1992 Geo Prizm
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1992 Geo Prizm. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1992 Geo 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
50 complaints4 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Child seat
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 geo prizm and a 2008 dorel juvenile group safety 1ST restraint seat, model number 22147-mdr. the seat was manufactured on march 13, 2008. while the child was properly secured in the rear-facing convertible child seat, the restraint buckle failed to release and enabled…
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 geo prizm and a 2008 dorel juvenile group safety 1ST restraint seat, model number 22147-mdr. the seat was manufactured on march 13, 2008. while the child was properly secured in the rear-facing convertible child seat, the restraint buckle failed to release and enabled the child to be removed from the seat. the contact made several unsuccessful attempts to disengage the harness buckle; however, the harness straps and child were pulled out of the restraint seat with a struggle. there were no injuries. the contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the purchase date was unknown.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise, and the vehicle failed to stop completely. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the rotors/ pads, and calipers needed to be replaced.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Suspension › Rear · Vehicle speed control
On june 4TH, 2001 vehicle accelerated rapidly for approximately 10 feet, causing it to run head-on into a tree after the consumer had just slowed vehicle down to 2 to 5 mph. Body shop IS in possession of the vehicle and has not been examined by an insurance adjuster. *Ak independent adjuster…
On june 4TH, 2001 vehicle accelerated rapidly for approximately 10 feet, causing it to run head-on into a tree after the consumer had just slowed vehicle down to 2 to 5 mph. Body shop IS in possession of the vehicle and has not been examined by an insurance adjuster. *Ak independent adjuster examined vehicle and informed consumer that the insurance company would most likely not undertake an examination as it would not be cost effective. ignition switch would not always turn, dealer found no problems, however lubed the switch. exhaust system replaced. battery replaced. starter replaced. timing belt replaced. radiator replaced. brake pads replaced, rotors turned twice, brake spring kit installed. road salt and debris corroded axle whose cover has been destroyed, needs replaced. *scl
- Tires › Valve
Valve stem leaks caused the 3 of 4 michelin tires to go flat the day after they were installed. nlm
- Structure › Body › Door
3 out of 4 door handles have broken where plastic housing IS located, causing door handles to be inoperative. Driver will have to roll down window to use out door hanlde to get out of vehicle.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary
- Structure › Body › Door · Visibility › Windshield
Inside door handle has broken off. also, front windshield does not become clean in fog.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I was on my way to a friends house and on the way I stopped for gas and after I got back on the road I heard a loud noise. about 2 miles down the road the car locked up on me. it was like the car slammed on brakes and I couldn't control the car. my father had to have the car towed to a place…
I was on my way to a friends house and on the way I stopped for gas and after I got back on the road I heard a loud noise. about 2 miles down the road the car locked up on me. it was like the car slammed on brakes and I couldn't control the car. my father had to have the car towed to a place where the transmission could be checked. they put a transmission in the car. I got the car back and it was running pretty good but after a week or so the car began to make noises. my dad took my car for a test drive and on his way home ,the transmission that was just put in the car locked up on him. I did not fill out the dealer information because I bought the car from the owner. the previous owner bought the car from the dealer. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
I can provide additional information on these failures. No defect(s) listed in the summary. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
While vehicle was idling a helicopter-like blade sound came from car. charged for fuel pump although fuel pump was not the problem. dealer has been contacted. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Engine manifold has a crack since aug of 1996. Woul;d like to know if IS it normal wear for engin e manifold to crack at 35,000 miles. Can nhtsa provide additional information in this matter. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
There IS a loud noise coming from the fuel tank, and dealer determined that there IS a problem in the fuel pump or tank, which may cause a fuel leak and maybe a fire. but manufacturer does not want to send a technician to figure out the problem. please provie further information. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine gasket blew, causing coolant to mix with oil, causing engine to overheat; 30000 service done. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Exhaust manifold bolt broke.
- Structure › Body › Door
No summary. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
While the daughter of the consumer was driving the inner tie rod broke, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. as a result, the vehicle ran into a ditch, flipped over twice, and landed into a tree. the driver of the vehicle was seriously injured. when the consumer contacted the manufacturer, they instructed the consumer to contact the auction place from which the dealership purchased the car . *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving the vehicle about 60 mph, the transmission locked up without any indication. The driver was able to avoid a crash and get off road safely. The transmission has been replaced twice, both with less than 30,000 miles. The transmission IS being replaced a third time by dealer. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Wiring harness failed.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Interior door locks on three doors failed.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Interior lighting
Starter and alternator problems.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Power train › Automatic transmission
Valve gasket failed.
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Driving the vehicle down the road and the rear back window burst out for no apparent reason. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door · Unknown or other
Plastic door handle broke off.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Improper ventilation caused heat shields to overhea/crack manifold, and leak fumes into car.
- Structure › Body › Door
Inside door handles are made of plastic and poorly designed. *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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Every Geo Prizm model year
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