Model year guide

1999 Chevrolet Prizm

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Chevrolet Prizm at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints43
Combined26–29 mpg
Typical price$1,306

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm recalls 1

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #10E002000 · 11/02/2010

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm common problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm MPG & running costs

Combined26–29 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,433

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm worth?

Low
$750
Typical price
$1,306
High
$2,100

From 7 comparable 1999 Chevrolet Prizm listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,165
Fuel only$12,165
Per mile$0.16

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.

1999 Chevrolet Prizm trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl

1999 Chevrolet Prizm vehicles on record

1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5483XZ426878 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5489XZ401449 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5289XZ404595 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5288XZ432811 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5289XZ403527 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK5280XZ416067 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base1Y1SK528XXZ414603 1999 Chevrolet Prizm1Y1SK5288XZ437104

Other Chevrolet Prizm model years

2002 2001 2000 1998

1999 Chevrolet Prizm — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm?

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Chevrolet Prizm get?

The 1999 Chevrolet Prizm has U.S. EPA estimates of 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm worth?

Comparable 1999 Chevrolet Prizm listings run roughly $750–$2,100, typically around $1,306 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.