MYRModel Year Report

1997 Geo Prizm

● Typical for this model
1997 Geo Prizm
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:31:57.638Z

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. 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 46 complaints 1992: 50 complaints 1992 1993: 79 complaints 1994: 143 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 61 complaints 1996 1997: 50 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 2000: 7 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2002: 3 complaints 2002
1997: 50 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
199038
199146
199250
199379
1994143
199596
199661
199750
199811
199924
20007
20016
20023

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 36%

36% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 30%

30% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

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

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980826

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump and rack and pinion.

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.

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 seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering 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 seat belts, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.