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2001 Chevrolet Prizm Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, most often about the engine (42% of complaints, typically around 62,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Prizm model year since 2000.

Complaints45
Recalls0
Crashes reported7
Fires reported1
Injuries reported5

Most common 2001 Chevrolet Prizm problems

  1. Engine

    19 complaints · 42%

    Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.

    Excessive oil consumption (one quart low every 300-400 miles), worsening, appears to be known defect for toyota supplied engines in 2001 Chevrolet Prizm and possibly other years of this motor type (possible factory ring, valve early failure issues), no leaks or heavy smoke apparent, air filter normal with no apparent…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 63,500 miles
    My 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, which has a toyota engine, stalls when accelerated just after starting. Pumping the pedal a few times gets the car moving again normally. This typically happens after the car has been sitting idle for a while. The local Chevrolet dealer looked at it and said there were no issues. The spark…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 60,000 miles

  2. Air bags

    6 complaints · 13%

    Parts named most often: frontal.

    While driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a collision and the airbags did not deploy also the seat belts did not restrain the consumer. As a result, the consumer went through the windshield. Dealer notified. . The consumer son was run off the road while trying to avoid an accident and loss control of the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 36,000 miles
    While driving 40 MPH vehicle was hit from the side and also on the front. Upon impact the front air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to the emergency room.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 50,000 miles

  3. Wheels and tires

    4 complaints · 9%

    I had a 180 degree turn accident caused on the morning of 5/16/05 at I-96 east, livonia mi with my chevy Prizm that had all the four tiers replaced on 11/04. One of the bf goodrich tiers (rear) was the cause of the accident. The relatively new tier (had only 9,000 miles on it) kind of has burst into two or more pieces…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 62,530 miles

  4. Fuel system

    4 complaints · 9%

    Problems with fuel system on 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. The vehicle's oxygen sensor, fuel filter inside the tank and spark plugs were replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 49,385 miles
    I was driving on the express way and experienced complete engine failure on my 2001 chevy Prizm. As a result I had to have the whole engine replaced 2,500$-to say the least engine failure on any highway is an unsafe situation. This car was ourchased by me -brand new-and had been prooperly maintained.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 76,000 miles

  5. Electrical

    4 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: wiring.

    Problems with fuel system on 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. The vehicle's oxygen sensor, fuel filter inside the tank and spark plugs were replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 49,385 miles
    The 36 month old 2001 Chevrolet Prizm had an electrical fire in the dash area. My son was inside a store and someone told him that the car was on fire. The fire was confined to the passenger compartment. It still had the factory installed radio/cd with no modifications. Chevrolet inspected the car after having it…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 48,000 miles

  6. Transmission

    3 complaints · 7%

    Parts named most often: automatic transmission.

    In mid december while driving at highway speed the vehicle shifted into neutral. The vehicle shifted gears after the shifter was very lightly brushed with my hand as I reached for something. This incident has happened two other times since then while in similar circumstances.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 42,000 miles
    Leak from transaxle valve differential - plastic plug feel out. Ruined transmission and engine. Engine burning oil like mad. Leaks oil all over the place. Started at about 65,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 65,000 miles

  7. Lights

    3 complaints · 7%

    Parts named most often: brake lights.

    Brake light suddenly turns on when vehicle is in motion. This is especially more frequencly occuring when weather is cold (40 f below). This has been the case since nov. 1 2003.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 54,000 miles
    1. My daughter was on her way to work in my 2001 chevy Prizm and the head lights went out with no warning. 2. Both head light bulbs, fuses, bulb sockets with wiring, and head light relay burned up. There was no warning when the failure occurred and the head lights became disabled. Could have caused an accident with no…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 92,000 miles

  8. Body and structure

    3 complaints · 7%

    Parts named most often: body.

    I had a 180 degree turn accident caused on the morning of 5/16/05 at I-96 east, livonia mi with my chevy Prizm that had all the four tiers replaced on 11/04. One of the bf goodrich tiers (rear) was the cause of the accident. The relatively new tier (had only 9,000 miles on it) kind of has burst into two or more pieces…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 62,530 miles
    Hood on vehicle raised up as car was going about 55 MPH, shattering windshield and denting the roof. Hood jammed in the upright position.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 130,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2001 Chevrolet Prizm recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (19 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles); air bags (6 complaints); wheels and tires (4 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2001 a bad year for the Chevrolet Prizm?
It is the most complained-about Prizm model year since 2000, with 45 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Chevrolet Prizm years

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