2002 Chevrolet Prizm
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Prizm › 2002
These records cover every 2002 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 2002 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
19 complaints2 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Engine absorbs oil. After purchasing; engine seized. Purchased 2ND engine at beechmont chevrolet...same flaw. Engine seized at five mile road exit off of I-275. to this day if I do not check oil on regular basis. I pose a risk of engine seizing again.
- Air bags
My 2002 chevrolet prizm (same as a toyota corolla) has its cruse control, horn, and the drivers side airbag all mounted on the steering wheel, electrically connected to the rest of the car through an inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil (aka clock spring) mechanism. both the cruse…
My 2002 chevrolet prizm (same as a toyota corolla) has its cruse control, horn, and the drivers side airbag all mounted on the steering wheel, electrically connected to the rest of the car through an inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil (aka clock spring) mechanism. both the cruse control and the horn do not now operate and haven't for years, does this mean that the airbag IS also inoperatable (two out of three failures sounds like a bad omen; conventional wisdom tells me that this airbag system IS also faulty)? IS this car safe to continue to operate with this alleged defect?
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet prizm. While driving at 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet prizm. While driving at 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10e002000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
- Steering
2002 chevrolet prizm. Consumer states problem with steering wheel locking up *tgw
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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, needs replacement engine, potential valve damage., engine could cease if driven. Warranty did not cover sludge damage due to negligence of previous owner. Car burns oil variably ranging from 1QT per 500 miles to 3QT per 200 miles. Owners manual states car burns 1 liter per 800 miles from new. Not worth paying 3K to 6K for new engine when vehicle valued at 5K. Oil burning worse after changing oil, sludge clogged oil pump after 5K of driving. tw*
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Dear madam/sir, in today's (12/08/09) wall street journal, in the article about toyota recalls, it was mentioned that 2003 and 2004 corollas and matrixes were recalled to fix a flaw that could cause the power windows to stop working. I own a 2002 prizm, which I believe IS a corolla with a prizm…
Dear madam/sir, in today's (12/08/09) wall street journal, in the article about toyota recalls, it was mentioned that 2003 and 2004 corollas and matrixes were recalled to fix a flaw that could cause the power windows to stop working. I own a 2002 prizm, which I believe IS a corolla with a prizm badge. I had to have one power window fixed at 43,495 miles, another at 56,236 miles and now the other two are giving me problems at 77,000 miles. Toyota and chevrolet need to study this problem and extend the recall to the 2002 models. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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, needs replacement engine, potential valve damage., engine could cease if driven. *Tr
- Electrical system
Check engine light has come on permanently. this can be temporarily turned off by mechanics but always comes back on again. since there IS no problem with the engine, this warning light IS useless if I have a real problem. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Hood latch completely broke so that either it could not be closed completely, or, when finally closed, it was impossible to open. this, coupled with other hood latch problems reported by others seems to indicate a definite hood latch problem. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Hood latch/safety latch failed and hood opened up and crashed against windshield at approximately 55 mph. Damaged hood, hinges, cowling, and cracked windshield. *Tr
- Tires
I installed four kumho 795 tires (p185/65r14) on 10/03/2006 on my 2002 chevrolet prism lsi. in november 2008, without any warning, one tire (front passenger side) ruptured on the inside side wall. I was lucky not driving on the highway. the car almost lost control. I went to the dealer…
I installed four kumho 795 tires (p185/65r14) on 10/03/2006 on my 2002 chevrolet prism lsi. in november 2008, without any warning, one tire (front passenger side) ruptured on the inside side wall. I was lucky not driving on the highway. the car almost lost control. I went to the dealer (executive wholesale tire, rockville, md) and the dealer insisted I must have hit a pothole. this tire was replaced with a kumho KR-21 free, since kumho offered the road hazard warranty on the 795 tires. after this tire was installed, the tires were rotated. another kumho 795 was rotated to the front passenger side. less than a month later, I noticed that tire IS leaking air slowly. so I took the car to executive wholesale tire. they found a bulge on the inside side wall, exactly the same location on the other tire. the dealer still insisted that I must have hit something and this time I know for sure I did not. both tires have low mileage and the tread looks brand new. for safety concerns, I refused an offer to have it replaced with another free kumho tire. instead, I have all four kumho tires replaced with michelin tires. *tr
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Hood latch and safety catch failed; hood flew open on expressway @ 50-55 mph causing damage to hood, hinges, cowling, fenders and windshield. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet prizm. while driving approximately 55 mph, the hood automatically detached from the latch. the hood slammed against the windshield, which shattered the inside and outside glass. there was no warning prior to the failure. the contact observed that the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet prizm. while driving approximately 55 mph, the hood automatically detached from the latch. the hood slammed against the windshield, which shattered the inside and outside glass. there was no warning prior to the failure. the contact observed that the windshield wipers were malfunctioning after the failure. the vehicle was taken to a local independent auto shop for the windshield replacement. recently, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the hood latch was not malfunctioning. the failure mileage was 118,144 and current mileage was 118,244. updated 1/9/09 *cn updated 01/14/09. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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 worsened. the repair has not been made. the contact stated that he was a licensed mechanic and had regular maintenance performed on the vehicle every 3,000 miles. the purchase date and speed were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 72,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The tie down strap on the muffler rusted out at 45,000 miles. The muffler IS stainless steel and should last 100,000 miles. *nm
- Steering
Tilt steering did not lock during a tight right turn.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 45 mph consumer's vehicle was involved in a front end collision. upon impact, air bags did not deploy. As result, major damage occurred. no warning light appeared prior to the crash. manufacturer was notified. *Ak *tc
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle stalled at 35 mph. Dealer determined that ignition coil had burned out. 2 cylinders had to be replaced as well.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlights stay on allday and are very bright. Which blinds other drivers.*ak
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.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Prizm model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.