1993 Geo Prizm
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
- Complaints
- 79
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1993
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
1993: 79 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.
Air bags
34% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
No deployment of air bag during accident, resulting in an injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-12
Frontal collision impact 12:00 position speed 35 MPH, driver side air bag did not deploy. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-20
Visibility
15% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
While pushing button to roll down window, window came off regulator and flipped over on its side.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-20
Seat belts
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt buckle came loose after holding passenger from going forward. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-12
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.
Electrical system
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving smoke came from under the hood. Driver pulled over, and fire department was called. The cause of the fire was unknown.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-05
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1993Complaint volume 79 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
1996-05-08Air bags96V107000 If liquid is spilled in the console box area, the air bag warning light can illuminate and stay "On" During normal driving conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover over the air bag sensor to prevent possible malfunction caused by the spilling of liquid substances on the sensor. Air bag sensors damaged by previous liquid…
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I
1997-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1998-09-21 Turn signal failures
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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
1993 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V107000 · Air bags
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1993 Geo Prizm reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Geo Prizm is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1993 Geo Prizm?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 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.