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1995 Geo Prizm problems

The most common problem on the 1995 Geo Prizm is airbags. It has 16.0 times the complaints of a typical Prizm model year.

Typical year16.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
96
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
16
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
25-27mpg

The worst 1995 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.

  • Airbags
    31
  • Seat belts
    20
  • Brakes
    13
  • Body
    7
  • Suspension
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Steering
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Tires
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Seats
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1995 Geo Prizm

No deployment 8Seat belt 7Brake failure 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported June 20, 1996 · 627,858 vehicles affected
What is wrong
If liquid is spilled in the console box area, the air bag warning light can illuminate and stay "on" during normal driving conditions.
Risk
This leakage condition could cause the air bag to inadvertently deploy.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover over the air bag sensor to prevent possible malfunction caused by the spilling of liquid substances on the sensor. Air bag sensors damaged by previous liquid spillage will be replaced.

Recall number 96V107000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryReported October 11, 1995 · 4,481 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The battery can have a defective weld inside the positive and/or negative terminal allowing the connection inside of the terminal to separate.
Risk
This condition can result in a no-start condition, or a battery explosion.
Remedy
Dealers will replace defective batteries.

Recall number 95V195002 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1995 Geo Prizm

Defect investigations

Turn signal failuresOpened July 22, 1997, closed September 21, 1998

There is no summary currently available

EA97015

Technical service bulletins for the 1995 Geo Prizm 16

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

See all 16 bulletins for the 1995 Geo Prizm

1995 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‑cylFWD23-2427-3125-27
1.8L 4‑cylFWD23-253126-27

What 1995 Geo Prizm owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 28, 2014 · Tires · MN

Dangerously poor winter traction on a tire labeled as all-season.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Seat belts · 95,000 miles · MD

Drivers side restraint retracting mechanism consistently fails to retract. Passenger side restraint retracting mechanism intermittently fails to retract or lock, and freqently jams so it can't be pulled out.

Filed Jul 31, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 150,000 miles · OH · crash

I have problems with the front of my car. It rattles and the right wheel makes noise. Front axle broke and I had it repaired but did not fix the problem. Mechanic could not find the problem.

Filed Mar 7, 2008 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · CO · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 geo prizm. While driving 50- 55 MPH, the contact heard a sudden bang. The vehicle veered to the left momentarily, and then back to the right. He was unable to control the vehicle and struck the sidewall on the highway. The vehicle spun approximately 180 degrees and stopped moving shortly afterwards. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the police storage compound. He was informed that the crash was caused by a failed axle. The contact was injured and a police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 84,000. Remailed 05/07/08. *lj updated 06/09/08 *bf an investigation was done. Updated06/09/08

Filed Sep 1, 2005 · Airbags · MA · 1 injury

Dt: the contact owns a 1995 geo prism. The air bag deployed without an accident. The speed was about 5 MPH. Because she was slowing down for a red light the front driver and front passenger air bags deployed. There where some previous road construction on the road she was traveling on. But the night of this incident the road was fairly leveled. The contact did not lose control of the vehicle because she was already stopping. The air bag warning light was not that she is aware of. One passenger sustained injuries,such as severe bruising, head injuries, busted nose and black eyes. She was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The insurance agency told her that there was the federal safety agency recall 96v070000 concerning the air bag sensor. She contacted gm manufacturer and she was told this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. This occurred on august 30, 2005.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Airbags · NJ · 1 injury

Reporting on behalf of our insured. Airbag deployed after hit pot hole. No frontal impact. Injury to driver. Air bags were not repaired.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Body · AZ

Problems with black and white spots developing on the vehicle's hood, roof and on top of the trunk. *mr

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Airbags · CA

While driving SRS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to a garage, and mechanic determined that the sensor needed to be replaced. *ak the technician at the garage indicated the problem she was experiencing was the subject of a recall. The consumer called the dealer with the recall information but they informed her that the vehicle's VIN was not included.

Filed Jul 22, 2004 · Airbags · CA

Your website states that there is a recall on my vehicle: 95 geo prizm for airbags frontal sensor control module which is a problem that I have on my vehicle. However I was told there was no recall for my vehicle identification number.

Filed Oct 18, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 96,000 miles · TX

Check engine light comes on and engine "almost stalls." the light comes on and a decrease in RPM and engine hestitation occurs. Light did stay on for 1 hour, but when dealer checked there were no codes recorded. Dealer checked car 2 separate times with no evidence of any defects.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1995 Geo Prizm before you buy

Compare the 1995 Geo Prizm

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Questions about the 1995 Geo Prizm

Is the 1995 Geo Prizm reliable?

Owners have filed 96 complaints about the 1995 Geo Prizm, 16.0 times a typical Prizm model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Geo Prizm?

Airbags, with 31 complaints. Next is seat belts (20).

How many recalls does the 1995 Geo Prizm have?

2 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 1995 Geo Prizm airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V107000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Geo Prizm have bad airbags?

The Geo Prizm model years with the most airbags complaints are 1994 (50 complaints), 1995 (31 complaints) and 1993 (27 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1995 Geo Prizm get?

Official estimates for the 1995 Geo Prizm range from 25 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-24 city and 27-31 highway.

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