1994 GEO Prizm Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 37%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the air bags of the 1994 GEO Prizm, 37% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 32 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving 45 MPH driver side airbag deployed inadvertently. As a result, driver sustained head and neck lacerations, and temporary loss of hearing in the left ear.”
NHTSA complaint #10075684, filed 2004-06, 125,000 miles“On 3/25/99 at 8:50 a.m. I was driving to work when I smelled a hot smell, stopped at a stoplight, looked around to determine cause of the hot smell, and had the driver side bag deploy in my face. A gas station attendant ran out into the street and helped me out of the car. After I was out of the car, the passenger side bag deployed. Multiple sprains and abrasions to myself.”
NHTSA complaint #705467, filed 1999-04“The contact owns a 1994 Geo Prizm. When the contact placed the key into the ignition, the air bags immediately deployed without warning. She suffered minor injuries and cuts to the left side of her face. Her face was swollen and she complained of a severe burn-like injury to her chest area. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure and current mileages were less than 238,975.”
NHTSA complaint #10259235, filed 2009-02, 238,975 miles“The contact owns a 1994 Geo Prizm. On february 19, 2009, the driver's side air bag deployed while the contact was turning the vehicle. She suffered second degree burns on her neck, chest, and face. In addition, her nose and finger were swollen. The failure occurred without warning. The contact feels that this is a manufacturer defect and would like the issue investigated. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 23,902.”
NHTSA complaint #10262377, filed 2009-03, 23,902 miles“I have been calling all over the place to try and get help for my airbags to get replaced. So far I have not gotten anywhere. The vehicle runs fine, I was informed that there was a previous recall on the airbag sensors. Nobody was really injured, but it almost caused me to lose control of the car, endangering the life of my passenger and myself. Also, when the airbags blew, I got burns on my hand and my face and sprained my right hand. Due to this incident, I am also having nightmares about the airbag exploding in my face, and am very edgy about being in vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #705455, filed 1999-04Related recalls
- 96V107000Jun 20, 1996If liquid is spilled in the console box area, the air bag warning light can illuminate and stay "on" during normal driving conditions.Covers: GEO Prizm 1993–1995, Toyota Corolla 1993–1995
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 14% |
| 1999 | 14 | 58% |
| 1998 | 2 | 18% |
| 1997 | 15 | 30% |
| 1996 | 22 | 36% |
| 1995 | 31 | 32% |
| 1994 | 50 | 37% |
| 1993 | 27 | 35% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1994 GEO Prizm
22 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 GEO 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