1996 Geo Prizm: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Geo Prizm: 0 recalls, 61 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #10E002000 · 2010 · 12,657 vehicles
What's wrong: 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The affected front strut mounts did not contain a weld joint between the bearing housing and the rate plate.
Why it matters: The absence of the weld can allow the strut to come out of its mounting position under certain extreme driving conditions which could cause damage to surrounding vehicle components increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 22 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (22): the most common themes are fails to deploy (11).
- Seat belts (14): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Geo Prizm has 61 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 Prizm model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 46). Complaints peaked in 1997 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 109,132 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (96 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (50 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Geo Prizm.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Geo Prizm have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Geo Prizm, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 Geo Prizm problems?
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (22), seat belts (14), brakes (hydraulic) (5).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Geo Prizm get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Geo Prizm repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.