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1991 Geo PrizmProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 1991 Geo Prizm, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year45% below the Prizm median · #6 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints468 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem13Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 13, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 Geo Prizm has problems

46 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
Structure130
Engine and engine cooling100
Seat belts62
Electrical system51
Latches/locks/linkages40
Tires31
Fuel system, gasoline32
Exterior lighting30
Equipment20
5 other systems61

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

1 recall

1991 Geo Prizm recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 90V-191 · Nov 9, 1990 · 654 vehicles

Risk. INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING OF LUG NUTS RETAINING THE WHEELCOVER AND WHEEL COULD RESULT IN A LOOSE WHEEL THAT COULD FALL OFF WITH POTENTIALFOR LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Geo.

Best & worst years

1991 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

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Prizm owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WK [PHONE]; INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK PREVENTING EXIT. FIVE DEALERS IN AREA HAVE RECEIVED INQUIRIES. MANUFACTURER DECLINED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. TT
Complaint 978954 · Feb 9, 1996
THE DEFECTIVE INTERIOR PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE AND BOTH REAR DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF, MAKING THE DOORS NOT OPERABLE FROM THE INSIDE. *AK
Complaint 825499 · Jul 16, 1998

Own a 1991 Prizm?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.