1997 GEO Prizm Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 10%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GEO Prizm, 10% of the 50 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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“1st incident - wife exited highway onto ramp and when applying brakes, vehicle spun around and rr wheel struck curb causing $350 in damages. At this time I thought it was driver error, but a month later, the brake warning light came on. After extensive diagnosis and replacement of master cylinder and 1 brake caliper, it was determined that the brake proportioning valve was faulty, since air could not be bled from the lf caliper. Cost of new valve from dealer - $250. …”
NHTSA complaint #714503, filed 1999-11Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 14% |
| 1999 | 4 | 17% |
| 1998 | 2 | 18% |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 13 | 14% |
| 1994 | 14 | 10% |
| 1993 | 5 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 GEO Prizm
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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