1996 GEO PRIZM

1 recalls, 68 complaints - 24 TSBs

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.

12,657 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC

Complaint Statistics

68 total complaints 27 crashes 2 fires 29 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	20
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	4
SEAT BELTS	4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	3
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER	2
WHEELS	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL	2
AIR BAGS	2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	1

Incident date: Mar 30, 2019

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 ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: May 9, 2012

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, ... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2012

Incident date: Jan 1, 2004

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... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2004

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

Incident date: May 11, 2004

REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD UNLOCK FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1999

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

Incident date: Jun 15, 2003

MY REAR WINDOW LITERALLY SHATTERED TODAY (JUNE 5, 2003) WHILE I WAS A WORK THE CAR WAS PARKED THE TWO FRONT SIDE WINDOWS WHERE ROLLED DOWN APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 INCHES THE TEMPERATURE HERE TODAY REACHED ONLY 71 DEGREES WITH A SLIGHT WIND AND IT WAS OVERCAST SO IT WAS NOT EXTREMELY HOT YET IT SHATTERE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2004

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

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE RAR SEAT BELTS.DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THE CALL. PH

Incident date: Oct 10, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *NLM

Fire

Incident date: Aug 29, 2002

IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 29, 2002

WHILE DRIVING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF AXLE. DRIVER LOST CONTROL , RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. *AK

Crash 1 injured

I GOT A REPORT FROM CARFAX AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR I BOUGHT TWO YEARS AGO HAD OVER 37,000 MORE MILES ON IT .THE DEALER SOLD ME THIS CAR KNOWING THAT THE ODOMETER HAD BEEN ROLLED BACK.BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS AGO,DO I STILL HAVE ANY RIGHTS?. *AK

Incident date: Jul 12, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND IT HIT DRIVERS SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Crash

Incident date: Jun 15, 2002

THE DRIVERS SEATBEALT COMPLETLY UNWOUND WHILE BUCKLED AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WILL NOT PULL OUT EASILY. IN ORDER TO GET IT BUCKLED IT MUST BE TUGGED CONTINUOSLY MOVING A QUARTER INCH AT A TIME.*AK

Incident date: Jul 15, 2000

DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR SHOULDER BELT WOULD TIGTHEN DOWN ON USERS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED SEAT BELT SYSTEM. AT PRESENT MILEAGE OF 71,000 MILES PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Incident date: May 7, 2002

REAR LAP SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE, BELT WILL NOT LATCH. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE COLLISION. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE, AND CONSUMER ENDED UP IN BACK SEAT OF VEHICLE.*AK

Crash

Incident date: Jun 30, 2001

WINSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THIS RESULTS IN INOPERATIVEWINDSHIELD WIPERS WHICH REDUCE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASES RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST BECAUSE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRAN... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2001

REAR BUCKLE WOULDN'T UNLOCK WHEN CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO TAKE CAR SEAT OUT. CONSUMER PURCHASED ANOTHER , AND DEALER COULDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

Incident date: May 1, 1999

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

Incident date: Nov 28, 1999

FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A TREE AT 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK *JB

Crash

Incident date: Jan 12, 2001

BOTH SEATBELTS WERE IN USE THE DRIVERS FAILED AS WELL, BY BREAKING FREE AT THE RETRACTOR.*AK

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Nov 29, 2000

A FIRE HAD DEVELOPED UNDER THE HOOD WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, BUT FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF BEFORE THEY ARRIVED. VEHICLE AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE A... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 12, 2000

WHEELS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ONTO THE CENTER SHOULDER OF THE HUB, THE WHEEL CENTER CAPS WERE ALSO IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CAUSING THE TABS ON THE INSIDE TO BEND OR BREAK, CONSUMER REQUESTS A PAYMENT IN FULL FOR THE REPAIRS THAT WERE DONE DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE WHEELS. *SLC

Incident date: Apr 14, 2000

STRUTS CAUSE TIRE TO FAIL AND ROAD HANDLING IN DRY OR RAIN ,RAIN IS WORSE( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P175/65R14 )

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

WAS TRAVING AT ABOUT45MILES PER HOUR,CAR CUT ME OFF, HIT REAR DRIVERS SIDE BUMPER, HIT MY BUMPER, WENT THROUGH MY GRILL AND HOOD, LOOKING AT FRONT OF CAR HOLE IS IN THE UPPER LEFT HAND CONER OF DECRITIVE PLATE AND BUMPER,BUMPER IS DAMAGED ON TOP OF IT,AND BOWED DOWN, DONT UNDERSTAND WHY AIR BAGS D... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Crash 4 injured

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ON BACK ROADS CONSUMER DIDN'T SEE THE STOP SIGN. THERE WAS A CURVE IN THE ROAD, AND VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Jun 5, 2000

REAR LAP SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH AND REAR DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RETURN TO RETRACTOR. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER COST. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

ON GEO PRIZMS AND TOYOTA COROLLAS FROM AT LEAST 1986-1996, THE LEVER THAT ALLOWS THE SEAT TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH IS HAZARDOUS. IT CAN CATCH EITHER THE DRIVER'S PANT LEG OR, IN MY CASE, THE LOOP ON THE BACK OF MY SNEAKERS. IN SUCH INSTANCES, IT TAKES ME. *AK

Incident date: Feb 7, 2000

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND SHUTDOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *ML

Incident date: Feb 6, 2000

SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY KEEPS BREAKING. *AK

CLUTCH FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE PUSHROD DURING MANUFACTURING, CAUSING PRESSURE ON THE PLATE. YH

Incident date: Oct 27, 1999

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

Incident date: Apr 1, 1998

DURING LOW IMPACT COLLISION (KNICKED OTHER VEHICLE) STUCTURE FOLDED DUE TO WEAK MATERIAL, POSSIBLE FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS (LOW MPH), INJURY TO CONSUMER (HEAD, RIBS, FACIAL) NLM

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 1, 1998

DURING LOW IMPACT COLLISION (KNICKED OTHER VEHICLE) STUCTURE FOLDED DUE TO WEAK MATERIAL, POSSIBLE FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS (LOW MPH), INJURY TO CONSUMER (HEAD, RIBS, FACIAL) NLM

Crash 1 injured

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN ACCIDENT AND INJURY TO CONSUMER (FACE AND RIBS).MJS

1 injured

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED INJURIES TO CONSUMER. MJS

1 injured

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 35- 40 MPH WHEN SHE HIT A VEHCLE HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Nov 25, 1998

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ON NATIONAL BACKORDER PER GM. UNABLE TO FIND ONE ANYWHERE. *AKY

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jan 17, 1999

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE HARD. REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Feb 16, 1998

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, AND AS COMING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A FUEL SPILL IN THE ROAD, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE INTO THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK, DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Dec 3, 1998

AT 7:30AM CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60MPH WHEN SHE BEGAN TO MERGE RIGHT. CONSUMER FELT LIKE SHE HAD HIT SOMETHING, SHE SAW NOTHING. THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN AND SHE SAW HER WHEEL ROLLING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE HIT THE WALL AND SKIDDED DOWN THE SIDE. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 28, 1996

STEERING COLUMN FAILED.

Incident date: Jan 3, 1998

SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK ON IMPACT.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 3, 1998

FAULTY STABILIZERS CAUSED CAR TO FISHTAIL.

Crash 1 injured

Showing 50 of 68 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 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)	23.0	27.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	32.0	29.0	Regular	$2,150
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	31.0	26.0	Regular	$2,400
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	31.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 GEO PRIZM

24 manufacturer communications from 15 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES	3
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	3
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	2
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	2
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR	1
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	1
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock ce

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock c

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock c

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock c

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

350000 EQUIPMENT

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AVOIDING OIL BAFFLE DAMAGE DURING OIL FILL PROCESS. *EH

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

STEERING COLUMN SQUEAK WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL DURING HIGH AMBIENT INTERIOR TEMPERATURES (LUBRICATE LOWER STEERING COLUMN BUSHING). *TW

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1993

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.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2002	0	3	View
2001	0	9	View
2000	0	9	View
1999	0	33	View
1998	0	11	View
1997	2	63	View
1996 (current)	1	68
1995	3	130	View
1994	3	173	View
1993	2	95	View
1992	1	75	View
1991	2	72	View
1990	1	54	View
1989	1	0	View

Other GEO Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
TRACKER	12	453	View
METRO	10	810	View
STORM	6	347	View
GEO	0	4	View
SPECTRUM	0	12	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1996 GEO PRIZM

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 GEO PRIZM

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 GEO PRIZM

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, GEO PRIZM

GEO PRIZM - All Years Overview

GEO PRIZM - Year by Year

Other GEO Models