1996 Geo PrizmProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 61 owner complaints about the 1996 Geo Prizm, most often about the air bags. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 1, 2019. Updated daily.
Where the 1996 Geo Prizm has problems
61 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 22 | 21 |
| Seat belts | 14 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1996 Geo Prizm recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
1996 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
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1996 Geo Prizm safety ratings
1996 Geo Prizm 4-DR. 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
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 1996 Geo Prizm, and the recalls they led to.
- TURN SIGNAL FAILURESNo recall
What Prizm owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK
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
Own a 1996 Prizm?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.