1997 GEO Prizm Problems

What owners report

Complaints for this 1997 model year most often describe air bags that did not deploy in crashes, and seat belts that jam, lock up or fail to operate. Steering and brake malfunctions are reported less often. Where mileage is given, several complaints come from high-mileage vehicles with more than 100,000 miles.

1. 1
   Air bags

   Air bags not deploying in crashes, or deploying on startup

   • 13 complaints (26%)
   • median 121,325 mi at 8.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1997–2006

   Owners describe crashes in which the air bags did not deploy, including frontal, broadside and rear impacts, and some of those vehicles were totaled. A complaint describes a driver air bag that deployed too slowly, so the driver struck the steering wheel. Another describes an air bag that deployed on its own when the engine was started, and says the manufacturer sent a representative to inspect the vehicle. According to some complaints, the dealer did not act and the manufacturer was unwilling to assist. Where mileage is given, these reports fall between about 101,000 and 132,000 miles, and the crashes described range from about 25 to 60 miles per hour.

   Recall 97V043002

   What to check: Ask whether the air bag recall was completed, and check that the air bag warning light comes on and goes out normally during an inspection. Ask the seller for any records of air bag or sensor repairs.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On 4/19/05 I was in an accident with my 97 Geo prism. The vehicle air bags failed to deploy and the seat belts failed to operate correctly causing me to hit the steering wheel and dash causing severe injury to myself and minor passengers in the vehicle. I originally filed complaint through my attorney kenneth miller, jr. Baton rouge, la. I want to settle this case asap.”

   NHTSA complaint #10161797, filed 2006-07, 112,650 miles

   “Dt: the contact stated while traveling at 60 MPH the contact's vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle. It was a frontal impact. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. The manufacturer has not been contacted. The vehicle was totaled.”

   NHTSA complaint #10144524, filed 2005-12, 132,000 miles
2. 2
   Seat belts

   Seat belts that jam, lock up or fail to operate

   • 14 complaints (28%)
   • median 113,825 mi at 7.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2011

   Owners describe driver seat belts that jam in the retractor, lock in place or will not fully extend, and in some cases stay stuck in the retracted position so they cannot be used. Some complaints describe a buckle that fails to release, or belts that do not connect to their buckles. Retractors are described as failing repeatedly, with belts repaired or replaced more than once. In a crash described in a complaint, the belts failed to lock. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 12,600 to about 167,000 miles, and some describe a belt failing again after an earlier repair.

   What to check: Check that the driver and rear seat belts latch, retract and release fully, and that they do not stay locked after a firm pull. Ask whether the seat belt retractors have been repaired or replaced before, and request those records.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a 1997 Geo Prizm. The driver side seat belt will not fully extend and locks up multiple times when trying to pull it out to lock in place for safe driving. This is my second Geo Prizm that has had this problem. I feel there should be a voluntary recall by the manufacturer to get this fixed on all their cars.”

   NHTSA complaint #10028651, filed 2003-07, 96,000 miles

   “Driver's side seat belt retractor failed at 12,611 mi (3/29/99) and again at 24,000 mi. (out of warranty time by a few months). Central chevrolet in fremont, ca fixed both times. 2nd time cost $200+ and rental car charge. Central advised they wouldn't reduce the cost of 2nd failure because I didn't have my maintenance service work done by them. Back seat, passenger side seat belt retractor has also failed (won't retract). Can't afford to have fixed. Only have 2 useable seat belts in back seat. Isn't this a safety issue?”

   NHTSA complaint #10025486, filed 2003-07, 12,611 miles
3. 3
   Steering

   Steering failures including power steering problems

   • 6 complaints (12%)
   • median 112,650 mi at 8.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2006

   Owners describe steering that suddenly goes slack in turns at low speed, a wheel that becomes heavy and locks, and power assist that pushes against the turn. Other complaints describe noises when turning, with the power steering pump replaced more than once without ending the problem, and a front tie rod described as lacking lubrication, with a warning that it could break at highway speed. A dealer investigation found blown rack seals and replaced the rack assembly. A tie rod complaint says the dealer refused a warranty repair. Mileage is not given in these complaints, and they were filed between 1999 and 2000.

   What to check: During a test drive, turn the wheel at low speed and check for slack, heaviness or noise, and ask about any power steering pump or rack repairs. During an inspection, check the tie rods and rack boots for grease, play or leaks.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When driving vehicle approximately 25mph & would be turning corners or curbs, the steering wheel would just go out. Would have no steering control. Felt as if the vehicle was on ice. Would have no warning when this would happen. Been to dealer 3-4 times for problem. Mechanice replaced the steering sensors at least 4 times. Also had the steering pump replaced.”

   NHTSA complaint #851096, filed 1999-10

   “The steering became heavy while making a slow speed (25 MPH) turn and eventually lock (would not turn further) and power assisting against my turn (direction). Dealer investigation found the rack seals blown out and is replacing rack assembly.”

   NHTSA complaint #720986, filed 2000-04
4. 4
   Brakes

   Brakes that drag, lock or fail to hold

   • 5 complaints (10%)
   • typically at 3.1 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2002

   Owners describe brakes that engage and disengage while driving, leaving the car unable to accelerate at about 40 miles per hour, and brakes that do not release. A complaint describes a brake pedal that went to the floor, followed by locking brakes, and another describes front and rear brakes failing, resulting in an accident. A further complaint describes a brake warning light and a spin under braking, and says a faulty brake proportioning valve was found after the master cylinder and a caliper were replaced. The parking brake is described as popping loose on a slight grade, so the vehicle starts to roll. Mileage is not given in these complaints, and they were filed between 1998 and 2002.

   What to check: Test drive the brakes and check that the pedal stays firm and the brakes fully release when the pedal is lifted. Check that the parking brake holds the vehicle on a slope and stays engaged, and ask for records of master cylinder or proportioning valve repairs.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The brakes engaged would engage and then disengage while driving, and at one pint would not release, the dealer then replaced the master cylinder, on the second occasion consumer's daught was in an accident when she tried to stop, she pressed the brakes but they went to the floor and then the brakes locked up,”

   NHTSA complaint #785991, filed 2002-05

   “At 40mph, brakes engage and consumer is unable to accelerate. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. Consumer adds brake line, front and back brakes failed 8,000 miles later resulting in an accident. Brake pedal pushed to floor in order to stop. Master cylinder replaced.”

   NHTSA complaint #8011211, filed 2002-06

Buying note. Air bag deployment and seat belt operation are the main concerns in these complaints, so testing those systems before buying is worthwhile. Ask whether the air bag recall was completed, and have the seat belt retractors checked for smooth locking and release.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 35 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.