Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Chevrolet PRIZM recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

155 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

69,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 to 2002 model years. Data updated: . 82 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1990
0
1991
0
1996
0
1998
0
1999
0
2000
0
2001
0
2002
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19900
19910
19960
19980
19990
20000
20010
20020

1990: 0; 1991: 0; 1996: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0

Year-by-year records

Chevrolet PRIZM model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
199010Not available
1991200
199610Not available
1998270Not available
19993600
20002400
20014500
20021900

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

155 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

52.9%Usable mileage82 / 155 records
90.3%Valid incident date140 / 155 records
100.0%Valid filing date155 / 155 records
89.7%Ordered incident and filing dates139 / 155 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19901991199619981999200020012002
Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

311.1%
ODI 10487999 · 125,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER LOOSE GRAVEL, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT ENDED UP OVER STEERING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,00…

Look up ODI 10487999 at NHTSA ↗

513.9%
ODI 10018721 · 100,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING MY MVA,CAUSING ME EXTENSIVE PROBLEMS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10018721 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10583199 · 56,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10583199 at NHTSA ↗

24.4%
ODI 10026185 · 36,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALSO THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK. THE CONSUMER SON WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10026185 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10726851 · 73,000 mi

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 S…

Look up ODI 10726851 at NHTSA ↗

Tires
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10236344 · 139,144 mi

4 NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON FEB. 7, 2007. THREE OF THEM WENT FLAT BETWEEN JUNE 9, 2008 AND JULY 17, 2008 AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES WHILE RIDING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRE STORE FOUND NO FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE 3 TIRES, BUT DID REPORT THAT THE VALVE STEMS WERE CRACKED. A POLICE OFFICER CHANGED THE TIRE ON 7/16 AND A SHERIFF DEPUTY WITNESSED THE TIRE CHANGE ON 7/17 (NO REPORT FILED). THERE WERE SMOG ALERTS EACH TIME. AN OIL-LUBE PLACE FILLED TIRES ON 7/12. THE TIRE DEALER AGAIN SAID HE FILLED THE TIRES ON 7/16. THERE WAS A SLOW LEAK FROM THE VAL…

Look up ODI 10236344 at NHTSA ↗

311.1%
ODI 607640

TIRE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT. FIRESTONE - DOT W18JF6L497, SIZE - P175/65R14.

Look up ODI 607640 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 10838498 · 140,629 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10838498 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10163681

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

Look up ODI 10163681 at NHTSA ↗

48.9%
ODI 10065482 · 21,000 mi

VEHICLE SKID WHILE MAKING TURNS. *PH AFTER 21,000 MILES, TIRES HAVE SHOWN EXCESSIVE WEARING. TIRES WERE REPLACED. *LA

Look up ODI 10065482 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10257122

I INSTALLED FOUR KUMHO 795 TIRES (P185/65R14) ON 10/03/2006 ON MY 2002 CHEVROLET PRISM LSI. IN NOVEMBER 2008, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, ONE TIRE (FRONT PASSENGER SIDE) RUPTURED ON THE INSIDE SIDE WALL. I WAS LUCKY NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I WENT TO THE DEALER (EXECUTIVE WHOLESALE TIRE, ROCKVILLE, MD) AND THE DEALER INSISTED I MUST HAVE HIT A POTHOLE. THIS TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A KUMHO KR-21 FREE, SINCE KUMHO OFFERED THE ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY ON THE 795 TIRES. AFTER THIS TIRE WAS INSTALLED, THE TIRES WERE …

Look up ODI 10257122 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

311.1%
ODI 854241

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT OR SIDE DRIVER'S & PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS, WHICH MAY DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY OR WONT DEPLOY AT ALL IN EVENT OF A CRASH, FAILING TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS. BEEN TO DEALER SINCE OCT. 24, 1999, AND DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY MAY REWIRE THE VEHICLE,S SYSTEM. *AK

Look up ODI 854241 at NHTSA ↗

411.1%
ODI 10046395 · 51,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON ICY ROADS, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A EMBANKMENT AND HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CONSUMERS CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SPINAL/FACIAL, AND HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, IT WAS NOTED THAT FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSORS HAD BEEN DAMAGED IN THE CRASH. *AK *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10046395 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

48.9%
ODI 10010043

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUFFERED BACK INJURIES.*JB

Look up ODI 10010043 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10092732

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS RESULT, MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRED. NO WARNING LIGHT APPEARED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *TC

Look up ODI 10092732 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.3%
ODI 10087706

CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE CONSUMED EVERY 1000 MILES ONE QUART OF OIL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT SHOP THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10087706 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10121612 · 72,086 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10121612 at NHTSA ↗

511.1%
ODI 10197677 · 50,000 mi

I OWN A 2001 AND A 2002 CHEVY PRIZM. BOTH CARS ARE USING EXCESSIVE OIL (SEVERAL QUARTS EVERY 100 MILES EACH). DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO CARBON BUILDUP IN THE CYLINDERS. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED AROUND 50,000 MILES. THE CHEVY PRIZM IS REALLY A TOYOTA COROLLA. TOYOTA HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND HAS WARRANTED THE REPAIR. GENERAL MOTORS IS NOT ASSISTING ITS CUSTOMERS WITH THE REPAIR. I GUESS THAT IS WHY TOYOTA IS NUMBER ONE CAR MAKER AND GM IS NUMBER 2. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT AGAIN. *JB

Look up ODI 10197677 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10284716 · 67,000 mi

PURCHASED CAR JULY '09 WITH 64,000 ON ENGINE. VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH 90 DAY WARRANTY. 2700 MILES AFTER PURCHASE, ENGINE EMITTED BLUE SMOKE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, PISTONS HOLD NO COMPRESSION, ONE VALVE SHOT, REPAIR SHOP AND WARRANTY COMPANY STATE VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE, NEEDS REPLACEMENT ENGINE, POTENTIAL VALVE DAMAGE., ENGINE COULD CEASE IF DRIVEN. *TR

Look up ODI 10284716 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

411.1%
ODI 10243443 · 60,040 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND HEARD AN EXCESSIVELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AND CONTINUED TO RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THIS WAS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,040.

Look up ODI 10243443 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

36.7%
ODI 10089135 · 49,385 mi

PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM ON 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM.*MR THE VEHICLE'S OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL FILTER INSIDE THE TANK AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10089135 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10258185 · 50,000 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON PERMANENTLY. THIS CAN BE TEMPORARILY TURNED OFF BY MECHANICS BUT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON AGAIN. SINCE THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, THIS WARNING LIGHT IS USELESS IF I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10258185 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.3%
ODI 10468023 · 90,000 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10468023 at NHTSA ↗

48.9%
ODI 10459953 · 53,336 mi

ENGINE IS EATING OIL!! -- I PURCHASED AN 18-MONTH OLD CHEVY PRIZM LSI WITH A 1ZZ-FE 1.8L ENGINE BACK IN NOVEMBER 2002 WITH ABOUT 27K MILES. THIS CAR IS STILL IN MINT CONDITION. IT'S GARAGED AND I DO ALL THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND USE PURE SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED IT. UNFORTUNATELY AT ABOUT 50K MILES, MY ENGINE STARTED EATING UP OIL AT ABOUT 1 QUART PER 200 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE 1ZZ FE 1.8L ENGINE BLOCK SERIES, IT APPEARS THIS ENGINE HAS PISTON AND RING PROBLEMS LEADING IT TO CONSUME OIL AT A RAPID PACE. I KEEP A CASE …

Look up ODI 10459953 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 11103606

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.

Look up ODI 11103606 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10011728

NAR 03/13/2003 WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISES. A MINUTE AFTER, THE ENGINE BLEW WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. DAMAGES OCCURED IN ENGINE AND BOTTOM HOOD. *CB *JB

Look up ODI 10011728 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.8%
ODI 10202874

AT 80,000 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING PO 441: EVAP PURGE FLOW. THIS IS GETTING WAY TO COMMON AMONG THESE CARS, PLEASE ADMIT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND FIX IT. (TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED THE PROBLEM ON 1998 MODELS, AND HAS CUT A DEAL WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO RETROFIT OLD TRUCKS AND BUSES NOT EVEN MADE BY TOYOTA TO MAKE UP FOR THE POLLUTION THEY'VE CAUSED, BUT THAT STILL LEAVES ME PAYING TO HAVE THIS DESIGN FLAW FIXED). *TR

Look up ODI 10202874 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10081004 · 39,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10081004 at NHTSA ↗

24.4%
ODI 10131681 · 25,083 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER STATE HIS 2001 CHEVROLET PRISM WAS HESITATING AND STALLING ON A COLD START. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING IN THE MORNINGS WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD AND SET OVERNIGHT. THE WEATHER WAS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE OWNER DID HAVE A COPY OF TSB 1538049 WHICH INDICATED PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP WITH VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. THE OWNERS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 31,000 MILES, AND WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD. THE OWNER TALKED TO GM, AND THEY SAID THAT WHAT EVER IT COST TO HAVE THE V…

Look up ODI 10131681 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10202989 · 72,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. TWO YEARS AGO, THE EMISSIONS CONTROL BOX FAILED AT 41,000 MILES AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. AT 72,000 MILES, THE ENGINE HAS A PISTON KNOCK. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE KNOCKING HAS WORSENED. THE REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN MADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS A LICENSED MECHANIC AND HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE PURCHASE DATE AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE …

Look up ODI 10202989 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 865498

CONSUMER HAS FRONTAL & SIDE AIRBAGS. THEY DON'T DEPLOY, BUT THE SENSORS GO OUT WHICH MEANS THEY WILL NOT WORK & THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED THROUGH THE DEALER 5 TIMES. GMC SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN THEY WOULD ORDER ANOTHER PART. VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SURGES, AC TROUBLE, AND TRUNK LEAKING, FOR ALL OF WHICH VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 865498 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 847013

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES,AND DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 847013 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

36.7%
ODI 10121797 · 76,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE ON MY 2001 CHEVY PRIZM. AS A RESULT I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE ENGINE REPLACED 2,500$-TO SAY THE LEAST ENGINE FAILURE ON ANY HIGHWAY IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS CAR WAS OURCHASED BY ME -BRAND NEW-AND HAD BEEN PROOPERLY MAINTAINED.

Look up ODI 10121797 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags63,000–112,500 mi73,000 mi7
ODI 10487999 · 125,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER LOOSE GRAVEL, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT ENDED UP OVER STEERING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,00…

Look up ODI 10487999 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10018721 · 100,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING MY MVA,CAUSING ME EXTENSIVE PROBLEMS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10018721 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10525904 · 70,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO HELP A FRIEND MOVE ABOUT 4 BLOCK FROM MY APARTMENT COMPLEX ON THURSDAY 18TH JULY AT APPROXIMATELY 12:20PM. ABOUT TWO BLOCKS FROM MY APARTMENT, I LOOKED OVER TO MY RIGHT SHOULDER TO CHECK MY BLIND SPOT TO MERGE INTO THE NEXT LANE AND WHEN I TURNED BACK THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND STOPPED SUDDENLY. BY THIS TIME I WAS WITHIN TWO CAR LENGTHS AWAY AND SLAMMED MY BRAKES. MY CAR BEGAN SLOWING DOWN BUT SLID STRAIGHT INTO THE BACK OF HER VEHICLE. AFTER I REAR ENDED HER I LOOK AHEAD AND NOTICE A 4 CAR BUILD UP WIT…

Look up ODI 10525904 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range100,837 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10236344 · 139,144 mi

4 NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON FEB. 7, 2007. THREE OF THEM WENT FLAT BETWEEN JUNE 9, 2008 AND JULY 17, 2008 AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES WHILE RIDING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRE STORE FOUND NO FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE 3 TIRES, BUT DID REPORT THAT THE VALVE STEMS WERE CRACKED. A POLICE OFFICER CHANGED THE TIRE ON 7/16 AND A SHERIFF DEPUTY WITNESSED THE TIRE CHANGE ON 7/17 (NO REPORT FILED). THERE WERE SMOG ALERTS EACH TIME. AN OIL-LUBE PLACE FILLED TIRES ON 7/12. THE TIRE DEALER AGAIN SAID HE FILLED THE TIRES ON 7/16. THERE WAS A SLOW LEAK FROM THE VAL…

Look up ODI 10236344 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10838498 · 140,629 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10838498 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10065482 · 21,000 mi

VEHICLE SKID WHILE MAKING TURNS. *PH AFTER 21,000 MILES, TIRES HAVE SHOWN EXCESSIVE WEARING. TIRES WERE REPLACED. *LA

Look up ODI 10065482 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range50,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10046395 · 51,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON ICY ROADS, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A EMBANKMENT AND HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CONSUMERS CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SPINAL/FACIAL, AND HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, IT WAS NOTED THAT FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSORS HAD BEEN DAMAGED IN THE CRASH. *AK *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10046395 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10050345 · 50,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE AND ALSO ON THE FRONT. UPON IMPACT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. *AK

Look up ODI 10050345 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling64,375–73,522 mi71,000 mi10
ODI 10192374 · 89,090 mi

THE THROTTLE ON MY CAR STUCK AT FULL OR NEARLY FULL WHEN I ACCELERATED TO PASS A VEHICLE. I FIRMLY DEPRESSED AND HELD THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEN TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: CHECKED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVE; CHECKED THAT NOTHING WAS DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR; PULLED BACK ON THE ACCELERATOR; WHILE CONTINUING TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO ACC; PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE MECHANIC AT THE GARAGE STATED THAT A PIN HAD COME OFF OF THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY, E…

Look up ODI 10192374 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121612 · 72,086 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10121612 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10205503 · 74,000 mi

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 10…

Look up ODI 10205503 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System52,510–128,000 mi76,020 mi6
ODI 10243443 · 60,040 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND HEARD AN EXCESSIVELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AND CONTINUED TO RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THIS WAS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,040.

Look up ODI 10243443 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10693698 · 140,000 mi

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 NUMB…

Look up ODI 10693698 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10089135 · 49,385 mi

PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM ON 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM.*MR THE VEHICLE'S OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL FILTER INSIDE THE TANK AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10089135 at NHTSA ↗

Engine70,250–117,750 mi88,000 mi6
ODI 10468023 · 90,000 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10468023 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10672152 · 130,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10672152 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459953 · 53,336 mi

ENGINE IS EATING OIL!! -- I PURCHASED AN 18-MONTH OLD CHEVY PRIZM LSI WITH A 1ZZ-FE 1.8L ENGINE BACK IN NOVEMBER 2002 WITH ABOUT 27K MILES. THIS CAR IS STILL IN MINT CONDITION. IT'S GARAGED AND I DO ALL THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND USE PURE SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED IT. UNFORTUNATELY AT ABOUT 50K MILES, MY ENGINE STARTED EATING UP OIL AT ABOUT 1 QUART PER 200 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE 1ZZ FE 1.8L ENGINE BLOCK SERIES, IT APPEARS THIS ENGINE HAS PISTON AND RING PROBLEMS LEADING IT TO CONSUME OIL AT A RAPID PACE. I KEEP A CASE …

Look up ODI 10459953 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine39,000–72,000 mi62,000 mi5
ODI 10081004 · 39,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10081004 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10376751 · 94,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10376751 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10131681 · 25,083 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER STATE HIS 2001 CHEVROLET PRISM WAS HESITATING AND STALLING ON A COLD START. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING IN THE MORNINGS WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD AND SET OVERNIGHT. THE WEATHER WAS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE OWNER DID HAVE A COPY OF TSB 1538049 WHICH INDICATED PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP WITH VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. THE OWNERS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 31,000 MILES, AND WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD. THE OWNER TALKED TO GM, AND THEY SAID THAT WHAT EVER IT COST TO HAVE THE V…

Look up ODI 10131681 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineToo few reports for a range63,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10121797 · 76,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE ON MY 2001 CHEVY PRIZM. AS A RESULT I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE ENGINE REPLACED 2,500$-TO SAY THE LEAST ENGINE FAILURE ON ANY HIGHWAY IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS CAR WAS OURCHASED BY ME -BRAND NEW-AND HAD BEEN PROOPERLY MAINTAINED.

Look up ODI 10121797 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10166049 · 60,000 mi

MY 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM, WHICH HAS A TOYOTA ENGINE, STALLS WHEN ACCELERATED JUST AFTER STARTING. PUMPING THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES GETS THE CAR MOVING AGAIN NORMALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR A WHILE. THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THERE WERE NO ISSUES. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *NM

Look up ODI 10166049 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10212368 · 63,500 mi

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (ONE QUART LOW EVERY 300-400 MILES), WORSENING, APPEARS TO BE KNOWN DEFECT FOR TOYOTA SUPPLIED ENGINES IN 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM AND POSSIBLY OTHER YEARS OF THIS MOTOR TYPE (POSSIBLE FACTORY RING, VALVE EARLY FAILURE ISSUES), NO LEAKS OR HEAVY SMOKE APPARENT, AIR FILTER NORMAL WITH NO APPARENT BLOW-BY FROM RINGS AT THAT POINT. REGULAR OIL AND FILTER CHANGES, CAR DRIVEN DAILY FOR LOCAL USE, NO OTHER KNOWN DEFECTS OR RECURRING PROBLEMS, CAR OPERATES NORMALLY OTHER THAN HIGH OIL AMOUNTS USED. *TR

Look up ODI 10212368 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 28 reports

2001: 8 complaints · 2002: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001018
2002223
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20014122
20021801

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsTiresAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine CoolingElectrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
Air Bags—0000000
Tires0—000000
Air Bags:Frontal00—0000
1
ODI 865498

CONSUMER HAS FRONTAL & SIDE AIRBAGS. THEY DON'T DEPLOY, BUT THE SENSORS GO OUT WHICH MEANS THEY WILL NOT WORK & THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED THROUGH THE DEALER 5 TIMES. GMC SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN THEY WOULD ORDER ANOTHER PART. VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SURGES, AC TROUBLE, AND TRUNK LEAKING, FOR ALL OF WHICH VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 865498 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling000—
1
ODI 10312110

1999 CHEVROLET PRISM HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTINGUISHED BY PASSING MOTORISTS. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0029-90 UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF

Look up ODI 10312110 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10212368 · 63,500 mi

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (ONE QUART LOW EVERY 300-400 MILES), WORSENING, APPEARS TO BE KNOWN DEFECT FOR TOYOTA SUPPLIED ENGINES IN 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM AND POSSIBLY OTHER YEARS OF THIS MOTOR TYPE (POSSIBLE FACTORY RING, VALVE EARLY FAILURE ISSUES), NO LEAKS OR HEAVY SMOKE APPARENT, AIR FILTER NORMAL WITH NO APPARENT BLOW-BY FROM RINGS AT THAT POINT. REGULAR OIL AND FILTER CHANGES, CAR DRIVEN DAILY FOR LOCAL USE, NO OTHER KNOWN DEFECTS OR RECURRING PROBLEMS, CAR OPERATES NORMALLY OTHER THAN HIGH OIL AMOUNTS USED. *TR

Look up ODI 10212368 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System000
1
ODI 10312110

1999 CHEVROLET PRISM HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTINGUISHED BY PASSING MOTORISTS. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0029-90 UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF

Look up ODI 10312110 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Engine00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00
1
ODI 865498

CONSUMER HAS FRONTAL & SIDE AIRBAGS. THEY DON'T DEPLOY, BUT THE SENSORS GO OUT WHICH MEANS THEY WILL NOT WORK & THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED THROUGH THE DEALER 5 TIMES. GMC SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN THEY WOULD ORDER ANOTHER PART. VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SURGES, AC TROUBLE, AND TRUNK LEAKING, FOR ALL OF WHICH VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 865498 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10212368 · 63,500 mi

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (ONE QUART LOW EVERY 300-400 MILES), WORSENING, APPEARS TO BE KNOWN DEFECT FOR TOYOTA SUPPLIED ENGINES IN 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM AND POSSIBLY OTHER YEARS OF THIS MOTOR TYPE (POSSIBLE FACTORY RING, VALVE EARLY FAILURE ISSUES), NO LEAKS OR HEAVY SMOKE APPARENT, AIR FILTER NORMAL WITH NO APPARENT BLOW-BY FROM RINGS AT THAT POINT. REGULAR OIL AND FILTER CHANGES, CAR DRIVEN DAILY FOR LOCAL USE, NO OTHER KNOWN DEFECTS OR RECURRING PROBLEMS, CAR OPERATES NORMALLY OTHER THAN HIGH OIL AMOUNTS USED. *TR

Look up ODI 10212368 at NHTSA ↗

000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

15 mentions · 9.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,020 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10202874

AT 80,000 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING PO 441: EVAP PURGE FLOW. THIS IS GETTING WAY TO COMMON AMONG THESE CARS, PLEASE ADMIT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND FIX IT. (TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED THE PROBLEM ON 1998 MODELS, AND HAS CUT A DEAL WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO RETROFIT OLD TRUCKS AND BUSES NOT EVEN MADE BY TOYOTA TO MAKE UP FOR THE POLLUTION THEY'VE CAUSED, BUT THAT STILL LEAVES ME PAYING TO HAVE THIS DESIGN FLAW FIXED). *TR

Look up ODI 10202874 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10243443 · 60,040 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND HEARD AN EXCESSIVELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AND CONTINUED TO RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THIS WAS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,040.

Look up ODI 10243443 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10693698 · 140,000 mi

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 NUMB…

Look up ODI 10693698 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

11 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,000 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10121612 · 72,086 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10121612 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10376751 · 94,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10376751 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10468023 · 90,000 mi

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. …

Look up ODI 10468023 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,545 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10192374 · 89,090 mi

THE THROTTLE ON MY CAR STUCK AT FULL OR NEARLY FULL WHEN I ACCELERATED TO PASS A VEHICLE. I FIRMLY DEPRESSED AND HELD THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEN TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: CHECKED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVE; CHECKED THAT NOTHING WAS DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR; PULLED BACK ON THE ACCELERATOR; WHILE CONTINUING TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO ACC; PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE MECHANIC AT THE GARAGE STATED THAT A PIN HAD COME OFF OF THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY, E…

Look up ODI 10192374 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10617680 · 78,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10617680 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10672152 · 130,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10672152 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 847013

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES,AND DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 847013 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10131681 · 25,083 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER STATE HIS 2001 CHEVROLET PRISM WAS HESITATING AND STALLING ON A COLD START. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING IN THE MORNINGS WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD AND SET OVERNIGHT. THE WEATHER WAS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE OWNER DID HAVE A COPY OF TSB 1538049 WHICH INDICATED PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP WITH VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. THE OWNERS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 31,000 MILES, AND WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD. THE OWNER TALKED TO GM, AND THEY SAID THAT WHAT EVER IT COST TO HAVE THE V…

Look up ODI 10131681 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10166049 · 60,000 mi

MY 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM, WHICH HAS A TOYOTA ENGINE, STALLS WHEN ACCELERATED JUST AFTER STARTING. PUMPING THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES GETS THE CAR MOVING AGAIN NORMALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR A WHILE. THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THERE WERE NO ISSUES. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *NM

Look up ODI 10166049 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 240,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11155706 · 240,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 11155706 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10348768

2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP *TGW

Look up ODI 10348768 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10147223 · 70,000 mi

IN APPROXIMATELY JANUARY 2005 I DETECTED A GAS SMELL WHEN USING THE HEATER IN MY 1999 CHEVY PRIZM (70K MILES). THE SMELL WAS OVERWHELMING AND I HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW WHEN DRIVING OR I WOULD GET HEADACHES. I DETERMINED THAT THE SMELL ONLY OCCURRED WHEN USING OUTSIDE AIR FOR THE HEATER A/C UNIT AS I COULD NOT SMELL GAS WHEN THE INSIDE AIR SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED. USING ONLY THE INSIDE AIR SWITCH, I FOOLISHLY WAITED NEARLY 12 MONTHS BEFORE TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC. IN JANUARY 2006 THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING AT A SIGN…

Look up ODI 10147223 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b