1998 Chevrolet Prizm
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1998 | 27 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 24 |
| 2001 | 45 |
| 2002 | 19 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
7 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH over loose gravel, the contact temporarily lost control over the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-11
Tires
3 of 27 total reports mention: tires.
Steering
3 of 27 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing anti-theft device.
Show complaint excerpts
The car accelerates and deaccelerates on its own and cause the steering to malfunction.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-08
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
3 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
Horn is inoperative. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-11
Seat belts
3 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 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…
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Chevrolet Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.