1993 GEO PRIZM

2 recalls — 50 complaints

10E002000 Feb 11, 2010
SUSPENSION
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
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.
12,657 vehicles affected
96V107000 Jun 20, 1996
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
IF LIQUID IS SPILLED IN THE CONSOLE BOX AREA, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND STAY "ON" DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO PREVENT POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION CAUSED BY THE SPILLING OF LIQUID SUBSTANCES ON THE SENSOR. AIR BAG SENSORS DAMAGED BY PREVIOUS LIQUID SPILLAGE WILL BE REPLACED.
627,858 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 26, 2007
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Dec 5, 2006
1993 PRIZM HOOD UNLATCHED AND OPENED HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *TS *JB
STEERING Aug 30, 2006
1993 CHEVROLET PRIZM WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TS THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE TURNED AROUND AND TRAVELED OFF THE ROADWAY AND INTO A DITCH. BOTH PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR HEAD AND BACK. *NM
Crash 2 injured
SUSPENSION Aug 30, 2006
1993 CHEVROLET PRIZM WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TS THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE TURNED AROUND AND TRAVELED OFF THE ROADWAY AND INTO A DITCH. BOTH PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR HEAD AND BACK. *NM
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Dec 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V107000 CONCERNING THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUTIT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Jun 16, 2004
PURCHASED A 1993 GEO PRIZM FROM A PRIVATE PARTY, BEFORE THE PURCHASE WE NOTED THAT THE NHTSA DESCRIBED A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR MODULE. WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME OF OUR OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE DEFECTIVE SERIES OF CARS. HOWEVER, IN REVIEWING THE NHTSA WEBSITE I FIND THAT MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE, AND IN ADDITION, THE 1993 TOYOTA COROLLA, WHICH THE GEO PRIZM IS ITS COUNTERPART, HAVE ALSO HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WHAT MAKES CHEVROLET SO SURE THAT MY CAR'S AIR BAG SENSOR MODULE IS NOT DEFECTIVE? I HAVE NOT HAD A REASONABLE EXPLANATION FOR THIS PROBLEM, OTHER THAN "MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH." *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Nov 24, 2003
DANGEROUS LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKING INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. REPLACED CRACKED MANIFOLD TWO TIMES, THE SECOND ONE LASTED 16 MONTHS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE CARBON MONOXIDE!! EXHAUST REPAIR SHOPS TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GEO PRIZM AND TOYOTA COROLLA MODELS. AT OVER $300 TO REPLACE EACH TIME, I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING. THE MAIN CONCERN I HAVE THOUGH IS WITH THE CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE. IS THIS BEING INVESTIGATED? *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Oct 18, 2003
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
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 20, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ILLUMINATED. TS
AIR BAGS Nov 15, 2002
WHEN DRIVING 60MPH THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ILLUMINATED. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Dec 13, 2001
DEAR SIR OR MADAM: I OWN A 1993 GEO PRIZM. TWICE, I HAVE HAD THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPAIRED BY A WELDER BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE VEHICLE. DESPITE THE WELDER'S BEST EFFORTS, THE MANIFOLD KEEPS DEVELOPING MORE CRACKS. I WANTED TO REPLACE IT WITH A USED MANIFOLD. HOWEVER, A CALL TO SEVERAL SALVAGE YARDS REVEALED THAT IT'S VERY HARD TO OBTAIN A GOOD, USED MANIFOLD FOR THAT VEHICLE. THE REASON IS THAT SO MANY OF THE 1993 PRIZMS THAT ARE IN SALVAGE YARDS ALREADY HAVE CRACKED MANIFOLDS. IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON AMONG THAT MAKE AND MODEL. SHOULDN'T YOUR ORGANIZATION BE CONCERNED WITH WHAT MAY BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN THESE VEHICLES? I THOUGHT SO, AND THAT'S WHY I'M WRITING, TODAY.*AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Aug 28, 2001
CONSUMER STATES SHE HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER THE INCIDENT CONSUMER LEANED OVER THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOOK AT THE BACK OF THE OTHER VEHICLE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGE, AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF LOOKING, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHIN THREE INCHES OF CONSUMERS NECK, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO EITHER VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED ABOUT SEVEN SECONDS AFTER THE INCIDENT, CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *JB
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR May 14, 2001
DRIVER'S RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT OUT. DEALER HAS REPLACED RETRACTOR PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT,AND PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED WITHIN 12 MONTHS.*AK
AIR BAGS May 4, 2001
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYED ON. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS RECALL 96V107000 ON THIS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF VEHICLE, HOWEVER,THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. SENSOR IN AIR BAG WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
AIR BAGS Mar 21, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. THERE IS A RECALL ON AIRBAGS , BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Jan 17, 2001
RECALL 96 V 107 000/PASSIVE RESTRAINT AIR BAG: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINING ON DURING NORMAL DRIVING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND BOTH INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jul 5, 2000
REGULATORS FAILING, CAUSING POWER WINDOWS TO BECOME INOPERATIVES. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND SHARE IN HALF THE COST ON THE 1ST. INCIDENT(DRIVER SIDE); 2ND INCIDENT(PASSENGER SIDE); CONDITION REOCCUR AGAIN, AND INFORMED TO CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Jun 23, 2000
THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT FOR THE SECOND TIME AT THE SAME PLACE. I HAVE OWNED SEVEREAL VEHICLES DURING MY LIFE AND THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS HAD A CRACKED MANIFOLD. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE SECOND TIME THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE OUT OF WARRANTY. ESITMATED COST TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE PART OVER $300.00. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 9, 2000
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A YEAR . CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. *AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Feb 8, 2000
CONSUMER STATED THAT WEIRD THINGS HAPPENED TO HER VEHICLE. SHE WAS PARKED INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE CAME OUT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED IN, IT WAS BLACK. ALSO, CONSOLE WAS BURNED OUT. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 8, 2000
CONSUMER STATED THAT WEIRD THINGS HAPPENED TO HER VEHICLE. SHE WAS PARKED INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE CAME OUT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED IN, IT WAS BLACK. ALSO, CONSOLE WAS BURNED OUT. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Jan 21, 2000
THE DRIVER INSIDE DOOR LATCH BROKE. OCCUPANT CANNOT OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Dec 16, 1999
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Oct 12, 1999
A CRACK DEVELOPED WITHIN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AT 90,000 MILES. *AK
CHILD SEAT Sep 28, 1999
1ST COSCO CAR SEAT--ARM PIECES CRACKED AND ONE OF THE ARMS BROKE OFF---I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY RELUCTANTLY SENT A REPLACEMENT. THIS SEAT HAD ONLY BEEN USED FOR 1 YEAR...THE REPLACEMENT COSCO CAR SEAT WAS USED FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. BOTH ARM PIECES CRACKED COMPLETELY AND THEY ARE METAL PIECES STICKING OUT OF THEM.. I AGAIN CONTACTED COSCO VIA EMAIL THIS TIME REQUESTING MY MONEY BACK--NO WAS MY RESPONSE AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND REPLACEMENT PIECES TO FIX THE ARMS...THE ARMS ARE NOT FIXABLE!!! I WANT SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS---THESE CAR SEATS WERE 2 DIFFERENT MODELS AND STILL APPEAR NEW, WHEN THE ARM PIECES HAD BROKEN. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND FOR THIS PRODUCT BUT IF NOTHING ELSE I WANT THEIR SEATS CHECKED INTO FOR SAFETY...I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME IN GETTING A REAL RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM--INSTEAD OF SORRY BUT TO BAD!!!! THANK YOU....
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Sep 15, 1999
INTERMITTENTLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT BECOMES INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE RESTRAINT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Sep 14, 1999
VEHICLE WAS INVOLED IN AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH ON WET ROAD. CONSUMER SLID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG CAUSED CHEMICAL BURNS TO DRIVER SIDE OF FACE AND CHIN. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS Jul 22, 1999
FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S HARNESS CLIP IS FACING THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF FACING THE BUCKET MECHANISM. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS Jul 22, 1999
FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP IS FACING THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF FACING THE BUCKET MECHANISM.CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY May 29, 1999
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.
AIR BAGS May 21, 1999
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, INDICTING DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECAL, BUT IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL May 18, 1999
CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Crash 1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Apr 28, 1999
THERE IS HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 27, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER HEAD-ON, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Jan 6, 1999
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RELEASE EVEN WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE IN.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT Nov 27, 1998
TRANSMISSION BEARING FAILED.
AIR BAGS Oct 14, 1998
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG CAUSED THE CONSUMER LEFT EYE TRAUMA WHICH RESULTED IN BLINDNESS.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Oct 14, 1998
BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN COLLISION, VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN FACIAL INJURIES.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Oct 14, 1998
BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN COLLISION, VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN FACIAL INJURIES.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
Crash 1 injured
SUSPENSION Apr 25, 1998
INTAKE MANIFOLD/SUSPENSION FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM Apr 25, 1998
INTAKE MANIFOLD/SUSPENSION FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Mar 3, 1998
WEATHER HAD BEEN COLD; VEHICLE WAS RUNNING; HAD NOTICED VEHICLE WAS LEAKING EXHAUST. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD & NOTICED THAT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Feb 5, 1998
VEHICLE'S BRAKES LOCK UP CAUSING DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM, VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER AND SLOWS DOWN WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Feb 5, 1998
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, UNABLE TO EXIT FROM DRIVER'S SEAT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Nov 6, 1997
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 25 MPH IN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, ACCORDING TO CONSUMER, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL DIDN'T HAVE ANY BRAKES. THIS BRAKES PROBLEM HAPPEND IN ANY TYPE OF ROAD. *AK
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Sep 10, 1997
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING A PROBELM WITH THE HORN ASSEMBLY. CONSUMER STATED WHEN DEPRESSING THE HORN THERE IS NO VOLUME, BECOMES A HAZARD IN AN EMERGENCY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Jul 24, 1997
THE AIR BAG SENSOR SHORTED, CAUSING THE ABS LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY.
AIR BAGS Jul 17, 1997
RECALL REPAIR NOT DONE ON THE AIR BAG SENSOR BECAUSE VIN NOT PART OF RECALL. DUP OF 517339, ADDED ON 25-FEB-98. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR May 27, 1997
ALTERNATOR FAILED THREE TIMES.