1996 GEO Prizm Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1996 GEO Prizm recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 1996 GEO Prizm.

Most common 1996 GEO Prizm problems

Problem areas named in the 61 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	22
Seat Belts	14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Power Train	3
Steering	3
Structure	3
Suspension	3
Engine And Engine Cooling	3
Wheels	2
Seats	2

What owners report

2019-04-01, Air Bags
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.

2016-07-05, Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GEO PRIZM. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO OR THREE TIMES PER DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, AT 40,000 MILES, THE TIRES BECAME WORN OUT WITHIN 10,000 MILES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,140.

2005-07-15, Latches/Locks/Linkages
THREE OF MY DOORS ON MY 1996 GEO PRIZM LOCKS HAVE FAILED, SHUTTING THE DOORS PERMANENTLY. I HAVE ONLY ONE DOOR TO GET IN/OUT OF MY CAR. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER GEO OWNERS AND THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I NOW HAVE TO SE IF I CAN FIND A SHOP TO GET THE DOORS UNLOCKED SO I NO LONGER HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE SEAT TO GET IN TO DRIVE. HEAVEN HELP ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.

2004-09-02, Tires
TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING. *MR THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT A PULL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *SC (DAYTON TIRE). *JB

2004-06-04, Seat Belts
REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD UNLOCK FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

1996 GEO Prizm questions

Does the 1996 GEO Prizm have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 1996 GEO Prizm at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 GEO Prizm?

Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (22), Seat Belts (14), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (5).

How do I check if a recall on my 1996 GEO Prizm has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.