1998 Chevrolet Prizm: common problems and reliability
47 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Prizm?The 1998 Chevrolet Prizm has 47 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Prizm?
Across the 4 Prizm model years we track, complaint volume runs from 35 (2000) to 50 (2001). With 47 complaints, the 1998 Prizm sits about the same as the model's median of 47.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Prizm
suspension
Campaign 10E002000RIDE 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.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the vehicle's fundamental reliability and value as a used purchase, particularly for budget-conscious buyers.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Prizm. See the full Prizm owner picture and every model year.
Other Prizm model years
Compare every Prizm year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Prizm against its rivals
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