1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. Air bags is the most reported problem area, at 21% of complaints. After that come electrical system (9%) and seat belts (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 33 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 21% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 7 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 7 complaints mention a crash; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 4 model years of the Chevrolet Prizm with enough data (21 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
While traveling 65 MPH, and as a result of an accicent by hiting a wall, air bags did not deploy at any time. Driver sustained injuries.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet prizm. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH over loose gravel, the contact temporarily lost control over the vehicle. The contact then attempted to regain control but ended up over steering, causing the vehicle to roll over several times before coming to rest in a ditch. The vehicle was destroyed. None of the air bags deployed. The driver suffered a mild concussion and whiplash. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable.
Consumer has experienced a problem with accelerator. Accelerator made the vehicle move by itself, causing the consumer to be involved in a frontal collision. The manufacturer has not been contacted.
1st time: automatic transmission failure, total internal, at around 63000 miles, early summer 2000. Called chevrolet for request assistance for repair, request denied. Maintenance done per schedule. Replaced with used transmission with 6000 miles on it. 2nd time: automatic transmission failure, internal. Reverse and neutral go forward. About 132900 miles on car. November 2003. Car set in neutral nearly hit closed garage door. Maintenance done per schedule. Overhauled/rebuilt at transmission repair shop.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet prizm. The contact stated that the driver and passenger seat belt receptacles failed and the seat belts could not be locked. The dealer advised that the receptacle was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer also advised the contact that the receptacle was no longer available. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 160,000.