1996 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
- 61
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 61 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
36% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Geo Prizm. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag and front passenger air bag abruptly deployed when the ignition switch was engaged. The contact sustained burn injuries to both arms and chest.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-01
In an accident vehicle rolled over several times and none of the air bags deployed on impact, causing serious injuries to driver.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-11
Was driving vehicle from Utah to boston; road & weather was good & clear; axle broke & left rear wheel separated from vehicle; rolled over twice onto median, also no deployment of driver's/passenger's air bags, resulting in injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-24
Also filed under Power train and wheels
Seat belts
23% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Service brakes
8% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
5% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Geo Prizm. While driving various speeds over a bump in the road, the vehicle pulled to the left. The failure recurred two or three times per day.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-05
Also filed under Steering
Structure
5% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing trunk lid and body.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996Complaint volume 61 complaints filed for this model year.
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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
1996 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Geo Prizm reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Geo Prizm is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Geo Prizm?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 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.