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1997 Geo Prizm problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Geo Prizm is seat belts, typically around 112,650 miles. It has 8.2 times the complaints of a typical Prizm model year.

Typical year8.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
49
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
18
Worst area
Seat belts
Fuel economy
24-28mpg

The worst 1997 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.

  • Seat belts
    17
  • Airbags
    15
  • Steering
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Suspension
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Engine
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Geo Prizm

Seat belt 10No deployment 8

Recalls 1

Air bagsReported March 20, 1997 · 17,094 vehicles affected
What is wrong
If the air bag computer in a subject vehicle experiences a mechanical shock (I.e., rapidly moving the front seat back against the stops or a sudden release of the parking brake) within a very short time after the engine is started, the air bag can deploy inadvertently.
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the air bag computer.

Recall number 97V043002 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1997 Geo Prizm

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Geo Prizm 18

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

See all 18 bulletins for the 1997 Geo Prizm

1997 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‑cylFWD22-2627-3124-28
1.8L 4‑cylFWD23-2531-3226-28

What 1997 Geo Prizm owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 8, 2011 · Seat belts, Suspension · 167,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 geo prizm. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle veered towards the left. The contact also stated that the seat belts were not connecting to their appropriate buckles. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, however the manufacturer was notified. The manufacture stated that the VIN did not qualify for the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10e002000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,000 and the current mileage was 169,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2006 · Airbags, Seat belts · 112,650 miles · MS · crash · 4 injuries

On 4/19/05 I was in an accident with my 97 geo prism. The vehicle air bags failed to deploy and the seat belts failed to operate correctly causing me to hit the steering wheel and dash causing severe injury to myself and minor passengers in the vehicle. I originally filed complaint through my attorney kenneth miller, jr. Baton rouge, la. I want to settle this case asap.

Filed Dec 5, 2005 · Airbags · 132,000 miles · MN · crash

Dt: the contact stated while traveling at 60 MPH the contact's vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle. It was a frontal impact. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. The manufacturer has not been contacted. The vehicle was totaled.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Airbags, Seat belts · 130,000 miles · LA · crash · 4 injuries

During an accident the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt equipment failed to lock.*mr everyone inside the vehicle sustained some type of injury (geo prizm). *nm updated 12/22/05

Filed Oct 29, 2004 · Engine · 54,000 miles · NJ

The exhast manifold is cracked. I went to an used auto parts dealer and found that there where 4 vehicles from the same production line that had cracked exaust mainifolds in the same location. When the vehicle is not in motion exaust fumes enter the inside of the car. Toyota corollas come from the same production line.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Seat belts · OH

The seat belts lock in the retracted position they are unable to be used. This usually starts with them sticking when you try to pull them down to buckle. I have two geo prizms a 1996 and a 1997 they both have had this problem for a long time.

Filed Mar 29, 2004 · Electrical · 104,662 miles · CA · fire

A few minutes after I started my 1997' geo prizm on the evening of 3/7/04, it began to make a strange noise. I drove the car about six blocks to a service station; by the time I pulled in and popped the hood, it started to smell hot- although temp gauge was still normal. I popped the hood, saw smoke coming from fuel injection system, and tried to turn vehicle off. I removed the key from the ignition, but the car kept running, and trying to continuously restart itself. I searched the trunk for tools to disconnect the battery; at this point the engine ignited, and there was so much smoke that I could not get close to the vehicle safely any longer. I called 911 on my cell phone, and less than ten minutes later, a fire truck came and put the fire out. I am told that there is about a thousand dollars worth of damage in parts alone: my starter, ignition system, two out of four fuel injectors, the entire wire harness, computer, positive cable to the battery, and possibly the battery itself will all need to be replaced. Prior to this incident, there was no indication that anything was wrong with my car. All maintenance was current.

Filed Nov 3, 2003 · Seat belts · 78,000 miles · PA

Rear seat belts are inoperative, making it impossible for consumer to install any type of child seat.

Filed Jul 20, 2003 · Seat belts · 96,000 miles · CA

I have a 1997 geo prizm. The driver side seat belt will not fully extend and locks up multiple times when trying to pull it out to lock in place for safe driving. This is my second geo prizm that has had this problem. I feel there should be a voluntary recall by the manufacturer to get this fixed on all their cars.

Filed Jul 6, 2003 · Seat belts · 12,611 miles · CA

Driver's side seat belt retractor failed at 12,611 mi (3/29/99) and again at 24,000 mi. (out of warranty time by a few months). Central chevrolet in fremont, ca fixed both times. 2nd time cost $200+ and rental car charge. Central advised they wouldn't reduce the cost of 2nd failure because I didn't have my maintenance service work done by them. Back seat, passenger side seat belt retractor has also failed (won't retract). Can't afford to have fixed. Only have 2 useable seat belts in back seat. Isn't this a safety issue?

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Questions about the 1997 Geo Prizm

Is the 1997 Geo Prizm reliable?

Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 1997 Geo Prizm, 8.2 times a typical Prizm model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Geo Prizm?

Seat belts, with 17 complaints, typically around 112,650 miles. Next is airbags (15).

How many recalls does the 1997 Geo Prizm have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What year does the Geo Prizm have the most seat belts problems?

The Geo Prizm model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1994 (22 complaints), 1995 (20 complaints) and 1997 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Geo Prizm get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Geo Prizm range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-26 city and 27-31 highway.

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