1996 Geo PRIZM problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
35 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
109,132 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1996 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 35 complaints (22.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 1 | 2.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 2.9% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 2.9% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags:Frontal | 8 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 4 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Seat Belts:Rear/Other | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 1 |
Air Bags:Frontal: 8; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 4; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 3; Seat Belts: 2; Seat Belts:Rear/Other: 2; Wheels: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 32 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 2000 | 10 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
1996: 2; 2000: 10; 2001: 5; 2002: 10; 2004: 5; 2005: 1; 2016: 1; 2019: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 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 858587 · 2000-03-15 (March 15, 2000)
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND SHUTDOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 858587 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 876085 · 2000-12-06 (December 6, 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 ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 876085 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11192847 · 2019-04-01 (April 1, 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 OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,194.
Owner-reported narrative. 228,194 miles reported. Look up ODI 11192847 at NHTSA ↗