2001 Chevrolet Prizm Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, 7% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In mid december while driving at highway speed the vehicle shifted into neutral. The vehicle shifted gears after the shifter was very lightly brushed with my hand as I reached for something. This incident has happened two other times since then while in similar circumstances.”
NHTSA complaint #10010981, filed 2003-03, 42,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10295336, filed 2009-12, 138,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10242862, filed 2008-09, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The 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…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
15 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology