1999 Geo Prizm
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 24 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
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
14 of 24 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. The contact was driving 30 MPH and became involved in a crash. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver's seat was pushed backward, causing the contact to sustain injuries to the back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-09
Also filed under Seats
Consumer state while traveling 25-35 MPH in result of rear ending another vehicle consumer air bags did not deploy at any time. Dealer and manufacture has been contacted. Please provide further information.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-27
The driver was traveling at 50MPH along a straight highway when sudddenly the steering wheel started moving violently from side to side. The driver was unable to maintain control, left the road and flipped the car several times landing upside down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-04-11
Also filed under Steering
Service brakes
4 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
3 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Sometimes key won't turn in ignition, and steering wheel wont move and gear shift won't move. Cause unknown. Please provide any further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-17
Also filed under Power train
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 24 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Geo Prizm — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Geo Prizm reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Geo Prizm?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Geo Prizm have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-03 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.