Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Geo PRIZM problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

50 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

104,662 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 50 complaints (24.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior714.0%
Steering behavior612.0%
Electrical and battery issues24.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
12
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
7
Seat Belts
5
Air Bags
2
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
2
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
2
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
2
Seat Belts:Rear/Other
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal12
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor7
Seat Belts5
Air Bags2
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood2
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights2
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage2
Seat Belts:Rear/Other2

Air Bags:Frontal: 12; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 7; Seat Belts: 5; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 2; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 2; Seat Belts:Rear/Other: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
6
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9996
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 1

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 39 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
2
1998
6
1999
11
2000
7
2001
8
2002
4
2003
5
2004
3
2005
2
2006
1
2011
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19972
19986
199911
20007
20018
20024
20035
20043
20052
20061
20111

1997: 2; 1998: 6; 1999: 11; 2000: 7; 2001: 8; 2002: 4; 2003: 5; 2004: 3; 2005: 2; 2006: 1; 2011: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 536957 · 1998-06-19 (June 19, 1998)

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND BULBS FAILED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 536957 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 714503 · 1999-11-08 (November 8, 1999)

1ST INCIDENT - WIFE EXITED HIGHWAY ONTO RAMP AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND RR WHEEL STRUCK CURB CAUSING $350 IN DAMAGES. AT THIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS DRIVER ERROR, BUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF MASTER CYLINDER AND 1 BRAKE CALIPER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS FAULTY, SINCE AIR COULD NOT BE BLED FROM THE LF CALIPER. COST OF NEW VALVE FROM DEALER - $250. I THEN RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 714503 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10161797 · 2006-07-07 (July 7, 2006)

ON 4/19/05 I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 97 GEO PRISM. THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY CAUSING ME TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH CAUSING SEVERE INJURY TO MYSELF AND MINOR PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. I ORIGINALLY FILED COMPLAINT THROUGH MY ATTORNEY KENNETH MILLER, JR. BATON ROUGE, LA. I WANT TO SETTLE THIS CASE ASAP. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 112,650 miles reported. Look up ODI 10161797 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 534951 · 1998-04-30 (April 30, 1998)

VEHICLE DOES NOT CONTAIN A FRONT STABILIZER BAR, RESULTING IS LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 534951 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10064098 · 2004-03-29 (March 29, 2004)

A FEW MINUTES AFTER I STARTED MY 1997' GEO PRIZM ON THE EVENING OF 3/7/04, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT SIX BLOCKS TO A SERVICE STATION; BY THE TIME I PULLED IN AND POPPED THE HOOD, IT STARTED TO SMELL HOT- ALTHOUGH TEMP GAUGE WAS STILL NORMAL. I POPPED THE HOOD, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, AND TRIED TO TURN VEHICLE OFF. I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT THE CAR KEPT RUNNING, AND TRYING TO CONTINUOUSLY RESTART ITSELF. I SEARCHED THE TRUNK FOR TOOLS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY; AT THIS POINT THE E…

Owner-reported narrative. 104,662 miles reported. Look up ODI 10064098 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 884232 · 2001-03-26 (March 26, 2001)

UNDER HOOD FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. MANUFACTURERNOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 884232 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

22.0%Usable mileage11 / 50 records
78.0%Valid incident date39 / 50 records
100.0%Valid filing date50 / 50 records
78.0%Ordered incident and filing dates39 / 50 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
Component1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Air Bags:Frontal
12.7%
ODI 959294

DURING HEAD ON COLLISION AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT

Look up ODI 959294 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.0%
ODI 809138

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 809138 at NHTSA ↗

1519.5%
ODI 481942

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK

Look up ODI 481942 at NHTSA ↗

3526.1%
ODI 10043976 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON FLAT SURFACE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER SUSTAINED BURN ING FACE INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 10043976 at NHTSA ↗

2425.0%
ODI 10083585

WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE TECHNICIAN AT THE GARAGE INDICATED THE PROBLEM SHE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER WITH THE RECALL INFORMATION BUT THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *NM

Look up ODI 10083585 at NHTSA ↗

2032.8%
ODI 545344

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED INJURIES TO CONSUMER. MJS

Look up ODI 545344 at NHTSA ↗

1224.0%
ODI 10000228 · 101,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAY, REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 25MPH. RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END, AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED!

Look up ODI 10000228 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 831057

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE RIGHT REAR AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 831057 at NHTSA ↗

625.0%
ODI 718442

AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR, AND THIS WOULD NOT PREVENT THE FRONT AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING. DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE DEFECT, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM, AND THEY REMOVED THE SENSOR THAT WAS BAD (FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG), BUT DIDN'T HAVE ONE TO REPLACE IT WITH. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY COULD NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. DANIEL'S …

Look up ODI 718442 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body:Door
410.8%
ODI 528864

ALL OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IN VEHICLE HAVE BROKEN.

Look up ODI 528864 at NHTSA ↗

1328.3%
ODI 478143

WHEN PULLING ON INSIDE DOOR RELEASE HANDLE, PLATE BEHIND IT BROKE TWICE, DISABLING DOOR RELEASE. *AK

Look up ODI 478143 at NHTSA ↗

1530.0%
ODI 500754

DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF. *SD

Look up ODI 500754 at NHTSA ↗

56.5%
ODI 505278

AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH BROKEN.

Look up ODI 505278 at NHTSA ↗

21.5%
ODI 710125

POWER LOCK ON RIGHT REAR DOOR STOPPED WORKING. MOLDING CAME OFF ON RIGHT REAR WINDOW. HEATER KNOB AND RADIO VOLUME KNOB BROKE OFF IN 10 DEGREE F. WEATHER.

Look up ODI 710125 at NHTSA ↗

44.2%
ODI 511221

OIL LEAK.

Look up ODI 511221 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10096699 · 78,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAUGHT THE CONSUMER ON THE HEEL TAKING PART OF HER HEEL. THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR WAS VERY SHARP. *JB

Look up ODI 10096699 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
12.7%
ODI 10158868 · 125,500 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME THE SEAT BELT IS USED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED; THE SEAT BELT COULD NO LONGER BE REPLACED DUE TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE PARTS. THERE ARE NO AFTER MARKET PARTS AVAILABLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER DID FIND A PART, NO ONE WAS WILLING TO INSTALL THE LAP BELT FOR FEAR OF LIABILITY. UPDATED 05/30/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10158868 at NHTSA ↗

12.2%
ODI 535638

SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK DURING A REAREND COLLISION.

Look up ODI 535638 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 801350

FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT THE RETRACTOR.*AK *SLC

Look up ODI 801350 at NHTSA ↗

45.2%
ODI 509774

DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT LOCKS UP, PREVENTING DRIVER FROM BUCKLING UP AND MOVING. *AK

Look up ODI 509774 at NHTSA ↗

118.2%
ODI 10025614

NEVER INFORMED OF RECALLS FOR AIR BAG LIGHT AND DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FOUND RECALLS ON NHTSA WEBSITE. NOTIFIED GM, WAITING ON RESPONSE.*AK

Look up ODI 10025614 at NHTSA ↗

1111.5%
ODI 531398

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR JAMS AND BELT CANNOT BE PULLED OUT FAR ENOUGH TO BE BUCKLED.

Look up ODI 531398 at NHTSA ↗

46.6%
ODI 10074626

THE SEAT BELTS LOCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION THEY ARE UNABLE TO BE USED. THIS USUALLY STARTS WITH THEM STICKING WHEN YOU TRY TO PULL THEM DOWN TO BUCKLE. I HAVE TWO GEO PRIZMS A 1996 AND A 1997 THEY BOTH HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME.*AK

Look up ODI 10074626 at NHTSA ↗

714.0%
ODI 10021849

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE. FIRST FAILURE AT 27000 MILES, AND SECOND FAILURE AT 88000 MILES.*AK

Look up ODI 10021849 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 748910

THE SEAT BELT SENSOR DOES NOT ACTIVATE DASH LIGHT WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS NOT IN USE. WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS IN USE BY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT NEED TO PULL THE BELT OUT VERY FAR (I.E. SLENDER, TALL PEOPLE WHO LEAVE THE SEAT AT THE BACK OF THE TRACK), THE DASH LIGHT MISTAKENLY IS LIT.*AK

Look up ODI 748910 at NHTSA ↗

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.

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.

79.1%
ODI 518419

RECALL REPAIR NOT DONE ON THE AIR BAG SENSOR BECAUSE VIN NOT PART OF RECALL. DUP OF 517339, ADDED ON 25-FEB-98. *AK

Look up ODI 518419 at NHTSA ↗

129.0%
ODI 10024012 · 135,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE AIR BAG HAD A DELAY DEPLOYMENT UPON IMPACT.*AK

Look up ODI 10024012 at NHTSA ↗

44.2%
ODI 10093680

REPORTING ON BEHALF OF OUR INSURED. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER HIT POT HOLE. NO FRONTAL IMPACT. INJURY TO DRIVER. AIR BAGS WERE NOT REPAIRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10093680 at NHTSA ↗

23.3%
ODI 11192847 · 228,194 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GEO PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO BOTH ARMS AND CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,194.

Look up ODI 11192847 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 10124706 · 130,000 mi

DURING AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT EQUIPMENT FAILED TO LOCK.*MR EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME TYPE OF INJURY (GEO PRIZM). *NM UPDATED 12/22/05 *JB

Look up ODI 10124706 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

833.3%
ODI 10559215 · 125,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS PUSHED BACKWARD, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN INJURIES TO THE BACK. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING THE SEATBELT AT THE TIME OF THE SEAT FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10559215 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11691084 · 324,000 mi

The contact owns a 1997 Geo Prizm. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 324,000.

Look up ODI 11691084 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.0%
ODI 803128

DRIVING AT SPEED 35MPH, APPLIED BRAKES ON WET SURFACE ABS LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER. *AK

Look up ODI 803128 at NHTSA ↗

33.9%
ODI 10197554 · 180,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 GEO PRIZM. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LONGER THAN EXPECTED BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT CONSTANTLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Look up ODI 10197554 at NHTSA ↗

64.5%
ODI 533852

ABS FAILURE; ALSO, ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.

Look up ODI 533852 at NHTSA ↗

66.3%
ODI 512230

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 512230 at NHTSA ↗

34.9%
ODI 549749

ABS BRAKE MODULE ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING ABS BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE, SB ISSUED CONCERNING ABS LIGHT. YH

Look up ODI 549749 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 714503

1ST INCIDENT - WIFE EXITED HIGHWAY ONTO RAMP AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND RR WHEEL STRUCK CURB CAUSING $350 IN DAMAGES. AT THIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS DRIVER ERROR, BUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF MASTER CYLINDER AND 1 BRAKE CALIPER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS FAULTY, SINCE AIR COULD NOT BE BLED FROM THE LF CALIPER. COST OF NEW VALVE FROM DEALER - $250. I THEN RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FO…

Look up ODI 714503 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

312.5%
ODI 746815

I HAVE INCONSISTANT, "INTERMITENT" LOSS OF BRAKES. 3 PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKES WILL TAKE AT FIRST, DISAPPEAR FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, THE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE RETURNS (SO FAR). THE LOSS HAPPENS IN BOTH COLD/HOT WEATHER & WET/DRY CONDITIONS WITHOUT WARNING. I AM TOLD THE CAR IS 'SAFE' TO DRIVE, ALTHOUGH I CONSIDER THIS PROBLEM 'UNSAFE'.

Look up ODI 746815 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
12.7%
ODI 536032

DOORS MISALIGNED AND NOT FITTING PROPERLY CAUSING THE SENSOR TO LIGHT (NOT CLOSING PROPERLY).

Look up ODI 536032 at NHTSA ↗

919.6%
ODI 481211

ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED. *AW

Look up ODI 481211 at NHTSA ↗

612.0%
ODI 507358

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED IN TWO, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FAIL.*AK

Look up ODI 507358 at NHTSA ↗

67.8%
ODI 10043140

WHILE DRIVING CAR HOME FROM WORK I NOTICED ENGINE NOISE GETTING LOUDER. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING I FOUND THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED COMPLETELY INTO TWO SEPERATE PIECES.ALSO NOTICED ODOR FROM EXHAUST LEAKING INTO PASENGER COMPARTMENT.APARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD THINK THAT EXHAUST FUMES ARE A LARGE PROBLEM FOR MY EIGHTEEN MONTH OLD SON.I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS OR IS INVESTIGATING THIS AND WHAT IF ANYTHING WAS OR WILL BE DONE ABOUT IT. *LA

Look up ODI 10043140 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.0%
ODI 10097986 · 54,000 mi

THE EXHAST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. I WENT TO AN USED AUTO PARTS DEALER AND FOUND THAT THERE WHERE 4 VEHICLES FROM THE SAME PRODUCTION LINE THAT HAD CRACKED EXAUST MAINIFOLDS IN THE SAME LOCATION. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION EXAUST FUMES ENTER THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. TOYOTA COROLLAS COME FROM THE SAME PRODUCTION LINE.

Look up ODI 10097986 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
38.1%
ODI 506136

SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC LATCH PLATE BROKE. *DH

Look up ODI 506136 at NHTSA ↗

36.5%
ODI 708202

THELEFT REAR SEATBELT WILL NOT UNFASTEN. *AK

Look up ODI 708202 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 807008

DRIVING VEHICLE AT A SPEED 55MPH, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AFTER GOING INTO SNOW ENBANKMENT, REAR LAP/SHOULDER BELT UNBUCKLED, PASSENGER WAS THROWN FROM SEAT. *AK

Look up ODI 807008 at NHTSA ↗

22.6%
ODI 706988

DRIVER SIDE SEAL BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. IT WILL NOT ALLOW DRIVER TO BUCKLE IN OR WILL LOCK DRIVER AGAINST SEAT. THE HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY, WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING.

Look up ODI 706988 at NHTSA ↗

43.0%
ODI 532702

SEAT BELT BUCKLE CRACKED WHILE ATTACHING CHILD SAFETY SEAT.

Look up ODI 532702 at NHTSA ↗

33.1%
ODI 704448

I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY CAR ROLLED,AND UPON IMPACT MY SEAT BELTS,BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER POPPED,ALSO MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLY.I SLID ON ICE,WHEN TRY TO CORECT MY CAR SPUN AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AN EMBANKMENT AND TWO TREES AND A ROCK AND MY CAR FLIPPED.I HAD DAMAGE FROM THE FRONT LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO THE TAIL LIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE AND ALSO ROOF AND TRUNK DAMAGE THE TWO DOORS ON DRIVER SIDE WERE PUSHED IN AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLY AND WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED ON ITS ROOF MY SEATBELTS POPPED AND ME AND MY SON DROPPED TO T…

Look up ODI 704448 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 10058976

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT BUCKLE. THE BELT DOES NOT COME OUT OF HOLDER. *AK

Look up ODI 10058976 at NHTSA ↗

12.0%
ODI 726061

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKING UP. *AK

Look up ODI 726061 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.2%
ODI 863619

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK . PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 863619 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 10064705 · 50,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BOLT DETACHED, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10064705 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
12.7%
ODI 968346

DRIVER LAP AND SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK UP DURING IMPACT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 968346 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.0%
ODI 962159

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LOCKS UP WHILE CAR SITTING OVERNIGHT/CAN'T EXTRACT BELT TO FASTEN UP. *AK

Look up ODI 962159 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.0%
ODI 534647

BOLTS NOT ATTACHED TO SEAT BELT ANCHORS.

Look up ODI 534647 at NHTSA ↗

66.3%
ODI 524920

SAFETY BELTS FAILED TO LOCK IN A COLLISION.

Look up ODI 524920 at NHTSA ↗

34.9%
ODI 561094

CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK UP AND NOT RELEASE PROHIBITING ONE FROM PUTTING IT ON, IT WOULD ALSO LOCK UP WHILE WEARING IT RESTRICTING MOVEMENT. *JB

Look up ODI 561094 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 542098

SEAT BELT FAILED SEVERAL TIMES RESULTING IN LOCKING UP.

Look up ODI 542098 at NHTSA ↗

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.

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 Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range112,650 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10000228 · 101,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAY, REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 25MPH. RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END, AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED!

Look up ODI 10000228 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144524 · 132,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Look up ODI 10144524 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10161797 · 112,650 mi

ON 4/19/05 I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 97 GEO PRISM. THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY CAUSING ME TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH CAUSING SEVERE INJURY TO MYSELF AND MINOR PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. I ORIGINALLY FILED COMPLAINT THROUGH MY ATTORNEY KENNETH MILLER, JR. BATON ROUGE, LA. I WANT TO SETTLE THIS CASE ASAP. *NM

Look up ODI 10161797 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:RetractorToo few reports for a range54,306 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10025486 · 12,611 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED AT 12,611 MI (3/29/99) AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MI. (OUT OF WARRANTY TIME BY A FEW MONTHS). CENTRAL CHEVROLET IN FREMONT, CA FIXED BOTH TIMES. 2ND TIME COST $200+ AND RENTAL CAR CHARGE. CENTRAL ADVISED THEY WOULDN'T REDUCE THE COST OF 2ND FAILURE BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY MAINTENANCE SERVICE WORK DONE BY THEM. BACK SEAT, PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS ALSO FAILED (WON'T RETRACT). CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE FIXED. ONLY HAVE 2 USEABLE SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?*AK

Look up ODI 10025486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10028651 · 96,000 mi

I HAVE A 1997 GEO PRIZM. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT FULLY EXTEND AND LOCKS UP MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN TRYING TO PULL IT OUT TO LOCK IN PLACE FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS IS MY SECOND GEO PRIZM THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY THE MANUFACTURER TO GET THIS FIXED ON ALL THEIR CARS. *AK

Look up ODI 10028651 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range130,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10004433 · 115,000 mi

THE DRIVER SEAT BELT LOCKED UP AND DID NOT RELEASE. (THE LOCK MECHANISM WAS BROKE) *TS. THE REAR SEAT BELT ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10004433 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10124706 · 130,000 mi

DURING AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT EQUIPMENT FAILED TO LOCK.*MR EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME TYPE OF INJURY (GEO PRIZM). *NM UPDATED 12/22/05 *JB

Look up ODI 10124706 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10417921 · 167,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GEO PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TOWARDS THE LEFT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT CONNECTING TO THEIR APPROPRIATE BUCKLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURE STATED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Look up ODI 10417921 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range130,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10124706 · 130,000 mi

DURING AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT EQUIPMENT FAILED TO LOCK.*MR EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME TYPE OF INJURY (GEO PRIZM). *NM UPDATED 12/22/05 *JB

Look up ODI 10124706 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodToo few reports for a range104,662 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10064098 · 104,662 mi

A FEW MINUTES AFTER I STARTED MY 1997' GEO PRIZM ON THE EVENING OF 3/7/04, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT SIX BLOCKS TO A SERVICE STATION; BY THE TIME I PULLED IN AND POPPED THE HOOD, IT STARTED TO SMELL HOT- ALTHOUGH TEMP GAUGE WAS STILL NORMAL. I POPPED THE HOOD, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, AND TRIED TO TURN VEHICLE OFF. I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT THE CAR KEPT RUNNING, AND TRYING TO CONTINUOUSLY RESTART ITSELF. I SEARCHED THE TRUNK FOR TOOLS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY; AT THIS POINT THE E…

Look up ODI 10064098 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Rear/OtherToo few reports for a range45,306 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10025486 · 12,611 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED AT 12,611 MI (3/29/99) AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MI. (OUT OF WARRANTY TIME BY A FEW MONTHS). CENTRAL CHEVROLET IN FREMONT, CA FIXED BOTH TIMES. 2ND TIME COST $200+ AND RENTAL CAR CHARGE. CENTRAL ADVISED THEY WOULDN'T REDUCE THE COST OF 2ND FAILURE BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY MAINTENANCE SERVICE WORK DONE BY THEM. BACK SEAT, PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS ALSO FAILED (WON'T RETRACT). CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE FIXED. ONLY HAVE 2 USEABLE SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?*AK

Look up ODI 10025486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10046169 · 78,000 mi

REAR SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR CONSUMER TO INSTALL ANY TYPE OF CHILD SEAT. *AK

Look up ODI 10046169 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 24 reports

2001: 4 complaints · 2002: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001124
2002333
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2001510
2002300

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 Bags:FrontalSeat Belts:Front:RetractorSeat BeltsAir BagsElectrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodExterior Lighting:Brake LightsSeat Belts:Front:AnchorageSeat Belts:Rear/Other
Air Bags:Frontal—0000000
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor0—00000
1
ODI 10025486 · 12,611 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED AT 12,611 MI (3/29/99) AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MI. (OUT OF WARRANTY TIME BY A FEW MONTHS). CENTRAL CHEVROLET IN FREMONT, CA FIXED BOTH TIMES. 2ND TIME COST $200+ AND RENTAL CAR CHARGE. CENTRAL ADVISED THEY WOULDN'T REDUCE THE COST OF 2ND FAILURE BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY MAINTENANCE SERVICE WORK DONE BY THEM. BACK SEAT, PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS ALSO FAILED (WON'T RETRACT). CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE FIXED. ONLY HAVE 2 USEABLE SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?*AK

Look up ODI 10025486 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts00—
1
ODI 10124706 · 130,000 mi

DURING AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT EQUIPMENT FAILED TO LOCK.*MR EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME TYPE OF INJURY (GEO PRIZM). *NM UPDATED 12/22/05 *JB

Look up ODI 10124706 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Air Bags00
1
ODI 10124706 · 130,000 mi

DURING AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT EQUIPMENT FAILED TO LOCK.*MR EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME TYPE OF INJURY (GEO PRIZM). *NM UPDATED 12/22/05 *JB

Look up ODI 10124706 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood0000—000
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights00000—00
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage000000—0
Seat Belts:Rear/Other0
1
ODI 10025486 · 12,611 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED AT 12,611 MI (3/29/99) AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MI. (OUT OF WARRANTY TIME BY A FEW MONTHS). CENTRAL CHEVROLET IN FREMONT, CA FIXED BOTH TIMES. 2ND TIME COST $200+ AND RENTAL CAR CHARGE. CENTRAL ADVISED THEY WOULDN'T REDUCE THE COST OF 2ND FAILURE BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE MY MAINTENANCE SERVICE WORK DONE BY THEM. BACK SEAT, PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS ALSO FAILED (WON'T RETRACT). CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE FIXED. ONLY HAVE 2 USEABLE SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?*AK

Look up ODI 10025486 at NHTSA ↗

00000—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 714503

1ST INCIDENT - WIFE EXITED HIGHWAY ONTO RAMP AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND RR WHEEL STRUCK CURB CAUSING $350 IN DAMAGES. AT THIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS DRIVER ERROR, BUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF MASTER CYLINDER AND 1 BRAKE CALIPER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS FAULTY, SINCE AIR COULD NOT BE BLED FROM THE LF CALIPER. COST OF NEW VALVE FROM DEALER - $250. I THEN RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FO…

Look up ODI 714503 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 715560

THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY.

Look up ODI 715560 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 8011211

AT 40MPH, BRAKES ENGAGE AND CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER ADDS BRAKE LINE, FRONT AND BACK BRAKES FAILED 8,000 MILES LATER RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED TO FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP. MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED. *TT

Look up ODI 8011211 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 837034

WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT THE VEHICLE MAKES NOISES. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP TWICE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

Look up ODI 837034 at NHTSA ↗

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