2000 Geo Prizm

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Equipment2
2. Engine and engine cooling2
3. Service brakes, hydraulic1
4. Air bags1
5. Latches/locks/linkages1
6. Seat belts1
7. Engine1

Latest complaints

• Oct 2, 2025CA324,000 mi
  Air bags · Engine

  The contact owns a 1997 Geo Prizm. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 324,000.

• Apr 22, 2008CA
  Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
  The handle of the left-hand (driver) door has stopped opening the door. the plastic fixture where it should engage for the door to open does not function. in addition, the window stopped rolling up at the same time. this exact defect has happened to our 2002 chevy prism. the plastic piece…

  The handle of the left-hand (driver) door has stopped opening the door. the plastic fixture where it should engage for the door to open does not function. in addition, the window stopped rolling up at the same time. this exact defect has happened to our 2002 chevy prism. the plastic piece around the door handle of the same driver's side has cracked and no longer can engage to work. it IS a safety issue when you can not open the door! *tr

• Feb 10, 2006OH13,294 mi
  Engine and engine cooling

  Dt*: the contact stated after starting the engine, the check engine light illuminated and has been constantly illuminated for the past five years. although the vehicle was seen by a dealer numerous times for this condition, the service department was unable to determine the source of the illumination. the vehicle displayed no obvious problems.

• Mar 23, 2004MI50,000 mi
  Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

  Front passenger side seat belt bolt detached, causing the seat belt to separate from the vehicle. *Ak

• Jul 19, 2002FL
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
  We have taken the car to the dealership several times after the first month of purchase for noises,ac not working properly. This had gone on with no paperwork drawn up to show the number of times we brought it in until 3-16-02 when they finally agreed to print up a form but did not hear or find…

  We have taken the car to the dealership several times after the first month of purchase for noises,ac not working properly. This had gone on with no paperwork drawn up to show the number of times we brought it in until 3-16-02 when they finally agreed to print up a form but did not hear or find the problems.june 3,2002 we had the car back to bill heard and argued with them that there IS a problem or several problems with the vehicle. They finally heard one of the noises and replaced the ac compressor. Then we were told the serpentine belt was bad and we needed to pay and have it replaced. When we asked them why it went bad they had no answer. We then left to go on vacation in new york. We made it new york and during our vacation the noises got worse. We took the car to fox auto group , inc. In painted post,ny. 14870 and they had found the exhaust pipe shield bad, serpentine belt (the 2ND one) bad again, the belt tensioner had gone bad. They said they dont see how we made it to new york from florida with these problems. We could have gotten into a bad accident or even killed as a result of these problems. We are very unhappy with the situation , for no one believing us except for fox auto who did a wonderful job. How can dealerships, car makers take life so lightly when it comes to peoples lives?? We even had to have my father in law drive 101 miles to get the tensioner so we could leave to head home. Our vacation was ruined as a result of our car being in the shop for a week. No wonder bill heard chevrolet IS always on the news for ripping people off. There are a few other matters that my husband would like to deal with if someone can contact him at 407-880-2271 .*ak

• Jun 7, 2002CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

  While driving the brake would engaged and disengage on their own, the dealer replaced the the brake master cylinder was but was not sure if that was the problem, and the brakes still don't work 100%.*yd

• Jul 23, 2001MD
  Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner

  Chemical smell coming from the air conditioner vents. Took to bob bell chevrolet they had claimed there was a bulletin claiming there was a kit that the consumer could buy for $650.00 to repair a manufactures defect. Chemical smell making me sick.*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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10219266This bulletin provides information on tools available to find an intake vacuum leak or exhaust leak to correct a condition of MIL Illuminated with Multiple Fuel Trim and/or Oxygen Sensor Codes Set.
• 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10209980This 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.
• 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 10190512OnStar Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated remotely. As a result, some of your OnStar system functions may not be working as expected." The customer is further instructed in this letter to "Please contact your dealer or any dealer near you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this no-cost software update. Your dealer will reprogram your OnStar module with an update. This is for vehicles that have previously received the Canada upgrade as described in Service Bulletin #15-08-44-001F."
• 10083900This preliminary information communication advises the technician, if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade to contact the gm technical assistance center onstar group for further assistance.
• 10083898This preliminary information communication advises the technician if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade, to contact the gm technical assistance center onstar group for further assistance.
• 10083884This preliminary information communication advises the technician on the steps for diagnosing the concern. The vehicle may be unable to connect to onstar using the white, blue or red onstar buttons.
• 10083489This preliminary information communication advises the technician the steps on repairing the concern. A customer may identify a concern of unable to reactivate a vehicle's onstar that has been previously disabled by onstar. Dealer IS to call general motors technical assistance center for further assistance if the concern IS still present.
• 10083484This preliminary information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the onstar module. When performing battery parasitic drain test, there may be some confusion as to what the normal power consumption reading should be from the onstar system.

Every Geo Prizm model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.