2000 Chevrolet Prizm: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern latches/locks/linkages.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owned a 2000 chevrolet prizm. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond; however, the contact was able to prevent a crash. The vehicle caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prism. The contact stated that when the drivers door would lock, the driver was unable to exit the vehicle from inside. In order to exit the vehicle, he would have to open the window to engage the exterior door latch. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was approximately 99,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2011
“The piston skirts on the 2000 model were too short (they were replaced with appropriate skirts in a later year model). The very short skirt allows the piston to tilt in the cylinder much sooner than would happen in normal engines. This causes the rings to fail to seat properly much earlier than would happen in an engine with normal skirt lengths. This causes excessive oil consumption where the amount of oil consumed rises exponentially with the number of miles driven. At some point, the engine could malfunction while the driver is driving. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prism. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bag and air bag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 56,000. Updated 11/14/14*cn updated 7/28/2015*js”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2008
“2000 prizm left front tire blew out. *ts the blowout caused damage to the left front of the vehicle. *nm updated 07/20/06 *jb”Owner report · Tires · May 2006
“Dt: the contact stated the driver's side front seat belt will not latch. The service dealer referred the contact to chevrolet consumer hotline; they informed him that the vehicle needed to have a diagnostic test ran before the service manager would be authorized to perform the work on the vehicle. There was no specific seating position that kept the seat belt from latching. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2004
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet prizm. The vehicle began burning a quart of oil per month and currently uses three quarts of oil per week. When diagnostic tests were initially performed, the results indicated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The lines were tested and the results indicated that there were no leaks and the pressure was normal. Currently, a mechanic has concluded that the oil ring in the engine needs to be replaced, which would cost $2,000 - $3,000. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 74,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2004
“After parking vehicle for only five minutes consumer returned to vehicle and noticed vehicle was on fire. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2004
“Have damaged lifters in 2000 chevy prizm engine made by toyota, due to a mfg. Defect, according to my chevy dealership repaiman. He says upper engine drain holes for oil were drilled smaller than american made motors which will gum up and restrict flow of oil, causing damage to hydraulic lifters. Extent of damage until engine is torn down is undeterminable. At the least, trade in value is much dimished due to excessive engine noise. Mileage-39,000. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2004
“Safety latch on hood malfunctioned so hood not secure. Hood flew open while car traveling at approx 50mph. Latch is spring loaded but spring did not work. Latch does not appear to be corroded. Windshield cracked. Hood damaged toatl cost $1700. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Prizm by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. The most complained-about area is latches/locks/linkages.
Does the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.