Most common 1998 Geo Prizm problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Geo Prizm complaints by model year
Best Prizm years: 2000, 2001, 1998. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Geo Prizm a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Prizm rates better than average: 68% 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 1998 Geo Prizm?
The air bags — 2 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the brakes (2) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Geo Prizm have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Geo Prizm. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Geo Prizm?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 2001 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full Geo Prizm years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Geo Prizm problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 0% 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.