VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Prizm problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Prizm years?

Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted59 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints1998: 33 complaints1999: 47 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 20 complaints
Prizm NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prizm years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Prizm problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine525%
Latches & Locks315%
Electrical System315%
Airbags210%
Steering210%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Body & Structure15%
Suspension15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Lighting15%

Does the 2002 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.

“PURCHASED CAR JULY '09 WITH 64,000 ON ENGINE. VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH 90 DAY WARRANTY. 2700 MILES AFTER PURCHASE, ENGINE EMITTED BLUE SMOKE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, PISTONS HOLD NO COMPRESSION, ONE VALVE SHOT, REPAIR SHOP AND WARRANTY COMPANY STATE VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 2009

“HOOD LATCH COMPLETELY BROKE SO THAT EITHER IT COULD NOT BE CLOSED COMPLETELY, OR, WHEN FINALLY CLOSED, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN. THIS, COUPLED WITH OTHER HOOD LATCH PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OTHERS SEEMS TO INDICATE A DEFINITE HOOD LATCH PROBLEM. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · December 1, 2007

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON PERMANENTLY. THIS CAN BE TEMPORARILY TURNED OFF BY MECHANICS BUT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON AGAIN. SINCE THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, THIS WARNING LIGHT IS USELESS IF I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2006

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS RESULT, MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRED. NO WARNING LIGHT APPEARED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 16, 2004 · crash

2002 Chevrolet Prizm — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 Prizm problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), latches & locks (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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.