1992 GEO PRIZM
1 recalls, 75 complaints - 1 TSBs
10E002000 Feb 11, 2010
SUSPENSION
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
Complaint Statistics
75 total complaints
12 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 15 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 2 |
CHILD SEAT
Oct 31, 2008
Incident date: Oct 31, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 GEO PRIZM AND A 2008 DOREL JUVENILE GROUP SAFETY 1ST RESTRAINT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 22147-MDR. THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED ON MARCH 13, 2008. WHILE THE CHILD WAS PROPERLY SECURED IN THE REAR-FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD SEAT, THE RESTRAINT BUCKLE FAILED TO RELEASE AND ENABLED TH... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Dec 20, 2004
Incident date: Dec 9, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS/ PADS, AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Dec 20, 2004
Incident date: Dec 9, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS/ PADS, AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Dec 20, 2004
Incident date: Dec 9, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS/ PADS, AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
SUSPENSION:REAR
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 5, 2001
Incident date: May 1, 1999
ON JUNE 4TH, 2001 VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET, CAUSING IT TO RUN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN TO 2 TO 5 MPH. BODY SHOP IS IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER EXAM... Read more
Crash
TIRES:VALVE
Jan 31, 2001
Incident date: Nov 25, 2000
VALVE STEM LEAKS CAUSED THE 3 OF 4 MICHELIN TIRES TO GO FLAT THE DAY AFTER THEY WERE INSTALLED. NLM
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Oct 10, 2000
3 OUT OF 4 DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN WHERE PLASTIC HOUSING IS LOCATED, CAUSING DOOR HANDLES TO BE INOPERATIVE. DRIVER WILL HAVE TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW TO USE OUT DOOR HANLDE TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Sep 11, 2000
Incident date: Oct 1, 1999
NO SUMMARY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Jul 11, 2000
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN OFF. ALSO, FRONT WINDSHIELD DOES NOT BECOME CLEAN IN FOG.*AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Jul 11, 2000
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN OFF. ALSO, FRONT WINDSHIELD DOES NOT BECOME CLEAN IN FOG.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 15, 2000
Incident date: Jan 15, 2000
I WAS ON MY WAY TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ON THE WAY I STOPPED FOR GAS AND AFTER I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR LOCKED UP ON ME. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR. MY FATHER HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A PLACE WHER... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 15, 2000
Incident date: Jan 15, 2000
I WAS ON MY WAY TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ON THE WAY I STOPPED FOR GAS AND AFTER I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR LOCKED UP ON ME. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR. MY FATHER HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A PLACE WHER... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Jan 10, 2000
I CAN PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THESE FAILURES. NO DEFECT(S) LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jul 11, 1999
Incident date: Apr 18, 1999
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING A HELICOPTER-LIKE BLADE SOUND CAME FROM CAR. CHARGED FOR FUEL PUMP ALTHOUGH FUEL PUMP WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Jul 11, 1999
Incident date: Apr 18, 1999
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING A HELICOPTER-LIKE BLADE SOUND CAME FROM CAR. CHARGED FOR FUEL PUMP ALTHOUGH FUEL PUMP WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jul 7, 1999
Incident date: Aug 15, 1996
ENGINE MANIFOLD HAS A CRACK SINCE AUG OF 1996. WOUL;D LIKE TO KNOW IF IS IT NORMAL WEAR FOR ENGIN E MANIFOLD TO CRACK AT 35,000 MILES. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THIS MATTER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
May 25, 1999
Incident date: Feb 1, 1999
THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK, AND DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM IN THE FUEL PUMP OR TANK, WHICH MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AND MAYBE A FIRE. BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO SEND A TECHNICIAN TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 17, 1999
Incident date: Apr 15, 1999
ENGINE GASKET BLEW, CAUSING COOLANT TO MIX WITH OIL, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT; 30000 SERVICE DONE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Mar 25, 1999
Incident date: Oct 15, 1998
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT BROKE.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Jan 5, 1999
Incident date: Dec 1, 1998
NO SUMMARY. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Oct 19, 1998
Incident date: Oct 17, 1998
WHILE THE DAUGHTER OF THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE INNER TIE ROD BROKE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A DITCH, FLIPPED OVER TWICE, AND LANDED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUF... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 14, 1998
Incident date: May 2, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH AND GET OFF ROAD SAFELY. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, BOTH WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION IS BEING REPLACED A THIRD TIME BY DEALER. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Mar 23, 1998
INTERIOR DOOR LOCKS ON THREE DOORS FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Mar 23, 1998
Incident date: Jan 11, 1997
WIRING HARNESS FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Jan 7, 1998
RIGHT SIDE TAIL LIGHT MELTED WHERE THE SCREWS CONNECT WITH WIRING TAB TO TRANSMIT CURRENT TO THE BRAKE LIGHT.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 7, 1998
DASHBOARD LIGHT SHORTAGE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Jan 7, 1998
Incident date: Nov 1, 1997
STARTER AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jan 7, 1998
Incident date: Nov 1, 1997
EXHAUST SYSTEM PROBLEMS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Dec 4, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1996
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Dec 4, 1997
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Dec 4, 1997
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 4, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
VALVE GASKET FAILED.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Dec 2, 1997
Incident date: Nov 25, 1997
DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD AND THE REAR BACK WINDOW BURST OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Nov 20, 1997
PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 20, 1997
PLASTIC DASH BOARD CRACKED.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Sep 18, 1997
Incident date: Jun 10, 1997
IMPROPER VENTILATION CAUSED HEAT SHIELDS TO OVERHEA/CRACK MANIFOLD, AND LEAK FUMES INTO CAR.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Aug 21, 1997
Incident date: Jan 1, 1997
INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE MADE OF PLASTIC AND POORLY DESIGNED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 11, 1997
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FAIL THE TEXAS STATE INSPECTION. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 26, 1997
Incident date: Jun 25, 1997
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO PIECES OF THE RED PLASTIC BUTTON BREAKING OFF INTO THE ASSEMBLY HOUSING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Mar 31, 1997
Incident date: Jan 1, 1997
INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE COMPLETELY MADE OF PLASTIC AND ARE POORLY DESIGNED. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Feb 20, 1997
Incident date: Feb 19, 1997
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jan 2, 1997
Incident date: Nov 24, 1996
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
Crash
1 injured
Showing 50 of 75 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1992 GEO PRIZM
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 26.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 27.0 | 23.0 | Premium | $3,300 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 28.0 | 24.0 | Premium | $3,150 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 24.0 | 30.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,350 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1992 GEO PRIZM
1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) | 1 |
130089009
Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
NHTSA Safety Investigations, GEO PRIZM
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA97015
Opened: Jul 22, 1997 , Closed: Sep 21, 1998
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
There is no summary currently available
GEO PRIZM - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the GEO PRIZM across all model years (1989, 1997).
16
Total Recalls
800
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
197
Reported Crashes
25
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
GEO PRIZM - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.