VehicleVerdict

1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1998 Chevrolet Prizm sits mid-pack among Prizm years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 26, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (7), steering (3), and seat belts (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Prizm years?

Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted59 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints1998: 33 complaints1999: 47 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 20 complaints
Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prizm years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Prizm problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags721%
Seat Belts39%
Electrical System39%
Tires & Wheels39%
Steering39%
Latches & Locks26%
Suspension26%
Brakes26%
Body & Structure26%
Speed Control26%
Transmission13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Engine13%
Seats13%

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E002000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2010 · 12,657 units

Defect

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 5, 2012 · crash

“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.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 27, 2001

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 1, 2011

“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH OR MORE THE STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN, DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 15, 1998

“TIRE BLEW & BURSTED. CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. CAR PULLED TO EXTREME RIGHT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W17J FL6 TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 25, 2001 · crash

1998 Chevrolet Prizm — common questions

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?

It is close to typical for the Prizm: 33 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 Prizm problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), steering (3 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Prizm years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prizm years to avoid are 2001, 1999. The cleanest record among Prizm years belongs to 1996.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.