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
- 46
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 1991
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 46 complaints
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.
Structure
28% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing door.
Engine and engine cooling
22% · 10 reportsMost 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, 2010-11-17
Seat belts
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
Show 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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03
Electrical system
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-16
Latches/locks/linkages
9% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-11-08Wheels90V191000 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.
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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
1991 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V191000 · Wheels
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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.