VehicleVerdict

1999 Chevrolet Prizm problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Prizm year — the 1999 model ranks #2 of 8 Prizm years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (11), electrical system (6), and lighting (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Prizm years?

Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted59 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints1998: 33 complaints1999: 47 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 20 complaints
Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prizm years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Prizm problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1123%
Lighting613%
Electrical System613%
Engine511%
Tires & Wheels49%
Body & Structure24%
Fuel System24%
Seat Belts24%
Seats24%
Speed Control24%
Steering24%
Brakes12%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 1999 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.

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WEST WHEN THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING EAST. THE OTHER CAR TURNED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, CONSUMER HIT OTHE RVEHICLE AND STARTED TO SPIN AROUND ,COULDN'T STOP, RESULTING IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 14, 1999 · crash

“AT 70 MILES/HOUR MY GENERAL MOTORS POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS ON FULL ASSIST AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GENERAL MOTORS SECRETLY REMOVED THE POWER ASSIST, REPLACED IT AND THEN JIMMIED THE ENTIRE CAR TO PRESENT FALSE EVIDENCE THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY BAD DRIVER CAR MAINTENANCE. THEY THEN DENIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 20, 2018 · crash

“1999 CHEVROLET PRISM HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTINGUISHED BY PASSING MOTORISTS. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0029-90 UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 9, 2010 · fire

“1999 CHEVROLET PRISM HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTINGUISHED BY PASSING MOTORISTS. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0029-90 UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 2010 · fire

“THE TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID THROUGH THE NORTHBOUND LANES AND THEN INTO THE DIRT MEDIAN AND FINALLY BECOMING CAUGHT ON THE CABLE DIVIDER, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE THAT SEPARATED FROM IT'S TREAD WAS A FIRESTONE FR380 E26L 38B. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 19, 2015 · crash

1999 Chevrolet Prizm — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 1999 model at #2 of 8 Prizm years. It is one of the Prizm years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Prizm problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), lighting (6 complaints).

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.