MYRModel Year Report

1990 Geo Prizm

▲ Better than typical
1990 Geo Prizm
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:55.099Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Geo Prizm Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 46 complaints 1992: 50 complaints 1992 1993: 79 complaints 1994: 143 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 61 complaints 1996 1997: 50 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 2000: 7 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2002: 3 complaints 2002
1990: 38 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
199038
199146
199250
199379
1994143
199596
199661
199750
199811
199924
20007
20016
20023

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

STRUCTURE 18%

18% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and frame and members.

INJURY
SEAT BELTS 18%

18% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD DRIVER IN PLACE UPON REAR ENDING ANOTHER CAR. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950615

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME THE SEAT BELT IS USED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060602

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing shock absorber and rear.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100315 — suspension

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

1990 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1991 ● 1992 ● 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ■ 1995 ◆ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Geo Prizm reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Geo Prizm is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Geo Prizm?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Geo Prizm have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-03 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.