2001 Chevrolet Prizm
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.
13% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE BACK BUMPER CAUSEING THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING A IT TO ROLL OVER TWICE WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR TO THIS DATE THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED
NHTSA ODI report, 20150520
WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030521
WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A T-BONE CRASH YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM UPDATED 06/08/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20030521
9% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR SHIFTED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH DUE TO BOTH FLAT TIRES ON LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, PULLED CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED AAA. TWO TIRES BLEW OUT AT THE SAME TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010718
9% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
GOT THE CAR IN 2004. IN 2009 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WENT TO THREE MECHANICS TO TRY AND FIND THE PROBLEM. NONE OF THEM HAD A CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT WAS WRONG BUT THEY TRIED VARIOUS THINGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120615
ENGINE IS EATING OIL!! -- I PURCHASED AN 18-MONTH OLD CHEVY PRIZM LSI WITH A 1ZZ-FE 1.8L ENGINE BACK IN NOVEMBER 2002 WITH ABOUT 27K MILES. THIS CAR IS STILL IN MINT CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 10E002000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Chevrolet Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Chevrolet Prizm?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.