1996 Geo Prizm Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Prizm years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 8 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- None on file
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Geo Prizm. That ranks 2nd out of 8 Prizm model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (22 complaints, 36%), typically at around 228,194 miles. Complaints mention 22 crashes, 2 fires, 22 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 61owner complaints
- 0safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 22complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1996 Geo Prizm problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 22 | 36% | 228,194 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 14 | 23% | 109,132 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | 55,140 | — | — |
| Structure | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | 55,140 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1996 Geo Prizm recalls (0)
No safety recalls are on file for the 1996 Geo Prizm.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Turn signal failures (EA97015) — opened Jul 22, 1997, closed Sep 21, 1998.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 geo prizm. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag and front passenger air bag abruptly deployed when the ignition switch was engaged. The contact sustained burn injuries to both arms and chest. Medical attention was not received. The vehicle was not diagnosed…
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 geo prizm. While driving various speeds over a bump in the road, the vehicle pulled to the left. The failure recurred two or three times per day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. While driving at an unknown speed…
Three of my doors on my 1996 geo prizm locks have failed, shutting the doors permanently. I have only one door to get in/out of my car. I have spoken to other geo owners and they are experiencing the same problem. I now have to se if i can find a shop to get the doors unlocked so i no longer have…
Tire tread separated while driving. *mr the consumer heard a loud noise and felt a pull while the vehicle was in motion. *sc (dayton tire). *jb
Rear seat belts would unlock from the buckle without warning. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
Other Geo Prizm years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Prizm | 3 | 0 |
| 2001 Prizm | 6 | 0 |
| 2000 Prizm | 7 | 0 |
| 1999 Prizm | 24 | 0 |
| 1998 Prizm | 11 | 0 |
| 1997 Prizm | 50 | 1 |
| 1996 | 61 | 0 |
| 1995 Prizm | 96 | 2 |
See all Geo Prizm problems by year, every Geo model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Geo models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Geo Prizm?
Owners most often report air bags, seat belts, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 22 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Geo Prizm?
No safety recalls are on file for this model year.
Was the 1996 Geo Prizm a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Prizm model years, the 1996 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.