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Model year record

1994 Geo Prizm recalls & problems

The 1994 Geo Prizm has 3 safety recalls and 134 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (56 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints134filed by owners
Crashes · fires39 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths39 · 2reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionFeb 11, 2010

Suspension

Recall 10E00200012,657 vehicles

Problem
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Risk
THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Air bagsJun 20, 1996

Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 96V107000627,858 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
IF LIQUID IS SPILLED IN THE CONSOLE BOX AREA, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND STAY "ON" DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Risk
THIS LEAKAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO PREVENT POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION CAUSED BY THE SPILLING OF LIQUID SUBSTANCES ON THE SENSOR. AIR BAG SENSORS DAMAGED BY PREVIOUS LIQUID SPILLAGE WILL BE REPLACED.
Seat beltsSep 22, 1994

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 94E02100238,502 vehicles

Problem
THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR STRAPS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE ANCHOR STRAP. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk
IF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE SEPARATES FROM THE ANCHOR STRAPIN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT, THE SEAT OCCUPANT IS EXPOSED TO INCREASED RISK OFPERSONAL INJURY.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY ANCHOR STRAPS AND REPLACE THOSE WITH SUSPECT DATE CODES "52733D 032" OR "52733D 042".

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1994 Geo Prizm 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Prizm

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Prizm

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Prizm

25mpg combined
City / highway23 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Prizm

24mpg combined
City / highway23 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module5638233120,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly23100—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components14505—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system12000—
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Ignition11000—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)9000—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine7020—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar6203—
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing; Front6101—
StructureBody; Body › Door5100—
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint; Front assembly › Recliner4111—
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Brake lights4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations