2002 Chevrolet Prizm Base
1Y1SK52802Z403294
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm Base (VIN 1Y1SK52802Z403294). Beige, sedan/saloon, 1.8L 4-cyl, gasoline. 134,159 mi reported. Registered in Fl. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 1 recall campaign exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $1,965 (typical range $950–$4,995). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1Y1SK52802Z403294, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 1 recall campaign for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2002 Chevrolet Prizm data →
📋 All factory specifications on file6 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2002 Chevrolet Prizm worth?
What comparable 2002 Chevrolet Prizm vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2002 Chevrolet Prizm costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,965) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,306), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 296
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 296.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…
Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…
Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRIZM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Chevrolet Prizm
The Geo Prizm, later called the Chevrolet Prizm, were compact cars that were rebadged versions of the Toyota Sprinter, a vehicle that the Japanese automaker Toyota never directly sold in the North American market. The Sprinter itself was derived from the Toyota Corolla. The Prizm was marketed under the Geo nameplate until it was discontinued after the 1997 model year. After that, the vehicle was marketed under the Chevrolet nameplate. General Motors (GM) referred to this and other Toyota Corolla-derived vehicles as the GM S platform. The cars were produced from 1988 to 2001 alongside the Corolla at NUMMI, an assembly plant operated as a joint venture of GM and Toyota. The Prizm was sold excl…
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA Campaign #10E002000 · 11/02/2010These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 4 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 32
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
ENGINE
ENGINE ABSORBS OIL. AFTER PURCHASING; ENGINE SEIZED. PURCHASED 2ND ENGINE AT BEECHMONT CHEVROLET...SAME FLAW. ENGINE SEIZED AT FIVE MILE ROAD EXIT OFF OF I-275. TO THIS DAY IF I DO NOT CHECK OIL ON REGULAR BASIS. I POSE A RISK OF ENGINE SEIZING AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11103606AIR BAGS
MY 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM (SAME AS A TOYOTA COROLLA) HAS ITS CRUSE CONTROL, HORN, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ALL MOUNTED ON THE STEERING WHEEL, ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE CAR THROUGH AN INFLATABLE RESTRAINT STEERING WHEEL MODULE COIL (AKA CLOCK SPRING) MECHANISM. BOTH THE CRUSE CONTROL AND THE HORN DO NOT NOW OPERATE AND HAVEN'T FOR YEARS, …
NHTSA ODI #10726851SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). TH…
NHTSA ODI #10679952ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 02'CHEVY IMPALA WHEN I TURN IT ON ALL ELECTRIC COMES ON AND THE ENGINE RUNS FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND DIES THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT AND SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM COMES ON I GOT THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED STILL THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW MILES AFTER READING THE MANUAL AND PUSHING THE GAS TO THE FLOOR WHILE HOLDING THE K…
NHTSA ODI #10353924STEERING
2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP *TGW
NHTSA ODI #10348768ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS A GENERAL POINT OF INFORMATION MESSAGE: FOR THE LAST DECADE OR MORE, GM VEHICLES HAVE A PROPENSITY TO BURN OUT THEIR LAMPS DUE TO AN OVERCHARGE CONDITION (CAUSE UNKNOWN TO ME); THIS CONDITION CAN AFFECT ANY OF THE LAMPS OR BULBS, MOST NOTICABLY HEADLAMPS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND RUNNING (PARKING) LAMPS. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ELECTRICAL DEFECT IN…
NHTSA ODI #10331354ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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, NEEDS REPLACEMENT ENGINE, POTENTIAL VALVE DAMAGE., ENGINE COUL…
NHTSA ODI #10303094VISIBILITY
DEAR MADAM/SIR, IN TODAY'S (12/08/09) WALL STREET JOURNAL, IN THE ARTICLE ABOUT TOYOTA RECALLS, IT WAS MENTIONED THAT 2003 AND 2004 COROLLAS AND MATRIXES WERE RECALLED TO FIX A FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE POWER WINDOWS TO STOP WORKING. I OWN A 2002 PRIZM, WHICH I BELIEVE IS A COROLLA WITH A PRIZM BADGE. I HAD TO HAVE ONE POWER WINDOW FIXED AT 43,495 MILES, …
NHTSA ODI #10294959+ 24 more complaints on record.
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