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1991 Geo Prizm problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Geo Prizm is body and structure. It has 7.7 times the complaints of a typical Prizm model year.

Typical year7.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
46
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
23-27mpg

The worst 1991 Geo Prizm problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    13
  • Engine
    10
  • Seat belts
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Locks
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Geo Prizm

Door locks 10

Recalls 1

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsReported November 9, 1990 · 654 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Lug nuts that retain wheels and wheel covers may have been torqued to lower than recommended specifications.
Risk
Insufficient clamping of lug nuts retaining the wheelcover and wheel could result in a loose wheel that could fall off with potentialfor loss of control and an accident.
Remedy
Remove original wheel cover, torque lug to specification, and install full wheel covers that are retained by spring clips.

Recall number 90V191000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1991 Geo Prizm

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Geo Prizm 1

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1991 Geo Prizm fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD20-2426-3123-27

What 1991 Geo Prizm owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Lights · 170,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 geo prizm. The contact stated that while trying to decelerate, the brake lights failed and were dim. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who informed the contact that he needed to replace the wiring. The vehicle was repaired for the wiring and the failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Locks · 190,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 geo prizm. The contact stated that the plastic used for door knobs disintegrated and were inoperable for the passenger doors. The gear shift also fractured and was difficult to maneuver. The parts had previously been replaced but the failure continued. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Engine · 190,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 geo prizm. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, carbon monoxide was present because the manifold had been fractured. The vehicle was repaired twice but the failure continued. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Tires · OH · crash

1991 geo prism had a tire blow out and she lost control of the vehicle and hit another vehicle, before hitting the median wall. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0738-90.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Tires · FL

Tires have belt separations and as well air bubbles which caused the tires to blow. When taken to get serviced, shortly after the same thing happened.

Filed Nov 29, 2001 · Electrical · MN

I have had a problem with my vehicles /brakelight burning out after a few days of replacement. Every geo prizm I see on the roads today have the same exact problem. I hate the fear of wondering wether or not they blew while I'm driving my vehicle. Also the risk of getting a ticket for something that is obviously a manufacture defect.

Filed May 24, 2001 · Engine · LA

Jan/01 - discovered cracked exhaust manifold. Was told by salvage yard that this is a common problem with geos and they can't keep manifolds in stock because of the frequency. New manifold installed to replace cracked one. The new one cracked approx. 1-2 months later.

Filed Mar 21, 2001 · Body · WI

Door handles continuously break off, thus far consumer had to have 3 different door handles replaced.*ak

Filed Nov 8, 2000 · Engine · MA

Exhuast manifold cracked, causing carbon monoxide fumes to leak into passenger's compartment. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Apr 12, 2000 · Seat belts · MN

Driver side lap safety belt will not latch/ I recently purchased the vehical and I can contact the original owner to find out the exact date of and mileage of failure please let me know if it is pertinate.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 Geo Prizm before you buy

Compare the 1991 Geo Prizm

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002

Questions about the 1991 Geo Prizm

Is the 1991 Geo Prizm reliable?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 1991 Geo Prizm, 7.7 times a typical Prizm model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Geo Prizm?

Body and structure, with 13 complaints. Next is engine (10).

How many recalls does the 1991 Geo Prizm have?

1 recall, covering wheels.

What year does the Geo Prizm have the most body problems?

The Geo Prizm model years with the most body complaints are 1992 (17 complaints) and 1991 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Geo Prizm get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Geo Prizm range from 23 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-24 city and 26-31 highway.

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