MYRModel Year Report

1997 Geo Prizm

● Typical for this model
1997 Geo Prizm
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:48:12.482Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Geo Prizm Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 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 1997: 50 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 3 complaints 2002
1997: 50 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 24%

24% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAY, REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 25MPH. RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END, AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED!

NHTSA ODI report, 20021218

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER AT A FRONTAL IMPACT WHICH CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO FRONT END. DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990302

VEHICLE WAS TOTALED FROM RUNNING INTO A WALL AND GUARDRAIL AT 60MPH, AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19971024

SEAT BELTS 14%

14% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
TIRES 4%

4% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 4%

4% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19970330 — air bags

IF THE AIR BAG COMPUTER IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A MECHANICAL SHOCK (I.E., RAPIDLY MOVING THE FRONT SEAT BACK AGAINST THE STOPS OR A SUDDEN RELEASE OF THE PARKING BRAKE) WITHIN A VERY SHORT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AIR BAG COMPUTER.

Campaign 97V043002 — check if this car was fixed

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

1997 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V043002 (air bags) has been completed.
  • 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 1997 Geo Prizm reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Geo Prizm is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Geo Prizm?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Geo Prizm have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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