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.

2001 Chevrolet Prizm

○ Not enough data

2001 Chevrolet Prizm
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:38:52.787Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 45
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2001: 45 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

38% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.

Air bags

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-20

While driving 30-40 MPH the vehicle was involved in a head on collision yet the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-21

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-21

Tires

9% · 4 reports

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, 2001-07-18

Engine

9% · 4 reports

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, 2012-06-15

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, 2012-05-29

Electrical system

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash.

FIRE

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Chevrolet Prizm — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10E002000 · Suspension

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.