Most common 2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Prizm complaints by model year
Best Prizm years: 2002, 2000. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
What 2000 Chevrolet Prizm owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond; however, the contact was able to prevent a crash. The vehicle caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Spring 2004, oil change mechanic noticed excessive sludge (appx 65000 miles on car). Cleaned engine out, changed oil (car has had regular oil changes every 3-4K miles). After that car was noted to be using too much oil (topping off at each 1500 miles they had to add 2 and a half quarts). Took to dealer at about 67000 noting oil problem and check engine light. Light turned out to be a catalytic converter problem. Replaced. Nothing done on oil problem. At 70000 miles engine was hesitating and continuing to burn oil. Took back to dealer. Charged me for new spark plugs first then found other problems (believe it was air flow sensor.) at 72,000, took back to dealer for excessive oil use. Changed oil and told me to come back when it had burned a quart. On the way home from dealer, engine blew up. Under GM extended warranty, lower half of engine replaced. …
Brakes
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond; however, the contact was able to prevent a crash. The vehicle caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
At 50mph, brakes engage and consumer was unable to accelerate. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. While attempting to appply the brakes, they went to the floor and consumers daughter rear ended another vehicle, consumer attempted to apply the brakes again, but the brakes locked up and then released, upon inspection of the vehicle it was determined that vehicle had no front brakes and the rear brakes were cracked, there was a strange fluid in the brake lines and also the master cylinder needed to be replaced, consumer states the brakes were replaced 8,000 miles earlier due to the brakes engaging on their own.
Locks & latches
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet prism. The contact stated that when the drivers door would lock, the driver was unable to exit the vehicle from inside. In order to exit the vehicle, he would have to open the window to engage the exterior door latch. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was approximately 99,000.
Safety latch on hood malfunctioned so hood not secure. Hood flew open while car traveling at approx 50mph. Latch is spring loaded but spring did not work. Latch does not appear to be corroded. Windshield cracked. Hood damaged toatl cost $1700.
2000 Chevrolet Prizm engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 34 / 30 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 34 / 28 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 29 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Prizm rates average: 25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prizm at the same age. It is one of the best Prizm years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the brakes (3) and locks & latches (3).
How many recalls does the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Chevrolet Prizm. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Prizm?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Chevrolet Prizm years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Chevrolet Prizm problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.