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. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.
The worst 1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags6
- Electrical3
- Seat belts3
- Steering3
- Tires3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags6
- Electrical3
- Seat belts3
- Steering3
- Tires3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Locks2
- Suspension2
- Engine1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- Electrical system
1998 Chevrolet Prizm fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 24-27 | 30-34 | 26-29 |
What 1998 Chevrolet Prizm owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
I bought my 98 chevy prizm in oct. 1999. Within a couple years the door handles started to break, one after another. I tried to get chevrolet to repair them when 2 handles were broke, and when 5 were broke, said I need diagnosis, costs money, I dont have, now 8 are broken. My car is a death trap!!
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.
Horn is inoperative. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that in a rear end collison both front bucket seat backs collapsed backwards on impact.
Abs light went on while I was driving. Computer check at qua buick-pontiac in shaker heights, oh 216 561-1177 in october 2001 revealed that the pmv valve had failed. Mileage at time was 52,836. Part listed was $1,046. Isn't this early to have an ABS failure? Are there other similar problems? Please advise. Thanks.
Consumer was traveling about 30mph on highway and heard a grinding noise. Then, vehicle froze up/ nothing would work. Starter burned up everything in the dash.
A malfunction occurred within starter which caused a electrical short circuit to occur ,causing entire electrical system to become inoperable. Please give any further details.
Airbag light would come on and flash. Dealer would then replace airbag module. Light had come on 3 different occasions. On second incident airbag was reset. On third incident dealer replaced airbag computer relay.*ak
Compare the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
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Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm, fewer than a typical Prizm model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm?
Airbags, with 6 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24-27 city and 30-34 highway.
VIN decoder
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