Model year guide

1994 Geo Prizm

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Geo Prizm is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1994 Geo Prizm — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Geo Prizm at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints167
Combined24–27 mpg

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

1994 Geo Prizm recalls 3

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.

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #94E021002 · 22/09/1994

THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR STRAPS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE ANCHOR STRAP. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY ANCHOR STRAPS AND REPLACE THOSE WITH SUSPECT DATE CODES "52733D 032" OR "52733D 042".

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #96V107000 · 20/06/1996

IF LIQUID IS SPILLED IN THE CONSOLE BOX AREA, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND STAY "ON" DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO PREVENT POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION CAUSED BY THE SPILLING OF LIQUID SUBSTANCES ON THE SENSOR. AIR BAG SENSORS DAMAGED BY PREVIOUS LIQUID SPILLAGE WILL BE REPLACED.

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.

1994 Geo Prizm common problems

Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1994 Geo Prizm MPG & running costs

Combined24–27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,650
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume88 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Geo Prizm costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,250
Fuel only$13,250
Per mile$0.18

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.

1994 Geo Prizm trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl

1994 Geo Prizm vehicles on record

1994 Geo Prizm 1994 Geo Prizm Base1Y1SK5363RZ030243 1994 Geo Prizm Base1Y1SK5360RZ051373 1994 Geo Prizm 1994 Geo Prizm Base1Y1SK5360RZ105738

Other Geo Prizm model years

1997 1996 1995 1993

1994 Geo Prizm — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Geo Prizm have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1994 Geo 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 1994 Geo Prizm?

Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Geo Prizm get?

The 1994 Geo Prizm has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

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