MYRModel Year Report

1996 Geo Prizm

◆ Worse than typical
1996 Geo Prizm
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:48:15.215Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Geo Prizm Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 37 complaints 1991: 46 complaints 1991 1992: 50 complaints 1993: 77 complaints 1993 1994: 134 complaints 1995: 96 complaints 1995 1996: 61 complaints 1996 1997: 50 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 3 complaints 2002
1996: 61 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
199037
199146
199250
199377
1994134
199596
199661
199750
199811
199924
20007
20016
20023

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 33%

33% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020911

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960724

SEAT BELTS 7%

7% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SEAT BELTS 7%

7% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1996 — complaint volume: 61
I 19970722 — EA (closed 19980921)

TURN SIGNAL FAILURES

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

1996 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ● 1991 ● 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ■ 1995 ◆ 1993

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:frontal, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Geo Prizm have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.