2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. Engine is the most reported problem area, at 19% of complaints. After that come brakes (12%) and seats (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 32 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 19% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 50,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
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%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 20 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 50,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire; 5 injuries reported. Its complaints are more severe on average than those of 96% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2000 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 4 model years of the Chevrolet Prizm with enough data (23 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.
The air bag failed to deploy during an accident in which the vehicle sustained considerable front end damage, the driver sustained cervical (neck) strain.
The driver (myself) was rear ended by a honda civic traveling at approximately 100 MPH. Upon impact the back of the driver's seat failed and proceeded to change from 90 degrees in shape to 150 degrees in shape. I thereby lost sight of the road and only had the steering wheel to hold on to. When I applied the brakes I was thrown forward and either smacked the driver's side window, a-post or windshield with my head.
After parking vehicle for only five minutes consumer returned to vehicle and noticed vehicle was on fire. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Spring 2004, oil change mechanic noticed excessive sludge (appx 65000 miles on car). Cleaned engine out, changed oil (car has had regular oil changes every 3-4k miles). After that car was noted to be using too much oil (topping off at each 1500 miles they had to add 2 and a half quarts). Took to dealer at about 67000 noting oil problem and check engine light. Light turned out to be a catalytic converter problem. Replaced. Nothing done on oil problem. At 70000 miles engine was hesitating and continuing to burn oil.
At 15k miles, my rear passenger window motor quit working. At 35k miles, my driver indoor "plastic" door handle completely broke off with no warning whatsoever. At 75k miles, my driver window motor quit working (I now have no way of opening my door from the inside). And at 85k, my passenger front door handle started to crack. The dealer wants to charge almost $40 a piece for the handles, each, and then 140.00 each to install. This is a little piece of plastic, and should not be so much.