1997 Geo Prizm: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Geo Prizm: 1 recall, 50 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #97V043002 · 1997 · 17,094 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 time after the engine is started, the air bag can deploy inadvertently.
Why it matters: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will repair the air bag computer.
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, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (17): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are fails to deploy (8).
- Steering (5): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
- Suspension (3): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
The 1997 Geo Prizm has 50 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 13 Prizm model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 46). Complaints peaked in 1999 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 104,662 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (61 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (11 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | 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 | 22 | 27 | 24 | 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 1997 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 1997 Geo Prizm have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Geo Prizm, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Geo Prizm problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (17), airbags (15), steering (5).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Geo Prizm get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.