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2002 Chevrolet PrizmProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints192 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage70kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 23, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has problems

19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling40
Latches/locks/linkages30
Air bags21
Electrical system20
Steering21
Engine10
Visibility10
Structure10
Suspension10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

2002 Chevrolet Prizm recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other Prizm year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Prizm median. How we score

'91'96'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Chevrolet Prizm safety ratings

2002 Chevrolet Prizm 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Prizm owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

PURCHASED CAR JULY '09 WITH 64,000 ON ENGINE. VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH 90 DAY WARRANTY. 2700 MILES AFTER PURCHASE, ENGINE EMITTED BLUE SMOKE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, PISTONS HOLD NO COMPRESSION, ONE VALVE SHOT, REPAIR SHOP AND WARRANTY COMPANY STATE VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE,…
Complaint 10303094 · Jan 28, 2010 · 72,000 miles
PURCHASED CAR JULY '09 WITH 64,000 ON ENGINE. VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH 90 DAY WARRANTY. 2700 MILES AFTER PURCHASE, ENGINE EMITTED BLUE SMOKE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, PISTONS HOLD NO COMPRESSION, ONE VALVE SHOT, REPAIR SHOP AND WARRANTY COMPANY STATE VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE,…
Complaint 10284716 · Sep 21, 2009 · 67,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. TWO YEARS AGO, THE EMISSIONS CONTROL BOX FAILED AT 41,000 MILES AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. AT 72,000 MILES, THE ENGINE HAS A PISTON KNOCK. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE KNOCKING HAS…
Complaint 10202989 · Sep 14, 2007 · 72,000 miles

Own a 2002 Prizm?

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