1991 Geo Prizm
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 46 |
| 1992 | 50 |
| 1993 | 79 |
| 1994 | 143 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 61 |
| 1997 | 50 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door.
22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GEO PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, CARBON MONOXIDE WAS PRESENT BECAUSE THE MANIFOLD HAD BEEN FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101117
13% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN, RESULTING IN AN INJURY, CONSUMER DOESN'T HAVE THIS CAR ANYMORE, HAS NEW CAR. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950103
13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERHOOD WHILE DRIVING, ALL WIRES UNDERHOOD BURNED OUT, ALL WIRING HARNESS TO BE REPLACED, SPEED 30 MPH, NO WARNING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960716
9% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
SAFETY TIMELINE
LUG NUTS THAT RETAIN WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS MAY HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO LOWER THAN RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS.
Remedy: REMOVE ORIGINAL WHEEL COVER, TORQUE LUG TO SPECIFICATION, AND INSTALL FULL WHEEL COVERS THAT ARE RETAINED BY SPRING CLIPS.
Campaign 90V191000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1991 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V191000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Geo Prizm reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Geo Prizm is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Geo Prizm?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Geo Prizm have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-03 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.