2001 Chevrolet Prizm
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Prizm › 2001
These records cover every 2001 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 2001 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
45 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
I have had a 2000 chevrolet prizm and now someone threatened my life to force me to buy a 2001 chevrolet prizm. the windows of these cars fog up too severe to drive in minor or major rain and freezing rain. when it rains we have to pull over to the side of the road on highways and in cities and…
I have had a 2000 chevrolet prizm and now someone threatened my life to force me to buy a 2001 chevrolet prizm. the windows of these cars fog up too severe to drive in minor or major rain and freezing rain. when it rains we have to pull over to the side of the road on highways and in cities and towns and wait for it to stop raining for the car to be safe to drive. most all other cars have windows that are safe to dive with but these cars are not safe for driving in the rain.
- Engine
My 2001 chevrolet prizm has been burning oil since around 60-70k miles and has only gotten worse. Chevrolet didn't build the engine right and the rings/heads I think need replaced (what I read on). And chevrolet has not fixed this problem and its costly as it burns around a quart every 200 miles.
- Engine
I got this car a year and half ago and it worked ok. But now it IS eating oil like crazy. And also when I try to accelerate it hesitates and wont move forward. It has almost caused me to have 3 wrecks. This IS completely unacceptable. Why pay for this car if its going to kill me.
- Air bags
The car was hit on the back bumper causeing the car to go off the road and causing a it to roll over twice which totalled the car to this date the airbags have never deployed
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The driver's power window will not raise immediately after it has been fully retracted (such as at a drive-in window, or when the "auto" feature fully retracts it before I can stop it). It will eventually raise after a few minutes of inoperation; sometimes only partially at a time. If I have…
The driver's power window will not raise immediately after it has been fully retracted (such as at a drive-in window, or when the "auto" feature fully retracts it before I can stop it). It will eventually raise after a few minutes of inoperation; sometimes only partially at a time. If I have intentionally had the window down for an extended period of time, there IS no problem - yet. This only occurs when the window IS fully retracted, and regardless of weather conditions. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle the contact discovered that the front passenger's side axle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle the contact discovered that the front passenger's side axle was fractured and both wheels were pointed in opposite directions. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was not available. The vin was not available.
- Engine
Got the car in 2004. In 2009 the check engine light came on, went to three mechanics to try and find the problem. None of them had a clear idea of what was wrong but they tried various things. It still never went off for more than 5 miles directly after servicing. For a while it was driving fine…
Got the car in 2004. In 2009 the check engine light came on, went to three mechanics to try and find the problem. None of them had a clear idea of what was wrong but they tried various things. It still never went off for more than 5 miles directly after servicing. For a while it was driving fine even though the light was on (over a year) but then it started deteriorating. It was very sluggish, did not drive well (shaking) when going over 35 mph, and the check engine light started blinking for 5-15 seconds when I accelerated. Mpg tanked, went from 35+ to 23-25. Needless to say, I took it to another mechanic. They replaced the spark plugs and fuel injectors and the catalytic converter ($1300 fix on my then 10 year old car). Car started running better, mpg slowly got higher, but after about three days out of the shop the check engine light came on again. Mechanic was stumped, had no idea what was wrong, but he ok'd it for me to continue driving, so I have been doing so. It's still driving well, more or less, but the check engine light IS still always on. Around the same time as the 2009 engine light, I noticed the engine was drinking more and more motor oil. Now (2012) I have to put in a quart every full tank of gas, just about. *jb
- Engine
Engine IS eating oil!! -- I purchased an 18-month old chevy prizm lsi with a 1zz-fe 1.8L engine back in november 2002 with about 27K miles. this car IS still in mint condition. It's garaged and I do all the routine maintenance and use pure synthetic engine oil since I purchased it. unfortunately…
Engine IS eating oil!! -- I purchased an 18-month old chevy prizm lsi with a 1zz-fe 1.8L engine back in november 2002 with about 27K miles. this car IS still in mint condition. It's garaged and I do all the routine maintenance and use pure synthetic engine oil since I purchased it. unfortunately at about 50K miles, my engine started eating up oil at about 1 quart per 200 miles. after researching the 1ZZ fe 1.8L engine block series, it appears this engine has piston and ring problems leading it to consume oil at a rapid pace. I keep a case of oil in the trunk for long trips and put in at least one quart each time I refill the tank. this engine can be found in at least 10 toyota and one chevy model (prizm). this IS an excellent car, however I can't believe GMC hasn't issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) regarding excessive engine oil consumption problems. these cars can run for at least 250K miles if you make sure the engine has enough oil. buyer beware -- 1998-2002 chevy prizms and their siamese twin, toyota corollas with the izz fe 18.L engine with more than 50K miles will consume much more oil and it IS therefore imperative to ensure you have enough oil in the engine block to prevent engine seizure. GMC should issue a tsb for this problem. I realize this car IS more than 10 years old, but there are millions of 1998-2002 prizms and corollas on the road. if you buy one, make sure the previous owner IS honest with you regarding oil consumption, otherwise you may be buying a car with lots of engine problems. your engine may seize up on you and leave you stranded in timbuktu... *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. The contact stated that the rear struts would exhibit a rattling noise when the vehicle was in motion. The failure had not caused any braking problems. The vehicle had not been to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 100,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. the contact stated that when depressing the accelerator, the vehicle would hesitate before moving at a normal pace with the illumination of the check engine warning light. the dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but provided no assistance to the contact. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake failure, total lost all brakes - both brake lines to rear failed simultaneously. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
2001 chevrolet prizm lsi. Consumer requests reimbursement for replacement cost of the catalytic converter *tgw the consumer stated the catalytic converter had worn out and a rattle had developed on the inside. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Vehicle speed control
2001 chevy prism; check engine light continues to be on. I have put two oxygen sensors on at a cost of over $200.00, and light still comes on. mechanics tell me the code says "lean mixture" but don't know what IS causing it. car hesitates when cold, almost throwing you into the windshield…
2001 chevy prism; check engine light continues to be on. I have put two oxygen sensors on at a cost of over $200.00, and light still comes on. mechanics tell me the code says "lean mixture" but don't know what IS causing it. car hesitates when cold, almost throwing you into the windshield, unless you repeatedly pump the accelerator. mechanics told me that maybe fuel pump IS going bad, but it's been three years now, and this hasn't happened. the head liner in vehicle has totally torn and disintegrated, even tho it has been garage kept. gm will not even consider investigating this problem. no more chevy's for me!! the hesitation in traffic could create a real safety issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline
I own a 2001 chevy prism lsi. it has always experienced a number of annoying issues that I've had mechanics inspect/diagnose that never seems to get correctly diagnosed. it uses about a quart of oil a month (but never smokes out of the exhaust pipe), has always had a hesitation problem, and has a…
I own a 2001 chevy prism lsi. it has always experienced a number of annoying issues that I've had mechanics inspect/diagnose that never seems to get correctly diagnosed. it uses about a quart of oil a month (but never smokes out of the exhaust pipe), has always had a hesitation problem, and has a weird problem with noisy 'exhaust' sounds that sound like they are coming from the front of the car and are worse (very loud) in wet conditions. upon cold start, the engine hesitates pretty badly when pressing the accelerator pedal. the hesitation gets much better once the engine has warmed up, but still has minor hesitation upon initially pressing the accelerator pedal. mechanics have said they think the fuel pump may be starting to go out (i was told that 5 years ago and it has never gone out) and they said there was a 'lean mixture code' when my check engine light was on at one point but were unable to determine what the official cause of that code was and implied it was probably the fuel pump slowly going bad. they ran a carbon clean which shut off the service engine light but the hesitation and oil consumption has always remained. numerous times, the hesitation has been an issue in traffic when I press the accelerator pedal and the engine does nothing until I pump the pedal a few times to get it going...leading to a possibly safety hazard in certain traffic conditions. nobody has been able to figure out why it hesitates and fix the hesitation problem and I've read this IS a very common problem along with the oil consumption problem for chevy prisms/toyota corollas (especially the 2001 model). mechanics have also inspected my exhaust system to try to find the issue with the noisy exhaust but have found no leaks. I'm hoping a recall can be issued to help fix some of these issues since mechanics can't seem to figure out these common problems. it seems that toyota and gm are both aware of most of these issues and have done nothing to resolve them. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Hood
Hood on vehicle raised up as car was going about 55 mph, shattering windshield and denting the roof. hood jammed in the upright position. *Tr
- Power train
This concerns a 2001 chevy prism with 138K miles. the engine was irreparably damaged due to oil deprivation. there was no warning other than the knocking sound and by then it was too late. oil was changed every 3K miles using high quality conventional oil & filters. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. the contact stated that the check engine indicator would not stop illuminating on the instrument panel. whenever the vehicle would approach a stop, it would stall. the dealer and several local repair shops performed a diagnostic, but were unable to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet prizm. the contact stated that the check engine indicator would not stop illuminating on the instrument panel. whenever the vehicle would approach a stop, it would stall. the dealer and several local repair shops performed a diagnostic, but were unable to find a defect. the vehicle has been experiencing the same failure for the past three years. recently, the contact drove to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the spark plugs and oxygen sensor were defective; however, only the spark plugs were replaced. immediately following the repairs, the failure recurred. the current mileage was 75,000 and failure mileage was 45,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
1. my daughter was on her way to work in my 2001 chevy prizm and the head lights went out with no warning. 2. both head light bulbs, fuses, bulb sockets with wiring, and head light relay burned up. there was no warning when the failure occurred and the head lights became disabled. could have…
1. my daughter was on her way to work in my 2001 chevy prizm and the head lights went out with no warning. 2. both head light bulbs, fuses, bulb sockets with wiring, and head light relay burned up. there was no warning when the failure occurred and the head lights became disabled. could have caused an accident with no warning and the lights failing after dark. the vehicle could have completely burned up causing injury. 3. I took the car to gates chevy world in mishawaka, indiana to have them diagnose the problem. after 5 trips to the dealership the service department told me that head lights and wiring components typically burn up on vehicles with daylight running lambs. their opinion IS that the failure without warning IS normal and very common. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Power train › Automatic transmission
Leak from transaxle valve differential - plastic plug feel out. ruined transmission and engine. engine burning oil like mad. leaks oil all over the place. started at about 65,000. *Tr
- Tires
Right front tire blew out unexpectedly while driving. had not yet anything. tire was split radially from bead to bead. the noise was so loud that I originally thought it was the suspension failing. tire was a sigma tempest by cooper size: p185/65r14. your database does not include this product / size combination. I put a placeholder in that was closest. *gem
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Emission vapor canister failure. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2001 chevrolet prizm with toyota engine began burning excessive amounts of oil at 70,000 miles. now burning 1 quart of oil every 300-400 miles. toyota has admitted a problem with the engine, but gm refuses to do anything. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Excessive oil consumption (one quart low every 300-400 miles), worsening, appears to be known defect for toyota supplied engines in 2001 chevrolet prizm and possibly other years of this motor type (possible factory ring, valve early failure issues), no leaks or heavy smoke apparent, air filter…
Excessive oil consumption (one quart low every 300-400 miles), worsening, appears to be known defect for toyota supplied engines in 2001 chevrolet prizm and possibly other years of this motor type (possible factory ring, valve early failure issues), no leaks or heavy smoke apparent, air filter normal with no apparent blow-by from rings at that point. regular oil and filter changes, car driven daily for local use, no other known defects or recurring problems, car operates normally other than high oil amounts used. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I own a 2001 and a 2002 chevy prizm. both cars are using excessive oil (several quarts every 100 miles each). dealer states this IS a common problem due to carbon buildup in the cylinders. excessive oil consumption started around 50,000 miles. the chevy prizm IS really a toyota corolla.…
I own a 2001 and a 2002 chevy prizm. both cars are using excessive oil (several quarts every 100 miles each). dealer states this IS a common problem due to carbon buildup in the cylinders. excessive oil consumption started around 50,000 miles. the chevy prizm IS really a toyota corolla. toyota has had this problem and has warranted the repair. general motors IS not assisting its customers with the repair. I guess that IS why toyota IS number one car maker and gm IS number 2. I will never buy another gm product again. *jb
- Fuel system, other
Failed emission test. Ran auto through a code scanner, and talked it over with a friend about code that came up. Finally, came up with purge canister as the problem. Did a search on the net about that code, came upon quite a few forums with it mentioned. Now the cars involved were 1999-2002 chevy…
Failed emission test. Ran auto through a code scanner, and talked it over with a friend about code that came up. Finally, came up with purge canister as the problem. Did a search on the net about that code, came upon quite a few forums with it mentioned. Now the cars involved were 1999-2002 chevy prisms and toyota corollas. Which are the same vehicle sold under the companies names. My wife's car IS a 2001 prism. Almost all the cars had less then 100,000 miles. To replace this canister costs about $300.00, plus whatever the price to install it. I believe this to be a defect. *tr
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.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 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.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control 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.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 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.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
Every Chevrolet Prizm model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.