2001 Chevrolet Prizm Base
1Y1SK52871Z447467
Vehicle history report for the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm Base (VIN 1Y1SK52871Z447467). White, sedan/saloon, 1.8L 4-cyl, gasoline. 227,971 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.
- Owners most often report engine and engine cooling trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Listed below the typical range — worth asking why (condition, history or a quick sale).
💵 A fair offer is around $1,105 (typical range $500–$2,998). 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 1Y1SK52871Z447467, 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 2001 Chevrolet Prizm data →
Safety & driver-assistance equipment
Equipment the manufacturer reported to NHTSA for this VIN.
"Optional" means the feature was offered on this model but the VIN alone can't confirm it was fitted. Source: NHTSA vPIC.
📋 All factory specifications on file8 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 2001 Chevrolet Prizm worth?
What comparable 2001 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 2001 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 2001 Chevrolet Prizm.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2001 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 2001 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. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. 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 270
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 270.
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 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 8 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 5 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 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.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
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 50
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE HAD A 2000 CHEVROLET PRIZM AND NOW SOMEONE THREATENED MY LIFE TO FORCE ME TO BUY A 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE WINDOWS OF THESE CARS FOG UP TOO SEVERE TO DRIVE IN MINOR OR MAJOR RAIN AND FREEZING RAIN. WHEN IT RAINS WE HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON HIGHWAYS AND IN CITIES AND TOWNS AND WAIT FOR IT TO STOP RAINING FOR THE CAR TO BE SAFE T…
NHTSA ODI #11338779ENGINE
MY 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE AROUND 60-70K MILES AND HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. CHEVROLET DIDN'T BUILD THE ENGINE RIGHT AND THE RINGS/HEADS I THINK NEED REPLACED (WHAT I READ ON). AND CHEVROLET HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AND ITS COSTLY AS IT BURNS AROUND A QUART EVERY 200 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10790308ENGINE
I GOT THIS CAR A YEAR AND HALF AGO AND IT WORKED OK. BUT NOW IT IS EATING OIL LIKE CRAZY. AND ALSO WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE IT HESITATES AND WONT MOVE FORWARD. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE 3 WRECKS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. WHY PAY FOR THIS CAR IF ITS GOING TO KILL ME.
NHTSA ODI #10789722AIR BAGS
THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE BACK BUMPER CAUSEING THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING A IT TO ROLL OVER TWICE WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR TO THIS DATE THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10717518ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW WILL NOT RAISE IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT HAS BEEN FULLY RETRACTED (SUCH AS AT A DRIVE-IN WINDOW, OR WHEN THE "AUTO" FEATURE FULLY RETRACTS IT BEFORE I CAN STOP IT). IT WILL EVENTUALLY RAISE AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF INOPERATION; SOMETIMES ONLY PARTIALLY AT A TIME. IF I HAVE INTENTIONALLY HAD THE WINDOW DOWN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, …
NHTSA ODI #10619175SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND BOTH WHEELS WERE POINTED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. THE …
NHTSA ODI #10567830ENGINE
GOT THE CAR IN 2004. IN 2009 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WENT TO THREE MECHANICS TO TRY AND FIND THE PROBLEM. NONE OF THEM HAD A CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT WAS WRONG BUT THEY TRIED VARIOUS THINGS. IT STILL NEVER WENT OFF FOR MORE THAN 5 MILES DIRECTLY AFTER SERVICING. FOR A WHILE IT WAS DRIVING FINE EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHT WAS ON (OVER A YEAR) BUT THEN IT STARTED …
NHTSA ODI #10461928ENGINE
ENGINE IS EATING OIL!! -- I PURCHASED AN 18-MONTH OLD CHEVY PRIZM LSI WITH A 1ZZ-FE 1.8L ENGINE BACK IN NOVEMBER 2002 WITH ABOUT 27K MILES. THIS CAR IS STILL IN MINT CONDITION. IT'S GARAGED AND I DO ALL THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND USE PURE SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED IT. UNFORTUNATELY AT ABOUT 50K MILES, MY ENGINE STARTED EATING UP OIL AT ABOUT…
NHTSA ODI #10459953+ 42 more complaints on record.
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