WON'T LET ME DRIVE MY OWN CAR, AND I ALREADY MISSED AN IMPORTANT CLASS. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO LEAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT TURNS OFF, BUT IT NEVER TURNS OFF. IT HAS BARELY STARTED WITH THIS PROBLEM TODAY, BUT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, MORE LIKE HORROR STORIES, I'M SCARED OF MY MALIBU AND I DON'T TRUST IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I KNOW IT WILL GET WORSE. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT THEY KNOW EXISTS BUT WON'T ADMIT TO; THERE NEEDS TO BE A SERIOUS RECALL. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-02
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 2000 TAHOE: REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE BROKE. IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC...PRETTY SHODDY FOR A 4W DRIVE VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY OPENED THAT WINDOW 5-6 TIMES SINCE 2002, SO IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT ABUSED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW...WOULD LIKE GM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $600 WINDOW PLUS HINGES (THE CHEVY DEALER QUOTED $1300.) *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-03
- VIN: 2G1WF55E5Y9
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY ENGINE STALLS AT LEAST 2 TO 3 TIMES A MONTH, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BECAUSE IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM... AND IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT.... *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-29
- VIN: 1Y1SK5280Y2
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2000 PRIZM LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE BLOWOUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *NM UPDATED 07/20/06 *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
- VIN: 1G1YY32GXY5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CAR HAS 54,000 MILES WITH LIMITED NIGHTTIME USE. HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT HEADLIGHT MOTOR. 100 MILES LATER THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-11
- VIN: 1GNEK13T3YJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BACK PLATE FAILED ON THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND THE BRAKE FAILED. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE BACKER PLATE RUSTED OUT, RESULTING IN THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM WAS A COMBINATION OF BOTH DISC AND DRUM BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BACK PLATE. THE BACK PLATE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. EARLIER THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM. ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED, RESULTING IN TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE WHEEL CYLINDER SEPARATED FROM THE CALIPERS. THE ONLY WARNING LIGHT CAME AFTER THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE LEFT ROTOR. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AND THE CALIPERS WERE REBUILT. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 50 % WEAR BUT THEY WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-02
- VIN: 1Y1SK5288YZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH. THE SERVICE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO CHEVROLET CONSUMER HOTLINE; THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST RAN BEFORE THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM THE WORK ON THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC SEATING POSITION THAT KEPT THE SEAT BELT FROM LATCHING. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-04
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WE HAD PURCHASED UNIROYAL TIRES IN OCTOBER 2002 FROM FARM AND FLEET IN LA CROSSE. AS OF AUGUST 4, 2005, ALL THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE TIRES CRACKING AND PEELING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO SEARS WHERE THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT LET US DRIVE THE CAR DUE THE SEVERITY OF THE PEELING OF THE TIRES. DRIVING OUR CAR WITH THE TIRES IN THE POOR CONDITION COULD CAUSE AND ACCIDENT AND INJURY. I STARTED HAVING A PANIC ATTACK AFTER HEARING THIS NEWS. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR TIRES TO SHRED, CRACK, AND PEEL AT ONLY 40,000 MILES. I CALLED FARM AND FLEET WHERE WE BOUGHT THE TIRES AND HE TOLD ME "TOO BAD" AND HUNG UP ON ME. I CALLED UNIROYAL AND SHE SAID IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM IF OUR TIRES CRACKED, THAT'S WHAT TIRES DO. THESE TIRES THAT CRACKED, PEELED, AND SHREDDED HAVE A 75,000 MILES WARRANTY, NOONE WILL HONOR THIS WARRANTY AND WE HAD TO SPEND OVER $400 BUYING NEW TIRES. *NM
VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- Components: VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AT 15K MILES, MY REAR PASSENGER WINDOW MOTOR QUIT WORKING. AT 35K MILES, MY DRIVER INDOOR "PLASTIC" DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. AT 75K MILES, MY DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR QUIT WORKING (I NOW HAVE NO WAY OF OPENING MY DOOR FROM THE INSIDE). AND AT 85K, MY PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HANDLE STARTED TO CRACK. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ALMOST $40 A PIECE FOR THE HANDLES, EACH, AND THEN 140.00 EACH TO INSTALL. THIS IS A LITTLE PIECE OF PLASTIC, AND SHOULD NOT BE SO MUCH. THE MOTORS ARE ROUGHLY $100 EACH TO REPLACE, PLUS THE LABOR. THE SEATBELT SIGN FLASHES ALL THE TIME, WHETHER I AM BUCKLED IN OR NOT, AND I AM TOLD THE WHOLE SEAT BELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACES, AT ANOTHER $235. NOW MY SPARK PLUG COILS ARE SUPPOSEDLY BAD, AND I AM LOOSING OIL. THE CAR HAS 82 MILES ON IT WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IN NOVEMBER OF 2000, AND I HAVE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES 1 TIME. I AM NOT HARD ON THE CAR, BUT DOUBT I WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVROLET.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-04
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I OWN A 2000 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN WHICH I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE FOR OVER A YEAR BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONING ANTILOCK BRAKES. I BROUGHT IT TO BE REPAIRED LAST YEAR AND PAID OVER $800 FOR ONE SET OF BRAKES, THE OTHER SET STILL NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING WHEN TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2002. THERE IS CURRENTLY AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS VERY PROBLEM ON SIMILAR CHEVY SUVS AND TRUCKS, BUT NOT INCLUDING THE ASTRO VAN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-08
- VIN: 1Y1SK5287YZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPRING 2004, OIL CHANGE MECHANIC NOTICED EXCESSIVE SLUDGE (APPX 65000 MILES ON CAR). CLEANED ENGINE OUT, CHANGED OIL (CAR HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 3-4K MILES). AFTER THAT CAR WAS NOTED TO BE USING TOO MUCH OIL (TOPPING OFF AT EACH 1500 MILES THEY HAD TO ADD 2 AND A HALF QUARTS). TOOK TO DEALER AT ABOUT 67000 NOTING OIL PROBLEM AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. LIGHT TURNED OUT TO BE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. REPLACED. NOTHING DONE ON OIL PROBLEM. AT 70000 MILES ENGINE WAS HESITATING AND CONTINUING TO BURN OIL. TOOK BACK TO DEALER. CHARGED ME FOR NEW SPARK PLUGS FIRST THEN FOUND OTHER PROBLEMS (BELIEVE IT WAS AIR FLOW SENSOR.) AT 72,000, TOOK BACK TO DEALER FOR EXCESSIVE OIL USE. CHANGED OIL AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK WHEN IT HAD BURNED A QUART. ON THE WAY HOME FROM DEALER, ENGINE BLEW UP. UNDER GM EXTENDED WARRANTY, LOWER HALF OF ENGINE REPLACED. THREE WEEKS AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED (WHICH TOOK A MONTH) TRANSMISSION DIED. REPLACED TRANNY UNDER WARRANTY. APPARENTLY I'M LUCKY IT WAS UNDER THE CHEVY NAME AND NOT TOYOTA, BUT SAME PROBLEM IS NOTED ON A NUMBER OF THOSE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-09
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY 2000 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 8,000 MILES AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT UNTIL RECENTLY. EVEN THOUGH I FAITHFULLY CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES I AM NOW EXPERIENCING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH 65,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHICH I AM STILL PAYING OFF. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT GMC HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE THAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. IT NOW HAS AN INTAKE VALUE FAILURE AND PISTON PROBLEMS. I HAVE OWNED MANY OTHER VECHILES AND AS LONG AS I MAINTAINED THEM THEY RAN GREAT UNTIL 100,000 PLUS MILES. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE? NOT IMPRESSED. I THOUGHT GOING GMC WOULD GIVE ME A RELIABLE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE TO PUT IN OVER $1,000 OR REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $3,000 TO $4,000. WHEN I GO TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHILE I WILL KEEP THIS IN MIND!!!!!
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-29
- VIN: 1Y1SK528XYZ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING OF A HIGHWAY AND MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 60 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HOOD OPENED AND HIT MY WINDSHIELD. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A HUGE ACCIDENT WITH OTHER CARS AS I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. LUCKLY I DID NOT LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR AND I PULLED IT ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. LATCH WAS WORKING FINE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD. NOW HAVE LOT OF DENTS ON THE FRONT OF THE ROOF. HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC. THE COST OF REPAIR WAS ABOUT $1500.00. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-22
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION BECAME INOPERABLE. KEY WOULD NOT TURN, THE KEY CYLINDER AND SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME WAS OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR 2003. IN BOTH OCCURANCES THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-10
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR JUST A FEW MONTHS, BOUGHT NEW, I NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON/OFF AS IT PLEASED. SOMETIMES WITH BEING BELTED IN, IT WOULD SHOW UP, AND OTHERTIMES IT WOULD BE OFF. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR THIS JOB AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS OVER $300.00, SAYING THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEATBELT. A BIT OFF TO ME.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-10
- VIN: 1Y1SK5289YZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HAVE DAMAGED LIFTERS IN 2000 CHEVY PRIZM ENGINE MADE BY TOYOTA, DUE TO A MFG. DEFECT, ACCORDING TO MY CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPAIMAN. HE SAYS UPPER ENGINE DRAIN HOLES FOR OIL WERE DRILLED SMALLER THAN AMERICAN MADE MOTORS WHICH WILL GUM UP AND RESTRICT FLOW OF OIL, CAUSING DAMAGE TO HYDRAULIC LIFTERS. EXTENT OF DAMAGE UNTIL ENGINE IS TORN DOWN IS UNDETERMINABLE. AT THE LEAST, TRADE IN VALUE IS MUCH DIMISHED DUE TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE NOISE. MILEAGE-39,000. *LA
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-14
- VIN: 2C1MR226XY6
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILS TO COOL, FAILS TO COOL, WARMER AIR COMING OUT. COULDN'T FIND ANY LEAK, ADDED COOLANT, THIRD VISIT REPLACED PART OF AIR CONDITIONER, 1 YEAR LATER FAILING TO COOL AGAIN, SOME VALVE WAS STUCK, $70 NOW THAT WARRANTY IS UP, RESISTER NOT WORKING CORREXCTLY, ONLY WORKS ON HIGHEST TWO OPTIONS, WANTED TO CHARGE ANOTHER $100 FOR REPLACEMENT, CAN'T AFFORD. 2000 GEO METRO, ROGER DEAN CHEVROLET IS NOT EXACTLY A GOOD AIR CONDITIONER ANYWAY, NOT VERY COOL WHEN WORKING RIGHT. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER PARKING VEHICLE FOR ONLY FIVE MINUTES CONSUMER RETURNED TO VEHICLE AND NOTICED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-10
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: SAFETY LATCH ON HOOD MALFUNCTIONED SO HOOD NOT SECURE. HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE CAR TRAVELING AT APPROX 50MPH. LATCH IS SPRING LOADED BUT SPRING DID NOT WORK. LATCH DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CORRODED. WINDSHIELD CRACKED. HOOD DAMAGED TOATL COST $1700. *AK
2000 Chevrolet Prizm recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm.
- 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.
Negative 2000 Chevrolet Prizm car reviews
Positive 2000 Chevrolet Prizm car reviews
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In the 3 years that I have had my Prizm, I have only needed to do regular maintenance (which is not something you can say about many cars!). The great gas mileage has also saved me a bundle. Although the car is a little small, it is perfect for a single person. It is spacious enough to transport people when needed, and the storage room is great.
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I bought this car used 3 months ago from a dealer in Ohio and I have had no problems with it. I drive it to school daily and it's amazing how many people also have this car.
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Congratulations on your new Prizm! It sounds like you're having a great time driving it. Even though it has an automatic transmission, it quickly picks up to the speed limit, which is impressive. Just be careful not to speed! The 16 valve DOHC vvti engine from Toyota is a great addition, and it's great to hear that the gas mileage is similar to your former car, the Accent. The ride is generally smooth, although it can get a bit bumpy on rough roads.
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I've been driving this car for about a month now and I must say, it's been great! Although I've put on quite a few miles already (from driving it a lot!), the car still runs smoothly. It's also very fuel-efficient, as I can go up to 310 miles on a single tank! While the interior could be improved, especially in terms of floor space in the back, the AC works great and the sound system is superb. My two-year-old also loves that he can see out the window! Overall, I haven't had any major issues with this car, except for the fact that it doesn't have a very fast pickup and the shocks could be better. In my opinion, it's like a smaller version of a Malibu.
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This is my second prism and I would definitely choose it again! It's a fantastic car that performs really well. The best part is that it's just as good as a Toyota, but at a more affordable price.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems:
2000 Chevrolet Prizm Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2000 Chevrolet Prizm? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2000 Chevrolet Prizm.
Q&A: 2000 Chevy Prizm Tail Lights - Troubleshooting & Solutions
May 16, 2008 ... That could be it. I have run into the problem that happens sometimes with service manuals - they don't always have accurate information or ...
2000 Chevrolet Prizm - Check engine, code PO420??
Aug 16, 2016 ... You can buy an inexpensive scan tool nowadays so you can do the same in case another problem comes up .. Just scan the system for codes every ...
Common 2002 Chevy Prizm Problems - Q&A for Engine Issues ...
Mar 24, 2013 ... I have a 2002 Chevy Prizm LSI with a P0171 engine code. Based upon what I've read here and elsewhere, I decided to give - Answered by a ...
2001 Chevy Prizm LSi - Burns Tons of Oil - Maintenance/Repairs ...
Mar 30, 2014 ... These apparently aren't widely known to have oil consumption issues ... Some 2000-2002 Corolla/Prizm cars are known ... 2001 Chevrolet Prizm engine ...
Other years of Chevrolet Prizm
Are you having problems with your 2000 Chevrolet Prizm?
Brayan Parker 2025-01-05
This car has proven to be extremely reliable, with over 20,000 miles driven in 2 years without a single mechanical issue. While there are some minor inconveniences, such as the car consuming oil at a higher rate when driven on the freeway, these are easily manageable. Additionally, it is recommended to let the car warm up before driving to avoid any potential stalling. The car's performance in snowy conditions may not be ideal, but it still functions well in most situations. Overall, this car is a great choice for those seeking a reliable vehicle.
Demario Hegmann 2024-08-12
This car has had some issues over the years, including burning engine oil too rapidly and a persistent front end alignment problem. The A/C unit also broke a few years ago, but I was able to replace it with a much better one. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter went out just after passing smog, which was a costly repair required for DMV renewal. Despite these setbacks, the car has served me well for over 100,000 miles. However, it may be time to consider purchasing a new car.
Tyrell Feest 2024-02-01
I have had my Prizm for just over a year and I will not buy another car like it again. It consumes oil excessively, the inner door handle on the driver's side is broken, and the clear coat on the hood has peeled off. Additionally, it hesitates when pulling out, which is very dangerous. Unfortunately, my fuel pump just failed today.