2000 Chevrolet Prizm
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Prizm › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. Newest first.
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 rate plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
24 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Service brakes
TL* the contact owned a 2000 chevrolet prizm. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond; however, the contact was able to prevent a crash. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owned a 2000 chevrolet prizm. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond; however, the contact was able to prevent a crash. The vehicle caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prism. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bag and air bag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 56,000. updated 11/14/14*cn updated 7/28/2015*js
- Engine
The piston skirts on the 2000 model were too short (they were replaced with appropriate skirts in a later year model). the very short skirt allows the piston to tilt in the cylinder much sooner than would happen in normal engines. This causes the rings to fail to seat properly much earlier than…
The piston skirts on the 2000 model were too short (they were replaced with appropriate skirts in a later year model). the very short skirt allows the piston to tilt in the cylinder much sooner than would happen in normal engines. This causes the rings to fail to seat properly much earlier than would happen in an engine with normal skirt lengths. this causes excessive oil consumption where the amount of oil consumed rises exponentially with the number of miles driven. at some point, the engine could malfunction while the driver IS driving. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prism. The contact stated that when the drivers door would lock, the driver was unable to exit the vehicle from inside. In order to exit the vehicle, he would have to open the window to engage the exterior door latch. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was approximately 99,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chevrolet prizm...corolla in disguise. Car drinks oil bad. Have owned a 2000 model bought in 2008 with 44,000 miles car looked and drove like new so I thought car IS made by toyota no need to check under the hood. Wrong!!! Got home with the car and my dad wanted to drive it,he's a mechanic.gets…
Chevrolet prizm...corolla in disguise. Car drinks oil bad. Have owned a 2000 model bought in 2008 with 44,000 miles car looked and drove like new so I thought car IS made by toyota no need to check under the hood. Wrong!!! Got home with the car and my dad wanted to drive it,he's a mechanic.gets back home mad. He heard a ticking noise,( I didn't notice cause last car was wore out and noisy...this was quite for me) checked oil and there was less than a quart in the oil pan it only holds a little over 3QTS. He put oil in it and it was super quite motor. Drove the car til bout 94000. At first the car needed only 1 qt every 600-800 miles. That was ok I was used to that. Then it got worse and worse. 1 qt every 50 to 100 miles. My dad tore it apart looked every where for a leak. None nothing!!! It was burning oil he found out but could not tell where it was coming from. This IS very bad because the catalytic converter can only hold so much before it clogged and burnt slap out!!! Almost 7000$ I paid for that car supposedly of toyota quality, not counting all of the oil now in our o-zone. Besides the oil problem that almost every one faces when owning these vehicles including corollas same motor, best car I have ever owned. I just bought another one hoping it would be clear of engine issues. Wrong... My dad has looked it all over can't find out still what the problem IS. Please research this really good and help us prism owners have restitution to see that recall envelope in the mail. Look at every car review site and yall will see that 9 out of 10 complaints are oil usage. Maybe that's the reason you don't see them much anymore. But most importantly us prism owners( that are left lol) need our cars fixed where the earth does not have suffer any more nether the less our wallets. Oil, diagnostics. Catalytic converters..etc.you have to check oil constant. Oil light never works for anyone that's why their all gone. You will see on all review sites. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prizm. the vehicle began burning a quart of oil per month and currently uses three quarts of oil per week. when diagnostic tests were initially performed, the results indicated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. the lines were tested and the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prizm. the vehicle began burning a quart of oil per month and currently uses three quarts of oil per week. when diagnostic tests were initially performed, the results indicated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. the lines were tested and the results indicated that there were no leaks and the pressure was normal. currently, a mechanic has concluded that the oil ring in the engine needs to be replaced, which would cost $2,000 - $3,000. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 74,000.
- Tires
2000 prizm left front tire blew out. *ts the blowout caused damage to the left front of the vehicle. *nm updated 07/20/06 *jb
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Dt: the contact stated the driver's side front seat belt will not latch. the service dealer referred the contact to chevrolet consumer hotline; they informed him that the vehicle needed to have a diagnostic test ran before the service manager would be authorized to perform the work on the vehicle. there was no specific seating position that kept the seat belt from latching. *Ak
- Equipment · Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices · Structure › Body › Door · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
At 15K miles, my rear passenger window motor quit working. At 35K miles, my driver indoor "plastic" door handle completely broke off with no warning whatsoever. At 75K miles, my driver window motor quit working (i now have no way of opening my door from the inside). And at 85K, my passenger front…
At 15K miles, my rear passenger window motor quit working. At 35K miles, my driver indoor "plastic" door handle completely broke off with no warning whatsoever. At 75K miles, my driver window motor quit working (i now have no way of opening my door from the inside). And at 85K, my passenger front door handle started to crack. The dealer wants to charge almost $40 a piece for the handles, each, and then 140.00 each to install. This IS a little piece of plastic, and should not be so much. The motors are roughly $100 each to replace, plus the labor. The seatbelt sign flashes all the time, whether I am buckled in or not, and I am told the whole seat belt needs to be replaces, at another $235. Now my spark plug coils are supposedly bad, and I am loosing oil. The car has 82 miles on it when I drove it off the lot in november of 2000, and I have only had to replace the brakes 1 time. I am not hard on the car, but doubt I will purchase another chevrolet.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
Spring 2004, oil change mechanic noticed excessive sludge (appx 65000 miles on car). cleaned engine out, changed oil (car has had regular oil changes every 3-4K miles). after that car was noted to be using too much oil (topping off at each 1500 miles they had to add 2 and a half quarts). took to…
Spring 2004, oil change mechanic noticed excessive sludge (appx 65000 miles on car). cleaned engine out, changed oil (car has had regular oil changes every 3-4K miles). after that car was noted to be using too much oil (topping off at each 1500 miles they had to add 2 and a half quarts). took to dealer at about 67000 noting oil problem and check engine light. light turned out to be a catalytic converter problem. replaced. nothing done on oil problem. at 70000 miles engine was hesitating and continuing to burn oil. took back to dealer. charged me for new spark plugs first then found other problems (believe it was air flow sensor.) at 72,000, took back to dealer for excessive oil use. changed oil and told me to come back when it had burned a quart. on the way home from dealer, engine blew up. under gm extended warranty, lower half of engine replaced. three weeks after it was repaired (which took a month) transmission died. replaced tranny under warranty. apparently I'm lucky it was under the chevy name and not toyota, but same problem IS noted on a number of those.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
I was driving of a highway and my speed was about 60 mph all of a sudden the hood opened and hit my windshield. this could have resulted in a huge accident with other cars as I could not see anything. luckly I did not loose control of my car and I pulled it onto the right shoulder. latch was…
I was driving of a highway and my speed was about 60 mph all of a sudden the hood opened and hit my windshield. this could have resulted in a huge accident with other cars as I could not see anything. luckly I did not loose control of my car and I pulled it onto the right shoulder. latch was working fine. I had to replace the hood and windshield. now have lot of dents on the front of the roof. had to tow the car to the mechanic. the cost of repair was about $1500.00. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices
After owning the car for just a few months, bought new, I noticed that the seat belt warning light would come on/off as it pleased. sometimes with being belted in, it would show up, and othertimes it would be off. The repair estimate for this job at the dealership was over $300.00, saying they would have to replace the entire seatbelt. A bit off to me.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Have damaged lifters in 2000 chevy prizm engine made by toyota, due to a mfg. Defect, according to my chevy dealership repaiman. he says upper engine drain holes for oil were drilled smaller than american made motors which will gum up and restrict flow of oil, causing damage to hydraulic lifters.…
Have damaged lifters in 2000 chevy prizm engine made by toyota, due to a mfg. Defect, according to my chevy dealership repaiman. he says upper engine drain holes for oil were drilled smaller than american made motors which will gum up and restrict flow of oil, causing damage to hydraulic lifters. extent of damage until engine IS torn down IS undeterminable. at the least, trade in value IS much dimished due to excessive engine noise. mileage-39,000. *la
- Electrical system › Wiring
After parking vehicle for only five minutes consumer returned to vehicle and noticed vehicle was on fire. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Safety latch on hood malfunctioned so hood not secure. Hood flew open while car traveling at approx 50mph. Latch IS spring loaded but spring did not work. Latch does not appear to be corroded. Windshield cracked. Hood damaged toatl cost $1700. *ak
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
I was involved in an auto accident on 9/1/2002 in which my seat back failed. I was traveling at approximately 65 mph in my 2000 chevrolet prizm lsi. I was rear ended by a honda civic traveling at approximately 100 mph. the force of the impact was such that when I was thrown to the back of the…
I was involved in an auto accident on 9/1/2002 in which my seat back failed. I was traveling at approximately 65 mph in my 2000 chevrolet prizm lsi. I was rear ended by a honda civic traveling at approximately 100 mph. the force of the impact was such that when I was thrown to the back of the seat it broke and changed the position of the entire seat from approximately 90 degrees to 150 degrees. when I applied the brakes I was thrown forward and torque-twisted around the three point harness. I then had to regain control of the vehicle while also using the steering wheel as a support to keep myself upright when the seatbelt wanted to pull me back into the seat back which was not there. the seat was supposedly repaired; I've been told the hardware has been replaced. however, a new problem has manifested itself. the metal frame of the headrest (a u-shaped piece of metal) has become exposed (as of 2/1/2004) and now comes in direct contact with the fabric side which the driver's head sits against. I removed the headrest and gave it to my mom, the upholsterer, for repair as I had assumed the foam bun had become loose and misadjusted. instead, she informed me that the foam bun itself had shattered into at least two pieces and there was no way to rearrange the foam and still have it fulfill its safety function; i.e. If I got rear-ended again, the base of my skull was going to be slammed into a horizontal rod. as a result, we inspected the other three headrests of the car and found them to be absent of this problem: I was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident. therefore, I'm making the assumption that the foam bun had been shattered, not repaired (it's not visible) and the support frame eventually worked its way to the surface. because I cannot see the interior of my seat, my concern IS that the foam under the fabric has also been compromised in a manner which renders the seat less capable of protecting me in any future collisions.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The defroster was inoperative, which caused poor visibility while driving.*jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The driver (myself) was rear ended by a honda civic traveling at approximately 100 mph. upon impact the back of the driver's seat failed and proceeded to change from 90 degrees in shape to 150 degrees in shape. I thereby lost sight of the road and only had the steering wheel to hold on to. when…
The driver (myself) was rear ended by a honda civic traveling at approximately 100 mph. upon impact the back of the driver's seat failed and proceeded to change from 90 degrees in shape to 150 degrees in shape. I thereby lost sight of the road and only had the steering wheel to hold on to. when I applied the brakes I was thrown forward and either smacked the driver's side window, a-post or windshield with my head.*ak
- Tires
One of the original firestone tires blew while the consumer was traveling. The consumer replaced all four tires since all were in bad shape. *yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
At 50mph, brakes engage and consumer was unable to accelerate. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak. While attempting to appply the brakes, they went to the floor and consumers daughter rear ended another vehicle, consumer attempted to apply the brakes again, but the brakes locked up and then…
At 50mph, brakes engage and consumer was unable to accelerate. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak. While attempting to appply the brakes, they went to the floor and consumers daughter rear ended another vehicle, consumer attempted to apply the brakes again, but the brakes locked up and then released, upon inspection of the vehicle it was determined that vehicle had no front brakes and the rear brakes were cracked, there was a strange fluid in the brake lines and also the master cylinder needed to be replaced, consumer states the brakes were replaced 8,000 miles earlier due to the brakes engaging on their own.*jb
- Air bags
The air bag failed to deploy during an accident in which the vehicle sustained considerable front end damage, the driver sustained cervical (neck) strain. *Yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer reports brake problems. Took vehicle to dealer 5 times, brakes still not working properly. When applying brakes it sounds like a spring IS being released, and braking distance IS too long. *Ak ABS engages when it should not. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. *yh
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle spun out of control and headed towards left side while performing a routine lane change. there were no adverse weather conditions, no unusual traffic patterns, and I was not going above the speed limit. I was in the far right lane on a four lane highway, when the vehicle started…
The vehicle spun out of control and headed towards left side while performing a routine lane change. there were no adverse weather conditions, no unusual traffic patterns, and I was not going above the speed limit. I was in the far right lane on a four lane highway, when the vehicle started veering left, I tried everything in my control to steer the car away from the median, but to no avail, my vehicle sideswiped the median, and the left rear wheel fell off. since I was trying to steer right, the wheel finally responded after sideswiping the median, and I had to steer left again to avoid hitting another vehicle, at which point, it spun 180 degrees and came to a complete stop on the second farthest left lane facing oncoming traffic. I waited for a break in traffic, and quickly pulled the vehicle to the left shoulder with only three wheels. I do not know what went wrong, as I had not done anything out of the ordinary other than performing a lane change to the next lane. the dealership claims everything looks "connected" but I believe defective part or parts caused the accident, I would appreciate an investigation to possible causes. the vehicle was brand new, and I was very careful with it, I don't believe this happened because of something I did. I have filed a report with chevrolet, and am awaiting their response. thank you.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Transmission malfunctioned, gear shifted into neutral while driving. Yh
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This 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 Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224309This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The General Motors of Canada Customer Care Centre is the sole authorized provider of a certification confirmation letter which helps our customers identify if their vehicles meets the required USA regulatory standards necessary for importation into the USA.
- 10224273This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10222839This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10220319This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the engine or transmission.
Every Chevrolet Prizm model year
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