1997 GEO Prizm Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 34%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,650miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 GEO Prizm, 34% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,650 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“During an accident the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt equipment failed to lock. Everyone inside the vehicle sustained some type of injury (Geo Prizm). Updated 12/22/05”
NHTSA complaint #10124706, filed 2005-05, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Geo Prizm. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle veered towards the left. The contact also stated that the seat belts were not connecting to their appropriate buckles. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, however the manufacturer was notified. The manufacture stated that the VIN did not qualify for the recall under NHTSA campaign id number 10e002000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,000 and the current mileage was 169,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10417921, filed 2011-08, 167,000 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 14% |
| 1999 | 1 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 9% |
| 1997 | 17 | 34% |
| 1996 | 14 | 23% |
| 1995 | 20 | 21% |
| 1994 | 22 | 16% |
| 1993 | 9 | 12% |
| 1992 | 5 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 13% |
| 1990 | 7 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1997 GEO Prizm
15 complaintsBrakes
5 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